Patient history of cancer in primary care: a closer look among cancer survivors with chronic conditions in federally qualified health centers.

Abstract

Purpose: The prevalence of cancer among patients accessing primary care in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) is poorly characterized. A patient's history of cancer in addition to common chronic conditions makes providing comprehensive primary care more complex, especially for patients accessing care at FQHCs who often face additional social and economic barriers to care.

Methods: Trained auditors conducted a comprehensive electronic medical record audit using a standardized abstraction form to identify cancer history in patients aged ≥ 40 years with two common chronic conditions (diabetes and/or hypertension) and who had at least one visit to an FQHC between January 1 and December 31, 2019. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results: Among 712 adult patients with diabetes and/or hypertension, 46 (6.46%) had a documented history of cancer. For the majority of cancer patients (67.4%), cancer information was documented in the "Problem List" section of their medical record.

Conclusion: Our study revealed a higher prevalence of cancer in FQHC primary care records than previously reported. Future research should examine whether readily accessible cancer history information in primary care records could enhance comprehensive care delivery for all chronic conditions, including cancer.