Newswise – TAMPA, Fla. – Hurricanes and other extreme weather events pose an immediate threat to life and property and have long-term health impacts, particularly for cancer survivors. In one Mini review published In Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers and preventiona journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, Moffitt Cancer Center Researchers are shedding light on the significant gaps in understanding and addressing the impact of hurricanes and extreme weather events on the biological, psychosocial and clinical outcomes of cancer survivors.
Researchers provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the literature and highlight key findings from past extreme weather events such as Hurricanes Ian, Maria, Sandy and Katrina. These events have highlighted the vulnerability of cancer survivors, leading to disruptions in cancer care, exacerbation of psychosocial burden, and disparities in health outcomes. It also emerged that better tools and systematic approaches to studying these impacts are needed. There is currently no standardized way to collect information from patients immediately following an extreme weather event. Instead, the information comes from retrospective self-report surveys.
Lisa Gudenkauf, Ph.D., MPH, lead author of the mini-review and research associate at Ministry of Health Outcomes and Behavior at Moffitt highlighted the urgent need for further research and interventions in this critical area.
“Cancer survivors face unique challenges during and after extreme weather events, including treatment interruptions, increased stress, and disparities in access to health care. It is imperative that we address these challenges to improve the long-term outcomes and quality of life of cancer survivors,” said Gudenkauf.
The mini-review also calls for action by health systems, public health leaders and research organizations to develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on cancer survivors. Suggested strategies include implementing interventions to help survivors cope with stress, improving health system preparedness, and addressing social determinants of health that contribute to disparities in outcomes.
“Our goal is to inform future research and policy initiatives that can lead to tangible improvements in the lives of cancer survivors affected by extreme weather events,” he explained Brian Gonzalez, Ph.D.Study author and deputy center director for research diversity and personnel development.
This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute (R01 CA242742) and the US Department of Defense (W81XWH-20-1-0126).
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to a life-saving mission: helping to prevent and cure cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of just 56 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers, an award that recognizes Moffitt’s scholarly excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust education and training. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is Magnet Recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center® Status, his highest honor. With more than 9,000 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact of $2.4 billion in the state. For more information call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit us MOFFITT.organd keep following the momentum Facebook, Twitter, Instagram And Youtube.
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Lisa M. Gudenkauf, Cassandra A. Hathaway, Judith E. Carroll, Brent J. Small, Xiaoyin Li, Aasha I. Hoogland, Eida Castro, Guillermo N. Armaiz-Pena, Laura B. Oswald, Heather SL. Jim, Shelley S. Tworoger, Brian D. Gonzalez; Disparities in the Impact of Hurricanes and Other Extreme Weather Events on Cancer Survivors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarker Before 2024;