Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #120150

Ernest Moy, MD, Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, AHRQ, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, 301-427-1329, emoy@ahrq.gov

The 1985 Heckler Report identified cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes as priority areas for interventions to reduce racial disparities. At that time, Blacks and Native Hawaiians had higher cancer incidence and mortality rates than Whites, and all racial minorities had lower 5 year survival. Blacks had higher heart disease mortality rates than Whites. Blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians had higher diabetes prevalence rates than Whites. To reduce these health disparities, the Report made eight recommendations, two of which relate directly to delivery of health care services for chronic diseases. Report recommendations included disseminating information to minorities in support of preventive care related to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes and improving access to services by minorities that are more culturally acceptable and foster continuity of care.

So, how are we doing 20 years later? This presentation tracks progress over the past twenty years in reducing racial disparities in chronic diseases. Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) are used to show trends in health care related to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) are used to show trends in mortality related to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. An interesting finding is that trends in health care related to chronic diseases sometimes diverge from trends in mortality. For example, in the past 20 years, rates of mammography have improved for all racial groups, and while disparities persist, differences have attenuated over time. In the past 20 years, 5 year survival with breast cancer has also improved for all racial groups, but disparities have not changed significantly. In contrast, in the past 20 years, breast cancer mortality has declined dramatically among Whites but not among minorities, resulting in a widening disparity. This presentation will present other trends in disparities in chronic diseases and discuss implications of these findings.

Learning Objectives:

• After hearing this talk, learners will be able to discuss 20 years trends in disparities in chronic disease.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Chronic Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.