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Disparities of health impacting head and neck cancer and rehabilitation

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Abstract

Purpose

Health disparities are well documented throughout medicine. Several studies have demonstrated differences when it comes to age, sex, ethnic background, and insurance type but not many have looked within head and neck cancer rehabilitation. The purpose of this review article was to explore current evidence regarding health disparities specific to HNC as well as disparities more broadly in rehabilitation. The intersection of these two bodies of evidence will be discussed to increase awareness of current health disparities.

Recent Findings

We found that disparities exist in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of HNC patients. We also found that significant disparities exist in rehabilitation more broadly.

Summary

Healthcare systems must increase awareness of existing and emerging disparities, and implement interventions to minimize and eradicate disparities in healthcare. This review will serve as a call to action regarding the need for further investigation into disparities in rehabilitation care and for HNC survivors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2201 Children’s Way, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA

    II Clausyl Plummer & Cristina Kline-Quiroz

  2. Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA

    Curtis Mensah

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  1. II Clausyl Plummer
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  2. Curtis Mensah
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Correspondence to II Clausyl Plummer.

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Clausyl Plummer, I., Mensah, C. & Kline-Quiroz, C. Disparities of health impacting head and neck cancer and rehabilitation. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 11, 35–42 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-023-00382-x

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