Work

Regional differences in cancer treatment among American Indian and Alaska native peoples: a surveillance, epidemiology, and end results study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To determine whether regional variation in diagnostic procedures and treatment for cancer exists among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) patients. METHODS: We used data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 17 database to examine differences in diagnostic, treatment, and care quality-related variables for female breast, lung, and colorectal cancers diagnosed among AIAN patients. We used unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models to examine differences across Indian Health Service regions adjusted for age at diagnosis, diagnosis year, residence in a purchased/referred care delivery area, and stage at diagnosis, using the Pacific Coast region as the reference. RESULTS: The study sample included female breast (n=7,221), lung (n=5,403), and colorectal cancer (n=5,626) patients. Among AIAN female breast cancer patients, those in Alaska, the East, and the Southwest had higher odds of timely treatment; those in Alaska had higher odds of receipt of chemotherapy and hormone receptor testing; while those in the Southwest had lower odds of hormone receptor testing. For lung cancer patients, those in Alaska, the Southwest, and the East had higher odds of timely treatment; those in Alaska had higher odds of receiving radiation and lower odds of receiving surgery. Finally, for colorectal cancer patients, those in Alaska, the Southwest, and the East had higher odds of receiving timely treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Differences described herein may reflect differences in clinical characteristics, practice patterns, or access to care. Further research on how treatment differences lead to regional variations in cancer outcomes for AIAN patients are warranted.

Source: Cancer Causes & Control

DOI: 10.1007/s10552-026-02271-9