Factors associated with cancer survival disparities among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples compared with other Australians: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: While cancer survival among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has improved over time, they continue to experience poorer cancer survival than other Australians. Key drivers of these disparities are not well understood. This systematic review aimed to summarise existing evidence on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer survival disparities and identify influential factors and potential solutions. Methods:In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, multiple databases were systematically searched for English language peer-reviewed articles on cancer survival by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status published from 1/1/2008 to 4/05/2022. Observational studies presenting adjusted survival measures in relation to potential causal factors for disparities were included. Articles were screened independently by two authors. Included studies were critically assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools.Results: Thirty population-based and predominantly state-level studies were included. A consistent pattern of poorer unadjusted cancer survival for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was evident. Studies varied widely in the covariates adjusted for including a combination of sociodemographics, cancer stage, comorbidities, and treatment. Potential contributions of these factors varied by cancer type. For lung and female breast cancer, adjusting for treatment and comorbidities reduced the survival disparity, which, while still elevated was no longer statistically significant. This pattern was also evident for cervical cancer after adjustment for stage and treatment. However, most studies for all cancers combined, or colorectal Frontiers in Oncology frontiersin.org 01

Outcomes in breast cancer—does ethnicity matter?

“…Poorer BC outcomes have also been reported in Australian Aboriginal communities, Malay ethnicity, and minority immigrant populations within various countries. 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 Globally, the geographical variation in BC mortality is vast—a disproportionate burden of BC deaths occurred in low to medium Human Development Index countries relative to those classified as having high or very high Human Development Index. 1 While socioeconomic status and treatment barriers are major drivers of these disparities, underlying host and tumor differences merit further investigation ( Table 1 ).…”