Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Author Interview
Review Article
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cancer-Associated Thrombosis
Courteney Wiredu, Norrisa Haynes, Carmen Guerra, Bonnie Ky
Thromb Haemost
DOI: 10.1055/a-1674-0259
T&H
Why did you (and your colleagues) write this paper? What was its main purpose?
COURTENEY WIREDU
With this review article, we wanted to spread awareness of the racial disparities associated with cancer-associated thrombosis (CT) in the hopes of educating the community on this important topic and motivating the readership to take action in medical and social reform.
T&H
What are the main conclusions?
COURTENEY WIREDU
After evaluating the epidemiology, biology, sociology, and treatment of CT, we conclude that there are racial differences in CT risk and treatment; Black cancer patients have higher incidence of CT yet have a smaller likelihood of receiving treatment compared to other racial groups. More research needs to be conducted to better understand the etiology of these disparities so that we can enable actionable strategies to promote health equity.
T&H
What are the paper's implications? - to the public? -to medical professionals?
COURTENEY WIREDU
This paper brings awareness to the community of the racial disparities associated with CT. This paper also suggests that social factors may play a significant role in CT development. As a community, we must come together and first recognize these differences and then develop strategies, both on an individual level and on a larger societal level, to ensure health equity. We provide suggested strategies to overcome CT disparities, with a call for additional research elucidating the impact of ancestry and social determinants of health on disparities in CT; need for development of personalized strategies to manage CT; and the need for healthcare reform.
T&H
Are the findings clinically significant? Should the findings change practice?
COURTENEY WIREDU
We provide several strategies and recommendations in order to try to overcome CT disparities and promote greater health equity. Clinically actionable items including standardized recording of race and ethnicity and improved cultural awareness of the social determinants of health that may be impacting care. Moreover, ensuring equitable treatment across all races is also critical.
