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Patients from historically medically underserved groups, including patients of color and those who are Spanish-speaking, have less cancer family history information available to them. In addition, existing health records are less comprehensive, according to a study published October 4 in the
Researchers from Huntsman Cancer Institute at the (the U) and Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ sifted through electronic health record information in two major health care systems and broke them into subgroups: race, ethnicity, language preference, and gender. Researchers found disparities in the availability and comprehensiveness of cancer family history information for patients from different groups.
"Algorithms are being used by more health care systems to identify patients for specialty care," says director of Cancer Communication Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor in the Department of Communication at the U. "However, systematic differences in electronic health record data leads to disparities in identifying patients. Providers are also less able to identify patients in need of changing cancer screening schedules based on their family history. Having less family history information in the record can have a trickle-down effect that negatively affects the care patients are receiving."
This research was funded by the through the Kaphingst is one of the principal investigators of the study, together with Meena Sigireddi, MD, at NYU Langone ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Questions started to surface when Kaphingst and her fellow researchers noticed they were identifying fewer Spanish-speaking patients than expected.
"Based off what we found, we want to see how we can improve the collection of family history information, especially from Spanish-speaking patients," Kaphingst says. "What's the best way to ask questions about cancer in the family? Could we use an online tool on MyChart or have a patient navigator at appointments collecting family history? We want to make sure all patients have access to needed cancer genetic services."
With misinformation more prevalent than ever, mistrust has become a critical factor in people's unwillingness to share family medical history adds Kaphingst. But with additional funding from the National Cancer Institute, she and her colleagues are trying to find answers to their questions.
Researchers from the U included Daniel Chavez Yenter, MPH, a predoctoral fellow in the Department of Communication. and Rick Bradshaw, PhD, aided with . Other members of the team from Huntsman Cancer Institute included Saundra Buys, MD; Wendy Kohlmann, MS, CGC; Joshua Schiffman, MD; and Sarah Colonna, MD.
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About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to advance cancer treatments of the future beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 300 open clinical trials and 250 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.