A recent study has revealed that a common blood test used to detect ovarian cancer may not be as effective in some Black and Native American patients, potentially leading to delays in their treatment. This discovery sheds light on the disparities in healthcare that exist among different racial and ethnic groups.
Native American women have been found to have the highest rate of ovarian cancer, while Black women with the disease have lower survival rates compared to their white counterparts. Detecting ovarian cancer early is crucial for improving the chances of survival for patients.
The study, which was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute and published in JAMA Network Open, focused on a blood test known as CA-125. This test measures a tumor marker in the blood and helps doctors determine whether a woman with a suspicious lump should be referred to a cancer specialist during the early stages of evaluation.
Dr. Shannon Westin from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston emphasized the importance of understanding how the results of the CA-125 test may vary among people of different races and ethnicities. The study revealed that Black and Native American patients were 23% less likely to have elevated CA-125 levels at the time of ovarian cancer diagnosis compared to white patients, indicating that the current thresholds for the test may be set too high.
The researchers suspect that a harmless genetic variation more common in individuals of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and West Indian descent could be contributing to the disparities in test performance across different populations. The authors of the study recommended considering a new lower threshold for the CA-125 test that could improve its accuracy in all groups and potentially lead to changes in clinical guidelines.
The findings from this study highlight the need for healthcare providers to be aware of these disparities in diagnostic testing and to consider race and ethnicity when interpreting test results. By addressing these issues, we can ensure that all patients receive timely and appropriate care when ovarian cancer is suspected, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
