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Cancers
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Socio-Demographic Factors and Cancer Research
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Socio-Demographic Factors and Cancer Research

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 March 2025 | Viewed by 6477

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mitchell S. Fourman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
Interests: socioeconomic disparities; AI/machine learning; metastatic disease to the spine; spine oncology; sarcoma; minimally invasive spine surgery
Dr. Amanda N. Goldin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, USA
Interests: socioeconomic disparities; sarcoma; metastatic cancer care; benign and malignant bone; soft tissue tumors; reconstruction after oncologic surgery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well established that socioeconomic factors influence cancer treatment outcomes, even when optimal therapies are employed. These contributors are often modifiable and community/culture-dependent, warranting focused research.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to a Special Issue focused on the socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors that influence cancer care and research.

This Special Issue aims to address the specific socioeconomic factors that influence the care of individual or a broad spectrum of cancers, with a focus on both global and region-specific factors. It also seeks to further understand the application of unique analysis technologies such as AI for the identification and management of the influence that these socioeconomic factors have on the provision and outcomes of cancer care.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Socioeconomic disparities
  • Culture-specific cancer outcomes
  • Disparities in cancer care delivery across regions
  • AI and machine learning algorithms to predict cancer outcomes using sociodemographic factors
  • Qualitative research on the provision of cancer care in economically deprived regions

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Mitchell S. Fourman
Dr. Amanda N. Goldin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • socioeconomic disparity
  • cancer delivery
  • cancer survival
  • metastatic cancer
  • culture-specific cancer outcomes
  • AI
  • machine learning

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1005 KiB  
Article
A Retrospective Analysis of Breast Cancer Mortality among Jewish and Muslim Arab Women in Israel: The Role of Sociodemographic Factors
by Ronit Pinchas-Mizrachi and Dan Bouhnik
Cancers 2024, 16(15), 2763; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16152763 - 5 Aug 2024
Viewed by 850
Abstract
Breast cancer mortality rates vary across ethnic groups in Israel, where protective factors such as high fertility and breastfeeding rates may be moderated by socioeconomic factors and mammography rates. We aim to investigate disparities in breast cancer mortality between Jewish and Muslim Arab [...] Read more.
Breast cancer mortality rates vary across ethnic groups in Israel, where protective factors such as high fertility and breastfeeding rates may be moderated by socioeconomic factors and mammography rates. We aim to investigate disparities in breast cancer mortality between Jewish and Muslim Arab women in Israel and examine how sociodemographic variables and number of children are associated with mortality. Our retrospective follow-up study uses data from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics and multivariable Cox regression models, adjusting for age, number of children, country of origin, locality size, and socioeconomic status. Compared to Jewish women, Muslim Arab women exhibited lower breast cancer mortality rates. However, after adjusting for multiple sociodemographic variables, no significant differences persisted between Jewish and Muslim Arab women. Having more than three children was associated with lower mortality among Muslim Arab women but not among Jewish women. European/American origin, larger localities, and medium socioeconomic status were associated with higher mortality. Sociodemographic factors may therefore explain the disparities in breast cancer mortality between Jewish and Muslim Arab women in Israel. Targeted intervention programs that consider the unique characteristics and risk factors of different ethnic groups are needed to reduce disparities and improve outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socio-Demographic Factors and Cancer Research)
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11 pages, 239 KiB  
Article
Predictors of Clavien–Dindo Grade III–IV or Grade V Complications after Metastatic Spinal Tumor Surgery: An Analysis of Sociodemographic, Socioeconomic, Clinical, Oncologic, and Operative Parameters
by Rafael De la Garza Ramos, Jessica Ryvlin, Ali Haider Bangash, Mousa K. Hamad, Mitchell S. Fourman, John H. Shin, Yaroslav Gelfand, Saikiran Murthy and Reza Yassari
Cancers 2024, 16(15), 2741; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16152741 - 1 Aug 2024
Viewed by 734
Abstract
The rate of major complications and 30-day mortality after surgery for metastatic spinal tumors is relatively high. While most studies have focused on baseline comorbid conditions and operative parameters as risk factors, there is limited data on the influence of other parameters such [...] Read more.
The rate of major complications and 30-day mortality after surgery for metastatic spinal tumors is relatively high. While most studies have focused on baseline comorbid conditions and operative parameters as risk factors, there is limited data on the influence of other parameters such as sociodemographic or socioeconomic data on outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed data from 165 patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastases between 2012–2023. The primary outcome was development of major complications (i.e., Clavien–Dindo Grade III–IV complications), and the secondary outcome was 30-day mortality (i.e., Clavien–Dindo Grade V complications). An exploratory data analysis that included sociodemographic, socioeconomic, clinical, oncologic, and operative parameters was performed. Following multivariable analysis, independent predictors of Clavien–Dindo Grade III–IV complications were Frankel Grade A–C, lower modified Bauer score, and lower Prognostic Nutritional Index. Independent predictors of Clavien–Dindo Grade V complications) were lung primary cancer, lower modified Bauer score, lower Prognostic Nutritional Index, and use of internal fixation. No sociodemographic or socioeconomic factor was associated with either outcome. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors did not impact short-term surgical outcomes for metastatic spinal tumor patients in this study. Optimization of modifiable factors like nutritional status may be more important in improving outcomes in this complex patient population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socio-Demographic Factors and Cancer Research)
17 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Healthcare Costs and Resource Utilisation of Italian Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
by Nicola Gentili, William Balzi, Flavia Foca, Valentina Danesi, Mattia Altini, Angelo Delmonte, Giuseppe Bronte, Lucio Crinò, Nicoletta De Luigi, Marita Mariotti, Alberto Verlicchi, Marco Angelo Burgio, Andrea Roncadori, Thomas Burke and Ilaria Massa
Cancers 2024, 16(3), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030592 - 30 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1451
Abstract
This study evaluated the economic burden of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients before and after the availability of an immuno-oncology (IO) regimen as a first-line (1L) treatment. Patients from 2014 to 2020 were categorized according to mutational status into mutation-positive and negative/unknown [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the economic burden of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients before and after the availability of an immuno-oncology (IO) regimen as a first-line (1L) treatment. Patients from 2014 to 2020 were categorized according to mutational status into mutation-positive and negative/unknown groups, which were further divided into pre-1L IO and post-1L IO sub-groups depending on the availability of pembrolizumab monotherapy in 1L. Healthcare costs and HCRU for a 1L treatment and overall follow-up were reported as the mean total and per-month cost per patient by groups. Of 644 patients, 125were mutation-positive and 519 negative/unknown (229 and 290 in pre- and post-1L IO, respectively). The mean total per-patient cost in 1L was lower in pre- (EUR 7804) and post-1L IO (EUR 19,301) than the mutation-positive group (EUR 45,247), persisting throughout overall disease follow-up. However, this difference was less when analyzing monthly costs. Therapy costs were the primary driver in 1L, while hospitalization costs rose during follow-up. In both mutation-positive and post-IO 1L groups, the 1L costs represented a significant portion (70.1% and 66.3%, respectively) of the total costs in the overall follow-up. Pembrolizumab introduction increased expenses but improved survival. Higher hospitalisation and emergency room occupation rates during follow-up reflected worsening clinical conditions of the negative/unknown group than the mutation-positive population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socio-Demographic Factors and Cancer Research)
21 pages, 2751 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning as a Tool for Early Detection: A Focus on Late-Stage Colorectal Cancer across Socioeconomic Spectrums
by Hadiza Galadima, Rexford Anson-Dwamena, Ashley Johnson, Ghalib Bello, Georges Adunlin and James Blando
Cancers 2024, 16(3), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030540 - 26 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2344
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the efficacy of various machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting late-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnoses against the backdrop of socio-economic and regional healthcare disparities. Methods: An innovative theoretical framework was developed to integrate individual- and census tract-level social determinants of [...] Read more.
Purpose: To assess the efficacy of various machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting late-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnoses against the backdrop of socio-economic and regional healthcare disparities. Methods: An innovative theoretical framework was developed to integrate individual- and census tract-level social determinants of health (SDOH) with sociodemographic factors. A comparative analysis of the ML models was conducted using key performance metrics such as AUC-ROC to evaluate their predictive accuracy. Spatio-temporal analysis was used to identify disparities in late-stage CRC diagnosis probabilities. Results: Gradient boosting emerged as the superior model, with the top predictors for late-stage CRC diagnosis being anatomic site, year of diagnosis, age, proximity to superfund sites, and primary payer. Spatio-temporal clusters highlighted geographic areas with a statistically significant high probability of late-stage diagnoses, emphasizing the need for targeted healthcare interventions. Conclusions: This research underlines the potential of ML in enhancing the prognostic predictions in oncology, particularly in CRC. The gradient boosting model, with its robust performance, holds promise for deployment in healthcare systems to aid early detection and formulate localized cancer prevention strategies. The study’s methodology demonstrates a significant step toward utilizing AI in public health to mitigate disparities and improve cancer care outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socio-Demographic Factors and Cancer Research)
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Review

