Study Population and Data Sources
This study utilized an historical cross-sectional study design. The data source for this study was Maryland Medicaid administrative claims data (including demographic, eligibility, managed care organization (MCO) enrollment data, medical, and institutional fee-for-service claims) and MCO encounter data. In accordance with patient confidentiality concerns, this study was approved by the State [...]

BACKGROUND
Cancers of the lung, colon, breast, and prostate accounted for 54% of all 1998 cancer deaths in Maryland, compared with 52.7% of all 1998 cancer deaths in the United States. Disparities in cancer stage, treatment intensity, and mortality between blacks and whites are well-documented; however, there is a paucity of data examining racial disparities in [...]