Rural and Urban Differences in Cancer Diagnosis
Author Information
Author(s): Campbell N C, Elliott A M, Sharp L, Ritchie L D, Cassidy J, Little J
Primary Institution: Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Foresterhill Health Centre, Aberdeen
Hypothesis
Patients living in outlying areas have more advanced disease at diagnosis compared to those living closer to cancer centers.
Conclusion
Patients living further from cancer centers are diagnosed with more advanced stages of lung and colorectal cancer, which may affect their survival chances.
Supporting Evidence
- 42% of patients living 58 km or more from a cancer center had disseminated lung cancer at diagnosis compared to 33% living within 5 km.
- 24% of patients living 58 km or more from a cancer center had advanced colorectal cancer at diagnosis compared to 16% living within 5 km.
- The adjusted odds ratio for disseminated disease at diagnosis in the furthest group compared to the closest group was 1.59.
Takeaway
People who live far away from hospitals may find out they have cancer later than those who live nearby, which can make it harder for them to get better.
Methodology
Case notes of 1323 patients diagnosed with lung or colorectal cancer were reviewed.
Participant Demographics
Patients diagnosed with lung or colorectal cancer in north and northeast Scotland in 1995 or 1996.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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