High Initiation of Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy Among Uninsured Stages I-III Breast Cancer Patients Treated in a Safety-Net Healthcare System.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Despite benefits of adjuvant hormonal therapy (AHT), many eligible breast cancer patients do not complete therapy as recommended. Patterns of AHT use have not been well studied among uninsured breast cancer patients who fall into coverage gaps or are ineligible for public insurance programs.

Methods

We identified 291 patients newly diagnosed with stages I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer from January 2008 to December 2012. All patients were treated at a safety-net healthcare system and enrolled in an income-based medical assistance program that fills AHT prescriptions at low cost. We extracted and linked cancer registry, pharmacy claims, and medical record data to assess AHT initiation (defined as a new AHT prescription ≤18 months since diagnosis) and so

SUBMITTER: Murphy CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5512308 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature