Tamara Cadet addressed cancer screening disparities among older adults, especially in underserved populations
Author: Disparity Matters
A new study reveals alarming trends in cardiovascular deaths linked to substance use, with certain racial and ethnic groups bearing a disproportionate burden. Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that despite overall improvements in cardiovascular mortality, deaths related to substance use increased by 4 percent annually from 1999 to 2019. While the increase affected all demographics, some communities saw more dramatic spikes. American Indian and Alaska Native adults experienced a 5.4 percent year-over-year rise, compared to 5.1 percent for white Americans and lower rates for other groups. Rural residents and young adults aged 25-59 also saw…
Black adults exposed to gun violence face a higher likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, according to a new study by Rutgers Health researchers. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, reveals a concerning association between various forms of gun violence exposure and increased suicide risk among the Black population. The study surveyed 3,015 Black adults and found that 56 percent had been exposed to at least one type of gun violence, while 12 percent had experienced three or more types. Specifically, being threatened with a gun or knowing someone who had been shot was linked to lifetime suicidal ideation…
A new study reveals that women and racial minorities are 20% to 30% more likely than white men to experience medical misdiagnosis, highlighting the human cost of health disparities in the United States. The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that nearly 1 in 4 hospital patients who died or were transferred to intensive care had experienced a diagnostic error. An estimated 795,000 patients annually die or are permanently disabled due to misdiagnosis. Charity Watkins, a Black woman, experienced this firsthand when her postpartum heart failure was initially dismissed as depression and flu. “We almost lost you,” a cardiologist later told…
In the wake of Roe v. Wade’s overturning, Hispanic women in the United States, particularly in Texas, are facing significant challenges due to stringent abortion restrictions. A recent analysis highlights that nearly half of all U.S. states have enacted more restrictive abortion laws, disproportionately affecting Latinas. This demographic shift has led to a notable increase in fertility rates among Hispanic women and teens in Texas, contrasting with a decline among their white counterparts. The Center for Reproductive Rights has taken legal action against the state of Texas, arguing that the ban’s exceptions for emergency situations are ambiguously defined, leading to…
Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in clinical trials for new treatments, diagnostics, and preventions. Despite projections indicating that nearly 40% of the over eight million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias will be Latino or Black by 2023, a stark contrast is seen in the racial composition of clinical study participants. Data from the Food & Drug Administration as of 2020 reveals that 75% of trial participants were white, with only 11% Hispanic, 8% Black, and 6% Asian. This discrepancy raises concerns about…
Extreme weather events, driven by climate change, are displacing millions and exacerbating health disparities, particularly at the US-Mexico border. A study published in JAMA by Méndez, Pastor, and Lesaca highlights the plight of low-income, rural, and Indigenous populations who are often forced to migrate due to the adverse effects of climate change on their homes and livelihoods. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has reported that, on average, 21.5 million people have been displaced annually by weather-related events between 1999 and 2019. This figure is more than double the number of individuals displaced by conflict and violence. Those who…
Recent research has shed light on the disproportionate risk of dementia faced by Black Americans, who are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia compared to their white counterparts. Experts have identified several key factors contributing to this disparity. Systemic racism plays a significant role, with historical practices like residential segregation and redlining exposing Black communities to higher levels of air pollution and fewer educational opportunities. These factors increase the risk of developing dementia. Individual experiences of racism and discrimination can also lead to faster brain aging, as coping with such stressors requires significant mental energy. Socioeconomic factors,…
A recent report from Morgan Health reveals significant disparities in access and outcomes within employer-sponsored health insurance, despite substantial investments by employers. The study, based on 2021 national survey data, highlights stark differences across income levels, sexual orientation, and racial and ethnic groups. Lower-income individuals with employer coverage were found to have less access to regular care, higher emergency department usage, and a greater healthcare cost burden. They were also less likely to receive preventive care. The report uncovered notable mental health disparities, with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experiencing higher rates of psychological distress compared to their straight…
Hispanic and Latino cancer survivors are at higher risk for cardiometabolic comorbidities, which may lead to worse health-related quality of life and unmet supportive care needs, according to a new study. The research, conducted by Patricia Moreno and colleagues at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, examined 288 Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors with an average age of 56. The study found that these survivors were more likely to have conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity compared to the general population. “Hispanic and Latino individuals in the United States are more likely to have cardiometabolic conditions,” Moreno explained. “It adds a layer…