Correctable sources of disparities in cancer among minority elders.
This article explores the hypothesis that medical policies and procedures represent immediately correctible causes of disparity in minority elders. Evidence of policies and procedures that have the unintended consequence of creating disparity is presented. The text is focused on one site, prostate, as a sample tumor to present a strategy for correcting sources of disparities in cancer morbidity and mortality. Specific prostate cancer issues with unintended effects include the prostate cancer screening controversy, access to diagnostic facilities in minority communities, and special needs of older adult cancer survivors. A summary of all recommendations and their implications across cancer sites is provided.
Miles
Toni P
TP
Department of Community and Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, 501 East Broadway, Suite 240, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. toni.miles@louisville.edu
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000453:epidemiology; D044469:Racial Groups; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology