Comparing barriers to early stage diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma between safety net hospitals and academic medical centers: An analysis from the United States Safety-Net Collaborative
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with improved survival. However, a greater proportion of patients treated at safety net hospitals (SNHs) present with late-stage disease compared to those at academic medical centers (AMCs). This study aims to identify barriers to diagnosis of HCC, highlighting differences between SNHs and AMCs.
Methods
The US Safety Net Collaborative-HCC database was queried. Patients were stratified by facility of diagnosis (SNH or AMC). Patient demographics and HCC screening rates were examined. The primary outcome was stage at diagnosis (AJCC I/II—“early”; AJCC III/IV—“late”).
Results
1290 patients were included; 50.2% diagnosed at SNHs and 49.8% at AMCs. At SNHs, 44.4% of patients were diagnosed late, compared to 27.6% at AMCs. On multivariable regression, Black race was associated with late diagnosis in both facilities (SNH: odds ratio 1.96, p = 0.03; AMC: 2.27, <0.01). Screening was associated with decreased odds of late diagnosis (SNH: 0.46, p = 0.04; AMC: 0.37, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Black race was associated with late diagnosis of HCC, while screening was associated with early diagnosis across institutional types. These results suggest socially constructed racial bias in screening and diagnosis of HCC. Screening efforts targeting SNH patients and Black patients at all facilities are essential to reduce disparities.
Open Research
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
