Report: Historical redlining still impacts young cancer patients
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Young cancer patients living in historically redlined neighborhoods are more likely to die within five and 10 years compared to those in other areas, per a new study led by Seattle researchers.
Why it matters: While redlining's impact on adult cancer care and survival is documented, its effects on younger patients have been less clear.
- This study, published in January, underscores how long-standing housing discrimination continues to shape health outcomes, linking past housing discrimination to cancer survival disparities in children, adolescents and young adults.
What they're saying: "Our study names racism as a potential driver of outcomes for young patients with cancer," said lead researcher Kristine Karvonen, physician-scientist with UW School of Medicine, in a written statement.
What they did: Led by researchers from UW School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the study tracked cancer cases in people under 40 who lived in previously redlined Seattle and Tacoma neighborhoods when they were diagnosed.
- Researchers determined redlining status by mapping patient data against historical redlining maps from the Home Owners' Loan Corporation.
- Researchers analyzed 4,355 cancer cases to determine 5- and 10-year overall survival and hazard ratio of death according to redlined status.
By the numbers: Five-year survival rates were 85% for young cancer patients who lived in historically redlined areas at diagnosis, compared to 90 % for those in nonredlined neighborhoods, per the study.
- At 10 years, survival differences persisted.
- After adjusting for other influencing factors, young people in redlined neighborhoods had a 32% higher risk of dying than those in other neighborhoods, the study found.