Study: Black Colorectal Cancer Patients Have Poorer Prognosis

African-American patients with colorectal cancer have a poorer prognosis than white patients that is not entirely explained by socioeconomic factors and lack of access to health care, according to University of Arkansas researchers.

To analyze the causes of the disparity in survival, the researchers analyzed the overall survival of African-American and white patients treated at their institution, taking into account stage of the cancer at presentation, treatment received, and socioeconomic factors.

The overall survival of the African-American patients was significantly worse compared with the white patients, both due to all causes and cancer-related deaths, the researchers reported in the journal Cancer.

"The survival difference between African Americans and Caucasians was not influenced by income, poverty level, and education," the researchers reported.

But the researchers said the African Americans were treated less frequently with chemotherapy and radiation therapy compared with their white counterparts, and speculated that these might be key factors in the difference in outcomes.

"These factors should be identified and dealt with to improve the health care of African American patients with various malignant disorders," the researchers concluded.

Other Sources: Cancer