Perspective Factors That Determine Cancer Treatment Choice Among Minority Groups

Racial disparities have been well documented in the field of medicine, including surgical oncology.1,2 Patients with cancer confront a complex situation that involves discussions about treatment options, as well as prognosis. In this setting, dispari-ties may particularly occur in the areas of communication and care decisions. Multiple studies have reported significant dis-parities in choice of treatment, patient perception regarding communication, and survival among minority patients.3-6 Mi-nority patients report lower patient satisfaction with respect to multiple aspects of cancer care, including trust and communi-cation with the care team and time spent with the physician.7 When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, three main options are typically available for consideration: no treatment/best sup-portive care, nonsurgical treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or surgery. Communication between th