Building a Framework for Equity Enrollment in Oncology Trials | Page 4

Physician lack of awareness of existing studies prevents patients from Lack of physician referral can also occur if oncologists are concerned being referred to appropriate clinical trials.10 Primary care physicians about losing income if patients get treatment at another cancer center often leave the discussion of clinical research to the patient’s oncologist. and do not return. Many oncologists outside of the academic setting may not be aware of available trials in the area. Even within an academic institution, Among breast cancer patients, being of African American or Hispanic physicians can be unaware of all of their institution’s oncology trials, race is associated with lower rates of participation in oncology trials.14 which can number more than a hundred at large centers. It is unclear how much of the barrier to participation is related to race per se versus socioeconomic conditions related to race. Residing in Cultural beliefs can prevent individuals from researching available high poverty areas is associated with lower rates of participation in treatment options, including participation in clinical trials. For breast canc