Patterns of care among breast cancer patients with financial need: Information from a Medicaid-claims and tumor registry linked database.
6037 Background: There is little information describing patterns of health care in financially needy women with breast cancer in the United States. METHODS: We previously created and validated a hybrid database linking Medicaid-claims and tumor registry data in a sample of patients with breast cancer in North Carolina. Here, we describe patterns of care among this sample of low income women. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of type of surgery, radiation therapy use after breast conserving surgery, and chemotherapy use. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 984 women. Ages ranged from 23-102, with 21% < 50, 28% 50-64, 20% 65-74, and 32% ≥ 75. Fifty-eight percent were Caucasian. Mean Charlson comorbidity score was 3.4 (SD 3.1). Twelve percent had tumors <1 cm, 30% 1-2 cm, 46% 2-5 cm, and 13% >5 cm. Nodes were negative in 47%. Hormone receptors were positive in 47%. Main results are tabulated below. 67% were managed with mastectomy, 41% received adjuvant chemotherapy, 60% of women who had breast conserving therapy received adjuvant radiation. BCS = breast conserving therapy (1)reference category <50; (2)reference category 0-1 cm; (3)reference category 4+ nodes Conclusions: In this low income insured group of breast cancer patients, black women were more likely than white women to have breast conserving surgery and higher Charlson scores predicted greater mastectomy rate and higher likelihood of chemotherapy use. [Figure: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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- Oncology & Carcinogenesis
- 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis
- 1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis
- 1103 Clinical Sciences
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Published In
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Oncology & Carcinogenesis
- 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis
- 1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis
- 1103 Clinical Sciences