Socioeconomic Disparities in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is often used for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Disparities in the use of NCT based on clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors have not been evaluated. Methods Data from the National Cancer Database was analyzed for patients with T1-2, N0-1 breast cancer from 2006 to 2015. Univariate and multivariate analysis determined which factors predicted for the receipt of NCT. Results We found 159 946 eligible patients. Factors associated with receipt of NCT included T2 vs. T1 disease, N1 vs. N0, and treatment at an academic facility. Race itself was not significant; however, a higher level of education amongst Black populations correlated with the receipt of NCT. Discussion Clinical factors are the greatest determinants for receipt of NCT in early-stage breast cancer. Disparities exist that cannot be explained by race alone; socioeconomic and demographic factors are important. Cancer care should be evaluated in the context of the intersectionality of these health determinants.