A new study by Dr. Diane Mahoney of the University of Kansas Medical Center has uncovered significant health disparities affecting Black and Hispanic ovarian cancer survivors. The research, which analyzed data from the NIH All of Us Research Program, found that social determinants of health (SDOH) contribute to poorer health perceptions among these groups.
Dr. Mahoney, an assistant professor and nurse practitioner, was inspired to investigate this topic due to the lower survival rates for Black and Hispanic women with ovarian cancer, despite lower incidence compared to white women. Her study examined how factors like neighborhood characteristics, discrimination, food and housing insecurity, and spiritual life influence survivors’ perceptions of their overall and mental health.
The findings revealed that all SDOH factors studied had a significant impact on health perceptions, with no single factor standing out as most influential. Dr. Mahoney emphasized the importance of understanding how these factors interconnect and affect different groups of individuals.
“I was saddened to see how negatively these factors influenced survivors’ perceptions,” Dr. Mahoney said. “It really challenged me as a health professional and scientist to think about the connection between mind and body, and how a positive outlook can impact overall well-being.”
The study’s results highlight the need for further research and interventions to address health disparities among ovarian cancer survivors. Dr. Mahoney hopes her work will lead to improved quality of life and survival rates for Black and Hispanic women facing this challenging diagnosis.
See “Dr Diane Mahoney Uncovers Health Disparities Among Black, Hispanic Ovarian Cancer Survivors” (July 23, 2024)
