Exploring the association between diabetes and breast cancer outcomes among Latinas.

Abstract

221 Background: In cancer patients, diabetes increases the risk for poor overall health and cancer-specific outcomes even death. Moreover, both breast cancer (BC) and diabetes are amongst the most common illnesses in Latinas, who have documented poorer outcomes for both diseases. This study examined the impact of co-occurring diabetes on patient outcomes in a sample of Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods: 137 Latina BCS were recruited from the California Cancer Registry, hospital cancer registries, and community agencies. BCS completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of items related to demographic and medical characteristics, including diagnoses of cancer and diabetes, and physical and functional outcomes. Results: Thirty nine (28%) BCS reported a co-occurring diagnosis of diabetes; this is over twice the rate in the general population. Diabetes was most prevalent among BCS 65 years and older with 43% reporting co-occuring diabetes. BCS with diabetes, controlling for age, were more likely to report advanced BC staging at diagnosis ( p= 0.036) and more severe lymphedema symptoms than BCS without diabetes ( p= 0.038). BCS with diabetes also endorsed lower general health and greater social functioning limitations and physical role limitations than BCS without diabetes ( p= 0.048). Conclusions: This investigation sheds new light on emerging evidence documenting the negative associations of co-occurring chronic conditions, such as diabetes, on cancer patients’ outcomes. Our findings highlight the urgent need for additional inquiry examining multiple chronic conditions, particularly in the face of cancer. Early integrative and coordinated care that attends to multiple chronic conditions, especially among elderly and ethnic minority patients, may serve as a critical target for addressing disparate cancer risk and outcomes to improve quality, patient-centered care and patients’ outcomes. Clinical trial information: NCT00932997.