Abstract C17: Unequal Financial Burdens Highlight Racial Disparities of Colon Cancer Patients in New York

• Published in: Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention biomarkers & prevention, 2017-02, Vol.26 (2_Supplement), p.C17-C17
• Main Authors: Oveson, Brian C., Parikh, Purvi, Telem, Dana, Williams, Jennifer, Bergamaschi, Roberto, Sasson, Aaron, Talamini, Mark, Kim, Joseph
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1055-9965; 1538-7755
• DOI: 10.1158/1538-7755.DISP16-C17

Background: We have previously investigated racial disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes and discovered outcomes differences according to racial group. In our ongoing studies we sought to determine whether these disparities in survival resulted in unequal financial burdens between black and white patients. The purpose of this study was to identify whether financial disparities exist between the black and Caucasian colorectal cancer patients within New York State, with the ultimate goal of eliminating any differences. Research Design: The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database of New York State (NYS) was used to compare costs of colon cancer surgery hospitalizations of the black and Caucasian patient populations between 2009-2013. Student t-tests were performed for comparison of inpatient hospital discharge, ambulatory surgery, and emergency department admission within the SPARCS database. Facility costs were calculated using hospital discharge data and Institutional Cost Reports. Logistic regression analysis examined race as the dependent variable to identify the etiology of cost disparity. Results: Overall, 26,477 patients (white, n= 21,606; and black, n=4,871) underwent colon cancer treatment. Treatment costs in the black population were higher compared to the white population (mean, $64,747 vs $58,127; median, $44,951 vs $41, 285) (p