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24 pages, 1036 KiB  
Review
Technological Resources for Physical Rehabilitation in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Scoping Review
by Anabela Amarelo, Marisa Mota, Bruno Amarelo, Marta Campos Ferreira and Carla Sílvia Fernandes
Cancers 2024, 16(23), 3949; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16233949 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 310
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often face challenges that reduce their physical function and quality of life. Technological resources offer innovative solutions for physical rehabilitation, but the extent of their application in this context remains unclear. This scoping review aims to explore [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often face challenges that reduce their physical function and quality of life. Technological resources offer innovative solutions for physical rehabilitation, but the extent of their application in this context remains unclear. This scoping review aims to explore and map the various technological tools used to support physical rehabilitation in cancer patients during chemotherapy, focusing on their potential to improve outcomes and enhance patient care. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR framework. Comprehensive searches were performed in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and COCHRANE databases. The included studies focused on the technological resources used in physical rehabilitation for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Data extraction followed the World Health Organization’s “Classification of Digital Health Interventions v1.0” to categorize the technologies. Results: A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly used technologies included wearable devices (16 studies), web-based platforms and telerehabilitation systems (7 studies), mHealth applications (6 studies), virtual reality (2 studies), and exergaming (3 studies). These tools were designed to enhance physical function, manage treatment-related symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. Wearable devices were particularly effective for monitoring physical activity, while web-based platforms and mHealth applications supported remote rehabilitation and patient engagement. Conclusions: Technological resources offer significant opportunities for personalized rehabilitation interventions in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and clinical integration of these tools to ensure broader accessibility and sustainable impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socio-Demographic Factors and Cancer Research)
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