Researcher(s)
- Atif Bacchus, Biological Sciences, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Scott Siegel, ChristianaCare Helan f. Graham Cancer Center Research Institute,
Abstract
Background
Preliminary research from the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute (HFGCCRI) identified an area in Wilmington as a ‘hotspot,’ or a geographical location with higher-than-average rates, for advanced breast cancer. The present study aims to understand the relationship between screening, clinical factors, and demographic characteristics and stage at diagnosis in the Wilmington hotspot.
Methods
Patient records (N = 68; 96% Black) were reviewed from the HFGCCRI Cancer Registry who resided in the Wilmington hotspot. Clinical, family, and social history, mode of diagnosis (breast cancer detected via clinical/symptomatic presentation or screening) and primary care engagement data were abstracted from patient’s electronic health records. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were conducted, and two groups were compared: advanced (Stage 2a and above; n = 38) and non-advanced (Stage 1; n = 30).
Results
The advanced (Mage = 58.9, SDage = 13.5; 97% Black) and non-advanced (Mage = 64.6, SDage = 14.8; 93% Black) groups were not significantly different for variables including age, race, and BMI. The advanced group was significantly more likely to detect cancer clinically/symptomatically (57%) compared to the non-advanced group (33%): χ 2 (2, N = 68) = 6.625, p = 0.036. Compared to the non-advanced stage group, the advanced stage group had lower screening history (46% vs. 67%) and primary care engagement (22% vs. 37%). Non-significant trends in higher alcohol use for advanced patients compared to non-advanced patients (44% vs. 30%).
Conclusion
Preliminary findings suggest that patients with advanced breast cancer in the Wilmington hotspot may not be receiving mammograms as frequently or could possibly be experiencing barriers to access preventative care. Future work should aim to develop interventions to increase primary care engagement and educate patients about screening mammogram guidelines which may decrease the number of patients being diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer.