Survival from Brain Tumours in England and Wales
Author Information
Author(s): Rachet B, Mitry E, Quinn M J, Cooper N, Coleman M P
Primary Institution: Cancer Research UK Cancer Survival Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
The study hypothesized that before widespread access to advanced imaging techniques, some patients presenting as a neurological emergency might have been misdiagnosed.
Conclusion
Survival from brain tumours in adults has not improved between 1986 and 1999, with a statistically significant decline in 5-year survival among men.
Supporting Evidence
- Brain tumours comprise 2% of all malignant neoplasms in adults in England and Wales.
- Incidence of brain tumours has increased by approximately 25% since 1971.
- Survival rates for brain tumours were stable or declining between the late 1980s and late 1990s.
- 5-year survival rates for men declined by an average of 3% every 5 years.
- Survival trends showed a reversal of the deprivation gradient among men.
Takeaway
This study looked at how long people survive after being diagnosed with brain tumours in England and Wales, and found that survival rates have not improved over time.
Methodology
The study analyzed survival data for adults diagnosed with primary malignant brain tumours from 1986 to 1999.
Potential Biases
There may be a risk of bias due to the exclusion of patients diagnosed with stroke or cerebral metastases.
Limitations
The study excluded patients with unknown vital status and those whose brain tumour was not their first primary malignancy, which may have affected the overall survival estimates.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults aged 15-99 years diagnosed with primary malignant brain tumours.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
(−4.7, −1.4)
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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