Effect of race on thyroid cancer care in an equal access healthcare system

BackgroundThyroid cancer is more likely to present at an advanced age with larger tumor size in black patients. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of race on the presentation, treatment, and survival in an equal access healthcare system.MethodsThis retrospective study included all black and white patients with thyroid cancer who were treated at a Department of Defense facility from 1986 to 2008. Patients' age, tumor size, lymph node status, treatment, and survival were compared.ResultsA total of 4,625 patients were identified. There was no difference between black and white patients in regards to age at presentation, tumor size, use of surgical and/or radiation therapy, and overall 5-year survival rate. Black patients had a lower rate of lymph node involvement.ConclusionsIn an equal access healthcare system, black patients have similar disease presentation, undergo similar treatment, and have the same survival as white patients.