Key result
Minority and uninsured status is linked to traveling under 5 miles for breast cancer treatment.
Why the study?
Black women and uninsured patients have higher breast cancer mortality and later-stage diagnoses, with transportation recognized as a treatment barrier. This study examined whether race/ethnicity and insurance status correlate with distance traveled to diagnosis and treatment facilities.
Are race/ethnicity and insurance status associated with the distance traveled to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities?
Population
Patients diagnosed with any stage of breast cancer at Commission on Cancer-certified US centers
Comparison
Distance traveled compared across racial/ethnic groups and insurance coverage groups
Design
Database study using National Cancer Database (NCDB) records from 2013-2022
Authors
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Shorter travel among minority and uninsured patients signals potential access barriers; leaves open effects on care quality and survival.
Are race/ethnicity and insurance status associated with the distance traveled to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities?
Racial and ethnic minority groups and uninsured patients are more likely to travel shorter distances to breast cancer treatment centers compared to white and privately insured patients, highlighting potential disparities in access to care.
D. Desai (2026) studied this question. Black (18.8%) and other minority breast cancer patients and uninsured individuals were significantly more likely to travel under 5 miles for treatment than White and privately insured patients.
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