Abstract A073: Prisma Health Cancer Institute: Racial Analysis in Cancer Patients Using Molecular, Clinical, and Demographic Data
Authors: Brittany K Austin, Julie Martin, Jeff Edenfield, Anna Blenda
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Background: Racial disparities among cancer patients have become a national concern because of their effects on cancer prognosis This study aims to tackle these disparities by conducting a comprehensive examination of the racial composition and potential inequalities among cancer patients treated at the Prisma Health Cancer Institute. The findings from this study will be compared with national trends to provide insights into the impact of race on patient treatment outcomes. Factors such as cancer staging, histology, molecular characteristics, treatment, demographics, and lifestyle will be analyzed to gain a comprehensive understanding of their impact on patient treatment outcomes. The significance of this study lies in its potential to benefit the community served by the Prisma Health Cancer Institute. Armed with localized and targeted information about racial disparities, that allows the hospital to focus on ways to enhance patient care. Methods: The study includes 586 cancer patients diagnosed with breast (397) and lung (171) cancer between 2014 and 2022. Patients were categorized by race: Asians, African Americans, Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, Latinos, Multi-Race, Whites, and patients with missing race information. Through the JMP software, the analysis of racial composition was performed in diagnosis distribution, cancer staging, cancer histology, smoking status, cancer molecular subtypes, and other factors. Results: In the studied group, African American males had a higher likelihood (3.17%) of breast cancer diagnosis compared to White males (0.84%). In addition, the African American population showed a greater proportion of stage IV lung cancer (11.11%) compared to the White population (4.63%). Our data for stage IV lung cancer and breast cancer in males were similar to national trends with African Americans having an increased probability of each of these characteristics. Notably, the incidence of triple-negative breast cancer was similar between African Americans (14.63%) and Whites (13.18%) in this cohort. Our data was different for triple-negative breast cancer because of the similarity found between the African American and the White population. Conclusion: This study provides a focused examination of patients treated at the Prisma Health Cancer Institute and their disease prognosis, shedding light on population differences in two highly lethal cancers. The research aims to improve treatment and care for minority patients. Findings contribute to a better understanding of racial disparities in cancer outcomes, potentially leading to targeted interventions. Also, with more education, this research has the potential to lead to better physician-patient interactions leading to more equitable healthcare. Citation Format: Brittany K Austin, Julie Martin, Jeff Edenfield, Anna Blenda. Prisma Health Cancer Institute: Racial Analysis in Cancer Patients Using Molecular, Clinical, and Demographic Data [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Breast Cancer Research; 2023 Oct 19-22; San Diego, California. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(3 Suppl_1):Abstract nr A073.