Study: Outcomes Differ for Black-White Rectal Cancer Patients

African Americans have lower survival rates from rectal cancer than whites, but for those diagnosed at a similar disease stage who receive similar treatment, the disparity is not as great as U.S. health statistics would suggest, according to University of Chicago researchers.

The researchers evaluated outcomes for approximately 100 blacks and 1,000 whites with rectal cancer who participated in randomized clinical trials of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP). The randomized trial setting enhanced uniformity in disease stage and treatment plan among all participants.

Reporting in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the researchers said the risk of disease recurrence was about 25 percent greater among African Americans and the risk of mortality was about 45 percent greater.

"Adequate treatment access and the identification of new prognostic factors that can identify patients at high risk of recurrence are needed to ensure optimal outcomes for rectal cancer patients of all racial/ethnic backgrounds," the researchers concluded.

Other Sources: Journal of Clinical Oncology