Racial and Economic Segregation Correlates with Late-Stage Cancer Diagnoses

Recent research highlights a troubling association between neighborhood-level racial and economic segregation and the likelihood of being diagnosed with advanced-stage breast and cervical cancers. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, analyzed data from over 98,000 cancer cases in New York City between 2008 and 2019. It found that residents living in neighborhoods characterized by high levels of racial and economic deprivation, particularly those with concentrated Black populations, face significantly higher risks of late-stage cancer diagnoses compared to more affluent or predominantly non-Hispanic white neighborhoods.

The study employed the neighborhood-Index of Concentration at Extremes to measure segregation levels and examined the stage at diagnosis for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Results indicated that higher segregation correlated with increased incidence rates of advanced-stage breast and cervical cancers. Notably, while Hispanic concentration alone did not significantly impact disparities, the combination of Hispanic presence and economic deprivation was linked to increased late-stage diagnoses for breast and cervical cancers. Interestingly, colorectal cancer rates did not show disparities based on segregation measures.

These findings underscore the importance of targeted cancer prevention and early detection efforts in highly segregated neighborhoods. Identifying these high-risk areas can guide public health initiatives to reduce disparities, improve screening outreach, and ultimately save lives. The study emphasizes that addressing structural inequalities in housing and economic opportunities is vital for equitable healthcare outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-racialized-economic-segregation-linked-advanced.html