(0261) Unveiling Disparities: Head and Neck Cancer Presentation and Healthcare Access in Puerto Rico

Introduction: Head and Neck cancers (HNC) pose a significant health challenge globally, especially in Puerto Rico. This study categorizes key sociodemographic variables by segmenting patient data into municipality, cancer stage at presentation, and health insurance data. Through an examination of demographic and healthcare access factors, this study reveals health disparities for the first time, providing valuable insights that can guide the development of targeted public health strategies for addressing HNC in Puerto Rico.

Methods: Our approach involves a retrospective chart review and analysis of the patients consulted to the Otolaryngology department by use of case logs in the Puerto Rico Medical Center using CPT and ICD-10 codes dating from January 2022 to December 2023. This study examines the relationship between the severity of cancer, patient demographic information such as municipality of origin, and the healthcare plan they have.

Results: The findings suggest that patients from remote municipalities in Puerto Rico exhibit more advanced and metastasized HNC, identifying disparities in early detection and healthcare access. Additionally, the study underscores a significant lack of health care coverage in these areas, emphasizing the necessity for targeted public health initiatives to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Conclusions: The research reveals notable disparities in HNC presentation in Puerto Rico, emphasizing the prevalence of advanced-stage cancers and limited healthcare coverage. This study identifies and describes these disparities for the first time, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and improved healthcare access to enhance early detection and overall healthcare outcomes in affected populations.