Health Disparities in Post-Cancer Healthcare

black and hispanic cancer survivors less likely to get careA new study has found that older African American and Hispanic men who have survived cancer are far less likely than White men the same age to get follow-up care from a specialist or have basic vaccinations. Interestingly, there were no racial or ethnic differences in post-cancer healthcare between younger male cancer survivors.

The study, led by Wake Forest Medical Center researcher Nynikka Palmer, found that among men over 65:

  • Thirty-nine percent of African Americans, 42% of Hispanics, and just 26% of Whites didn’t see a specialist after their bout with cancer.
  • Forty percent of blacks and Hispanics did not receive a flu shot, compared with 22% of whites.
  • Fifty-one percent of Blacks, 59 percent of Hispanics, and just 29% of Whites didn’t get a pneumonia vaccine.

“Overall, our results suggest that older minority male cancer survivors may need specific support to ensure they receive necessary post-treatment care,” Palmer said in a Wake Forest Baptist news release. This is especially important because, “regular follow-up care is important to monitor for recurrence, new cancers, and late and long-term effects of cancer and its treatment.”

Palmer’s study was published in the American Journal of Public Health.

Armin Brott

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Armin Brott is the proud father of three, a former U.S. Marine, a best-selling author, radio host, speaker, and one of the country’s leading experts on fatherhood. He writes frequently about fatherhood, families, and men's health. Read more about Armin or visit his website, mrdad.com. You can also connect via social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest,  and Linkedin.
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