Racial disparities in follow-up care of early-stage lung cancer survivors

Purpose To investigate if race impacts receipt of follow-up care in lung cancer survivors, we conducted a cross-sectional study in lung cancer survivors recruited through the New Jersey State Cancer Registry (NJSCR). Methods Between May 2019 and December 2019, survivors of early-stage NSCLC were identified and recruited from the NJSCR. Eligible participants were asked to complete a paper survey questionnaire and medical record release form sent to them by mail. Results Of the 112 survivors included in the analysis, 78 (70%) were non-Hispanic (NH) Whites and 34 (30%) were NH Blacks. Mean age was 67 years, 61% were female, and 92% had cancer in remission. A total of 82% of participants reported receiving a surveillance scan (CT or PET) within 1 year of completing the study survey. More NH White survivors received a scan within a year compared to NH Black survivors (89% vs 70%; p = 0.02). More NH White survivors (94%) reported that they were informed of the need for follow-up care by their provider compared to NH Blacks (71%; p = 0.002). Only 57% survivors reported receiving a treatment summary. Significant barriers to care were out-of-pocket costs (24%), non-coverage of test (12.5%), and lack of insurance (10%). Conclusions Significant disparity was identified between NH Blacks and NH Whites in receipt of surveillance scans, as well as in receiving information about need for follow-up care. Low income, lack of insurance, and other financial concerns were identified as significant barriers to follow-up care. Implications for Cancer Survivors Future interventions to increase survivorship care should target specific unmet needs identified in each survivor population.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of race on follow-up care in lung cancer survivors. The results showed significant disparities between non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites in receipt of surveillance scans and receiving information about the need for follow-up care. Low income, lack of insurance, and financial concerns were identified as significant barriers to follow-up care for cancer survivors.