Loretta Erhunmwunsee, MD, thoracic surgeon, assistant professor of surgery, City of Hope, discusses the factors that contribute to disparities in the treatment of patients with lung cancer.

Race and socioeconomic status are known drivers of disparity in cancer treatment in general. Patients who come from disadvantaged populations are less likely to receive treatment, and are also potentially less likely to survive due to access to care, Erhunmwunsee explains. Tobacco use is also a driver.

Disparity in care is multifactorial though, and in lung cancer, genomic and genetic difference can also drive disparity, says Erhunmwunsee. For example, 

 mutations can cause disparity in treatment, as the instances of these mutations can differ between races. These are some of the same disparities in clinical trial participation, adds Erhunmwunsee.

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Loretta Erhunmwunsee, MD, thoracic surgeon, assistant professor of surgery, City of Hope, discusses the factors that contribute to disparities in the treatment of patients with lung cancer.
 

Dr. Erhunmwunsee on Factors of Disparity in Lung Cancer Treatment

Loretta Erhunmwunsee, MD, thoracic surgeon, assistant professor of surgery, City of Hope, discusses disparities in the treatment of lung cancer.

There are racial and socioeconomic disparities in every facet of lung cancer treatment, whether it is surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, says Erhunmwunsee. Factors with 

 mutations can differ based on race. Disadvantaged groups are less likely to seek treatment, and are often less likely to survive.

Erhunmwunsee advises clinicians to be aware of these disparities and to provide support to groups with higher rates of mortality. She adds that if a patient had less education or a lower income, it could be beneficial to connect with social workers and treat the patient in a multidisciplinary fashion. These patients have more hurdles, and varying risk factors must be acknowledged and understood.

Loretta Erhunmwunsee, MD, thoracic surgeon, assistant professor of surgery, City of Hope, discusses disparities in the treatment of lung cancer.
 

Loretta Erhunmwunsee, MD

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Dr. Erhunmwunsee on Factors of Disparity in Lung Cancer Treatment

Dr. Erhunmwunsee Discusses Disparities in Lung Cancer Treatment