Abstract D008: Resolving disparities in cancer patient outcomes in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

Abstract The Caribbean Cancer Research Initiative (CCRI) began as a result of the alarming rates of various cancer types in the Caribbean and the lack of data and credible sources of information on the prevalence of cancer in the region. What we do know is that Trinidad and Tobago has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the Caribbean. Some explanations for this disparity can be lack of treatment innovation, educational gaps regarding screening, shortcomings in health care administration and cultural biases. Preliminary data indicates that Trinidad has one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in the Americas. The five year breast cancer survival rate is at approximately 30% compared to over 90% in the US. The median time to diagnostic resolution based on preliminary research is 65 days, approximately 3 times what is it in US and Canada. CCRI’s mission is to build the cancer research capacity in the Caribbean starting in Trinidad which will aid in preventing more cancers and improving patient outcomes in the Caribbean. One of the main programs of the organization is the patient navigation service which is designed to meet the needs of persons diagnosed with cancer and their family members. This service has highlighted some of the contributing factors to cancer disparities in Trinidad. Examples of these that will be featured on this poster are socioeconomic factors, cultural phenomenon, geographical factors and poor access to proper care. The Caribbean Cancer Research Initiative is committed to assist patients to overcome their barriers to gain better outcomes, which will aid in resolving disparities in cancer health in Trinidad. Citation Format: Nalisha Monroe. Resolving disparities in cancer patient outcomes in Trinidad and Tobago [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr D008.