Work

Stage at diagnosis and cancer-specific survival for stomach, lung, colorectal, and bladder cancers among Armenians in California

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: To observe stage at diagnosis and cancer-specific survival for common cancers among Armenians in California. We used the Armenian Surname List and birthplace information in the California Cancer Registry to identify Armenians with stomach, lung, colorectal, and bladder cancers diagnosed during 1988–2019. We used multivariable logistic regression models to calculate odds of late-stage diagnoses among Armenian and non-Armenian, non-Hispanic White patients and examine the association of sociodemographic factors with late-stage diagnoses among the Armenian patient population. We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate cancer-specific survival among Armenian patients compared to non-Armenian, non-Hispanic White patients. Of the 639,224 cancer diagnoses identified, 6642 were among Armenian patients. Armenian individuals were more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage colorectal (OR = 1.12, 95 % CI = 1.03–1.22), lung (OR = 1.26, 95 % CI = 1.12–1.42), and stomach (OR = 1.43, 95 % CI = 1.17–1.74) cancers. Among Armenian patients, low nSES and public insurance were associated with late-stage diagnoses. Armenian individuals had better survival than non-Armenian, non-Hispanic White individuals for stomach (HR = 0.85, 95 % CI = 0.76–0.94), lung (HR = 0.86, 95 % CI = 0.82–0.91), colorectal (HR = 0.82, 95 % CI = 0.77–0.88), and bladder (HR = 0.87, 95 % CI = 0.76–0.99) cancers. While Armenian patients were at greater risk of late-stage diagnoses of colorectal, lung, and stomach cancers, they had better survival compared to non-Armenian, non-Hispanic White patients. Further research is needed to understand factors impacting survival in Armenian individuals, including genetic, behavioral, and social factors. Our findings of lower nSES and public health insurance associated with late-stage diagnoses suggest a need for increased access to care and cancer screening among the Armenian population in California. • Armenian patients had higher odds of late-stage cancer diagnoses compared to non-Armenian, non-Hispanic White patients. • Armenian patients had moderately better cancer-specific survival compared to non-Armenian, non-Hispanic White patients. • Low neighborhood socioeconomic status was associated with late-stage cancer diagnoses among Armenian patients. • Armenian patients with public health insurance had higher odds of late-stage diagnoses than those with private insurance.

Source: Preventive Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.108214

Authors: Ani S. Movsisyan Vernon, Laura Fejerman, Jeffrey S. Hoch, Theresa H. Keegan

Institutions: UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis

Language: English

Topic: Global Cancer Incidence and Screening

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500