Regional Disparities in Cancer Biomarker Knowledge and Access Across Canada
Author ORCID Identifier
0009000250307
Location
Caesars Windsor Convention Centre, Room: AUGUSTUS III
Event Website
https://wesparkconference.com/
Start Date
22-3-2025 8:00 AM
End Date
22-3-2025 5:30 PM
Description
Background: Clinical trials are critical for advancing cancer therapies, yet patient enrollment remains below 5%. The Clinical Trials Navigator (CTN) program identified gaps in biomarker knowledge and accessibility as significant barriers in Canada. Methods: Between May and October of 2024, an electronic survey assessed 36 Canadian oncologists’ biomarker knowledge and regional accessibility using a Cancer Care Ontario-approved list. Respondents were asked to identify biomarkers accessible in their regions. Results: Significant disparities in biomarker knowledge and accessibility were evident. Common biomarkers for breast cancer (ER, PR, HER2) were consistently identified by all 18 physicians surveyed. Similarly, colorectal cancer biomarkers (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6) were widely recognized and accessible, with 100% of respondents reporting knowledge and access. In contrast, knowledge of biomarkers for rare cancers, including adrenal, penile, and stomach, was significantly lower, with only one, out of six, biomarkers (HPV) identified by a group of 11 physicians. Geographic differences were also evident. Newfoundland and Labrador reported the highest biomarker accessibility (86%), although this was based on a single respondent. Ontario, with the largest sample (21), showed a 60% knowledge rate, reflecting gaps in knowledge rather than access. British Columbia (67%), Manitoba (77%), and Nova Scotia (85%) demonstrated higher knowledge, though sample sizes were small. Alberta had the lowest rates for both (54%). Conclusions: Our survey highlighted significant regional disparities in biomarker knowledge and access across Canada, particularly for rare cancers. Targeted education and resource allocation are critical to addressing these gaps, improving clinical trial enrollment, and advancing cancer care outcomes.
Regional Disparities in Cancer Biomarker Knowledge and Access Across Canada
Caesars Windsor Convention Centre, Room: AUGUSTUS III
Background: Clinical trials are critical for advancing cancer therapies, yet patient enrollment remains below 5%. The Clinical Trials Navigator (CTN) program identified gaps in biomarker knowledge and accessibility as significant barriers in Canada. Methods: Between May and October of 2024, an electronic survey assessed 36 Canadian oncologists’ biomarker knowledge and regional accessibility using a Cancer Care Ontario-approved list. Respondents were asked to identify biomarkers accessible in their regions. Results: Significant disparities in biomarker knowledge and accessibility were evident. Common biomarkers for breast cancer (ER, PR, HER2) were consistently identified by all 18 physicians surveyed. Similarly, colorectal cancer biomarkers (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6) were widely recognized and accessible, with 100% of respondents reporting knowledge and access. In contrast, knowledge of biomarkers for rare cancers, including adrenal, penile, and stomach, was significantly lower, with only one, out of six, biomarkers (HPV) identified by a group of 11 physicians. Geographic differences were also evident. Newfoundland and Labrador reported the highest biomarker accessibility (86%), although this was based on a single respondent. Ontario, with the largest sample (21), showed a 60% knowledge rate, reflecting gaps in knowledge rather than access. British Columbia (67%), Manitoba (77%), and Nova Scotia (85%) demonstrated higher knowledge, though sample sizes were small. Alberta had the lowest rates for both (54%). Conclusions: Our survey highlighted significant regional disparities in biomarker knowledge and access across Canada, particularly for rare cancers. Targeted education and resource allocation are critical to addressing these gaps, improving clinical trial enrollment, and advancing cancer care outcomes.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/we-spark-conference/2025/postersessions/151