Abstract

Minority patients in the United States present with later stages of lung cancer and have poorer outcomes. Cultural factors, such as beliefs regarding lung cancer and discrimination experiences, may underlie this disparity. Patients with a new diagnosis of lung cancer were recruited from four medical centers in New York City. A survey, using validated items, was conducted on the minority (black and Hispanic) and nonminority patients about their beliefs regarding lung cancer, fatalism, and medical mistrust. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to compare beliefs among minorities and nonminorities and to assess the association of these factors with late-stage (III and IV) presentation. Of the 357 lung cancer patients, 40% were black or Hispanic. Minorities were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage lung cancer (53% versus 38%, p = 0.01). Although beliefs about lung cancer etiology, symptoms, and treatment were similar between groups (p > 0.05), fatalistic views and medical mistrust were more common among minorities and among late-stage lung cancer patients (p < 0.05, for all comparisons). Adjusting for age, sex, education, and insurance, minorities had increased odds of advanced-stage lung cancer (odds ratio: 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-3.08). After controlling for fatalism and medical mistrust, the association between minority status and advanced stage at diagnosis was attenuated and no longer statistically significant (odds ratio: 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-2.87). Fatalism and medical mistrust are more common among minorities and may partially explain the disparities in cancer stage at diagnosis. Addressing these factors may contribute to reducing disparities in lung cancer diagnosis and outcomes.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.