253340 Elapsed Time Between Inititation and Completion of Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer by Race

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Sheenu Chandwani, BDS, MPH , Department of Epidemiology and Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey- School of Public Health and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ
Tefera Gezmu, MPH , Department of Epidemiology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey- School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ
Molly Gabel, MD , Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
Kitaw Demissie, MD, PhD , Department of Epidemiology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey- School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ
Background

Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) without breaks in treatment following breast conserving surgery (BCS) is essential to maximize the probability of disease free survival for early-stage breast cancer. The primary objective of the study was to examine racial differences in elapsed time for completing RT.

Methods

Newly diagnosed early-stage invasive breast cancer patients during the period 2005-2010 were identified in the seven counties of eastern New Jersey through rapid case ascertainment methodology. For each African American (AA) woman, a white woman within 5 years of age who resided in the same county was randomly selected. Following patient consent, medical records were obtained from multiple providers. Subjects who received RT after BCS or mastectomy were included in the analysis.

Results

The preliminary study sample included 300 patients (59.67% whites and 40.33% AAs). Median age at diagnosis was 56 years (IQR=14). Income and educational levels were lower among AAs as compared to whites. A significantly higher proportion of whites (92.18%) than AAs (86.78%) received lumpectomy (p=0.0126); whereas mastectomy was performed in 16.53% of AAs and 8.94% whites. No racial difference was observed in median number of elapsed days for completing RT (whites=45 days and AAs=46 days). There was also no difference, by race, in the total dose given (median dose=5040cGy (IQR=1360). A higher proportion of whites (8.38%) than AAs (4.13%) received brachytherapy.

Discussion

In conclusion, elapsed time for completing RT was similar between AAs and whites, but more whites seem to receive the recent modality of therapy.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Epidemiology

Learning Objectives:
Analyze and compare differences in elapsed time for completion of radiotherapy following breast conserving surgery by race.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Radiation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been working on the project as a graduate student for over two years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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