Patient and Tumor Characteristics
The median age of the patients was 55 years with a mean age of 56.3 years. Other important patient characteristics are summarized in Table 1. The table includes only black and white patients, since only 2.2% of the patients in the study were nonblack, nonwhite. The data was analyzed both with and [...]

Continue reading " Postlumpectomy Radiotherapy: RESULTS "

A retrospective chart review was undertaken of all the patients treated with radiation for breast cancer following lumpectomy at the three hospitals included in the study. The Radiation Oncology Department at each of the three hospitals included is staffed by physicians from a single academic department. The hospitals have substantially different patient populations. One of [...]

Continue reading " Postlumpectomy Radiotherapy: MATERIALS AND METHODS "

There is substantial disagreement in the medical literature on the outcome of black breast cancer patients as compared to their white counterparts. This issue is complex, and there are a variety of ways to approach the question. The first approach is to view the issue on the broader population level. There is general agreement that [...]

Continue reading " Postlumpectomy Radiotherapy "

Education
Healthcare Providers. Healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, have an essential role to play in encouraging more Hispanic patients to be screened and treated for kidney disease and its risk factors. Physicians also have a responsibility to improve their referral of patients with kidney disease for appropriate treatment, such as dialysis, without delay.

Continue reading " Kidney Disease in the Hispanic Population: DIRECTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT "

Economic factors contribute to a large proportion of the disparities seen between Hispanics and the general U.S. population in the management of ESRD and its risk factors. In particular, lack of health insurance represents a major barrier to healthcare. Data from the Health and Retirement Survey revealed extremely low levels of insurance coverage among Hispanics, [...]

Continue reading " Kidney Disease in the Hispanic Population: ACCESS TO MEDICAL CARE "

Available treatments to prevent kidney disease or slow the progression of the disease have improved greatly over the past decade. Intensive blood glucose control and blood pressure control, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, early referral to a renal team, preparation for dialysis, and dietary protein reduction can all markedly improve the outlook for those [...]

Continue reading " Kidney Disease in the Hispanic Population: DIFFERENCES IN TREATMENT "

Risk factors that can lead to chronic kidney disease and ESRD occur commonly throughout the adult US. population. These include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, a family history of chronic kidney disease, smoking, substance abuse, age, male gender, and being of nonwhite race.

Continue reading " Kidney Disease in the Hispanic Population: DIFFERENCES IN RISK FACTORS "