African-American people diagnosed with colon cancer have consistently lower survival rates compared with white patients, despite a nationwide decline in colon cancer deaths overall.
READ FULL ARTICLE
From News Medical
Survival rates lower among African Americans with colon cancer
the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:
African Americans with colon cancer have lower survival rates compared with white patients, despite an overall decline in colon cancer deaths.
However, delivering evidence-based care within an integrated health care system can improve survival rates for this population.
Investigators from the Stanford University School of Medicine evaluated the records of more than 30,000 patients with colon cancer who underwent treatment for their disease, comparing the care delivery with recommendations from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Colon Cancer.
Their study results demonstrated that better overall survival rates were seen in all patients, including minorities, treated with integrated health systems—includes hospital-based care, outpatient services, and rehabilitation.
The investigators conclude that providing evidence-based care that follows the sequential management decisions outlined in the NCCN Guidelines can equalize racial disparities and improve care for all patients.
