The impact of race and ethnicity on access to ovarian cancer screening and outcomes and the role of familial reproductive factors in modulating risk in diverse populations
Principal Investigator
Name
Amanda McCoy
Degrees
MPH
Institution
Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Position Title
Research Coordinator
Email
About this CDAS Project
Study
PLCO
(Learn more about this study)
Project ID
PLCO-1808
Initial CDAS Request Approval
Feb 6, 2025
Title
The impact of race and ethnicity on access to ovarian cancer screening and outcomes and the role of familial reproductive factors in modulating risk in diverse populations
Summary
Ovarian cancer is a major global health concern, ranking as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Although ovarian cancer has a relatively low incidence rate, it contributes to a significantly higher number of cancer-related deaths mainly due to its tendency to be diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited.1 In the United States, approximately 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year, and over 13,000 women die from the disease annually.2 The high mortality rate is partly attributed to the lack of effective early screening methods, as symptoms often go unnoticed or are mistaken for less serious diagnoses.3 In addition to this, racial and ethnic disparities contribute to varying outcomes across different populations, creating a greater impact on minority and underserved groups.
Aims
a. Primary and secondary objectives
i. Primary: To evaluate racial/ethnic disparities in access to ovarian cancer screening by utilizing data from the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial dataset to gather evidence and identify patterns of inequity and how the role of familial and reproductive factors modulates this risk.
ii. Secondary: To identify potential barriers to ovarian cancer screening among racial/ethnic minority populations, such as healthcare accessibility, cultural factors, and awareness levels.
Collaborators
Annette Yates, B.S. OMS III, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kate Airola, B.S., OMS I Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Tayler Simons, B.S. OMS III Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine