Abstract
Purpose
To investigate if race impacts receipt of follow-up care in lung cancer survivors, we conducted a cross-sectional study in lung cancer survivors recruited through the New Jersey State Cancer Registry (NJSCR).
Methods
Between May 2019 and December 2019, survivors of early-stage NSCLC were identified and recruited from the NJSCR. Eligible participants were asked to complete a paper survey questionnaire and medical record release form sent to them by mail.
Results
Of the 112 survivors included in the analysis, 78 (70%) were non-Hispanic (NH) Whites and 34 (30%) were NH Blacks. Mean age was 67 years, 61% were female, and 92% had cancer in remission. A total of 82% of participants reported receiving a surveillance scan (CT or PET) within 1 year of completing the study survey. More NH White survivors received a scan within a year compared to NH Black survivors (89% vs 70%; p = 0.02). More NH White survivors (94%) reported that they were informed of the need for follow-up care by their provider compared to NH Blacks (71%; p = 0.002). Only 57% survivors reported receiving a treatment summary. Significant barriers to care were out-of-pocket costs (24%), non-coverage of test (12.5%), and lack of insurance (10%).
Conclusions
Significant disparity was identified between NH Blacks and NH Whites in receipt of surveillance scans, as well as in receiving information about need for follow-up care. Low income, lack of insurance, and other financial concerns were identified as significant barriers to follow-up care.
Implications for Cancer Survivors
Future interventions to increase survivorship care should target specific unmet needs identified in each survivor population.
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Malhotra, J., Paddock, L.E., Lin, Y. et al. Racial disparities in follow-up care of early-stage lung cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 17, 1259–1265 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-022-01184-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-022-01184-1