A recent study has shed light on the stark disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. The research, which analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute registry spanning two decades, reveals a complex interplay of factors contributing to these health inequalities.
The study, encompassing 112,389 adults with HCC, found significant differences in disease outcomes across racial and ethnic groups. African American patients, in particular, faced considerable challenges throughout the HCC care continuum. Compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts, African American patients were less likely to be diagnosed with localized-stage HCC and had lower odds of receiving treatment. They also experienced greater odds of treatment delays and a significantly higher risk of death.
Geography and income levels emerged as critical factors exacerbating these disparities. African American patients from small to medium metro areas faced a 17% higher mortality risk compared to non-Hispanic White patients from large metro areas. This disparity was less pronounced but still significant (8% higher mortality risk) for African American patients in large metro areas.
The research also highlighted the impact of socioeconomic factors on HCC outcomes. Lower household income and more rural geography among racial and ethnic minorities were associated with poorer outcomes, with African American patients being particularly affected.
Dr. Robert Wong, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of these findings: “Our study contextualizes the complex relationship between sociodemographic factors and HCC outcomes through an intersectional lens. It’s crucial that we address these disparities to improve health equity in liver cancer care.”
This comprehensive analysis underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policies to address the multifaceted nature of health disparities in HCC care. By considering the intersectionality of race, geography, and income, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards more equitable outcomes for all patients facing this challenging diagnosis.
See: “Significant Disparities in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Outcomes by Race/Ethnicity, Income, and Geography in the United States” (January 2024)
