The impact of clinical trial protocols on patient care systems in a large city hospital access for the socially disadvantaged

Some Americans suffer a higher cancer incidence and mortality than those in mainstream American society, and, in general, do not enjoy the same health status. Black Americans, for example, have higher cancer incidence and lower survival rates than do white Americans. To date, there is no known genetic basis to account for the disparities in cancer incidence and outcome between these races. Controlling for socioeconomic status greatly reduces, and sometimes nearly eliminates, the apparent contrast in cancer mortality and incidence between ethnic groups. Poverty clearly is associated with diminished access to health care, an increased incidence of cancer, and 10-15% lower 5-year survival rates. Diminished access often is manifested by low quality and inadequate continuity of health care, as well as insufficient access to methods of disease detection, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Poor people tend to concentrate on day-to-day survival, often feel hopeless and powerless, and may become socially isolated. It is more difficult to conduct cancer treatment trials in a population characterized by such dramatic socioeconomic and cultural differences. Lack of insurance and lack of compliance become trial-limiting issues. This paper examines what must be done to tear down the economic and cultural barriers to prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.