A recent study highlights the disproportionate impact of asthma on minority children, revealing that they are more likely to be hospitalized compared to their white counterparts. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, found that non-Hispanic Black children had the highest prevalence of asthma hospitalizations, with rates ranging from 9.8 to 36.7 hospitalizations per 10,000 children. In contrast, non-Hispanic White children had the lowest prevalence, with rates ranging from 2.2 to 9.4 hospitalizations per 10,000 children. The study underscores the persistent racial disparities in asthma care and outcomes. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and environmental conditions contribute to…
Author: Disparity Matters
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has announced a significant initiative to break down language barriers in cancer care. The organization, along with the NCCN Foundation, is embarking on an ambitious project to translate their entire library of NCCN Guidelines for Patients into Spanish, with select editions available in additional languages. This move aims to empower cancer patients and caregivers worldwide with accessible, high-quality information. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients, a comprehensive collection of over 70 books, cover various aspects of cancer care, from prevention and screening to treatment and supportive care. Gena Cook, Chair of the NCCN Foundation Board of Directors,…
A new report from the American Cancer Society reveals a complex landscape of breast cancer trends in the United States. While overall mortality rates have plummeted by 44% since 1989, saving an estimated 517,900 lives, significant racial disparities continue to cast a shadow over this progress. The study, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, highlights a troubling disparity: American Indian and Alaska Native women have seen no improvement in breast cancer mortality rates over the past three decades. This stands in stark contrast to the general downward trend observed in other groups. Black women face a particularly challenging situation. Despite…
A recent study has uncovered a troubling trend in the U.S. healthcare system: preventative care services, meant to be free under the Affordable Care Act, are costing patients of color millions of dollars. The research, published in JAMA Network, reveals significant disparities in how these services are provided and billed across racial and ethnic lines. Black patients were found to be 50% more likely than their white counterparts to be denied a free caregiver visit. Even more alarming, Asian and Hispanic patients faced denial rates twice as high as white patients. These denials often result in out-of-pocket expenses for services that…
Collaborating with local communities to address social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, education, and economic stability
Philadelphia has seen a significant improvement in overall health and mortality rates since the pandemic, according to recent statistics released by the city’s Department of Public Health. Life expectancy for Philadelphians has rebounded to 76 years, returning to pre-pandemic levels after dropping to 73 years during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Megan Todd, the Health Department’s chief epidemiologist, noted that COVID-19, which was the third-leading cause of death in 2020 and 2021, has now fallen out of the top 10 causes of death in the city. This shift indicates a positive trend in the city’s public health landscape. However, despite…
Developing advanced analytics tools to predict health risks and outcomes based on social determinants to address potential health issues
Encouraging Black prostate cancer survivors and patients to share their personal journeys on social media platforms to dispel myths and reduce stigma
Launching research hub to support community-led research to reverse health inequities in access to food, health care, and other essential needs
Studying why certain U.S. regions experience higher rates of strokes and dementia and why Blacks are more likely affected by strokes