Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that affects thousands of women every year. Detecting this cancer early is crucial for improving survival rates, but a common blood test may not be as effective for Black and Native American patients, potentially delaying their treatment. This disparity in healthcare is just one example of the systemic biases that exist in medicine.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open revealed that the CA-125 blood test, used to measure tumor markers in the blood, may not perform uniformly across different racial and ethnic groups. Native American women have the highest rate of ovarian cancer, while Black women with ovarian cancer have lower survival rates compared to white women. Understanding how this test impacts patients of different races and ethnicities is essential for providing equitable care.
Dr. Shannon Westin of MD Anderson Cancer Center emphasized the importance of stratifying research based on race and ethnicity. The study found that Black and Native American patients were 23% less likely to have elevated CA-125 levels at ovarian cancer diagnosis compared to white patients, suggesting that current thresholds for the test may be set too high. This could lead to delays in treatment for some patients, impacting their outcomes.
Lead author Dr. Anna Jo Smith from the University of Pennsylvania’s medical school highlighted the need for new thresholds for the CA-125 test that would work better across all populations. By lowering the threshold, more patients could be referred for rapid care when ovarian cancer is suspected, potentially improving survival rates for those at risk.
The research also suggested that a harmless genetic variation more common in people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and West Indian descent may impact the test’s performance. Previous studies of the CA-125 test were conducted in mostly white populations in the 1980s, which may have contributed to the disparities seen today.
Overall, the findings from this study underscore the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and biases in medical testing. By acknowledging and understanding how these biases affect patient care, healthcare providers can work towards more equitable treatment for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity. This research has the potential to inform changes in guidelines and improve outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.
