Socioeconomic Inequalities in Waiting Times for Breast Cancer Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Matias Maria Ana, Santos Rita, Siciliani Luigi, Sivey Peter, Proctor Andrew
Primary Institution: Centre for Health Economics, University of York
Hypothesis
Are there inequalities in waiting times for breast cancer surgery based on socioeconomic status?
Conclusion
Patients living in the most deprived areas experienced longer waiting times for breast cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Evidence
- In the pre-COVID-19 period, waiting times were similar across income deprivation quintiles.
- During the COVID-19 period, patients in the most deprived areas waited 0.7 days longer for surgery.
- Waiting times for breast cancer surgery in England are lower than for other elective surgeries.
- Patients with more comorbidities and past emergency admissions tend to wait longer for surgery.
Takeaway
This study found that people who are poorer had to wait longer for breast cancer surgery during the pandemic, but before that, waiting times were similar for everyone.
Methodology
The study used linear regression models to analyze waiting times for breast cancer surgery based on socioeconomic status, controlling for various patient characteristics.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias exists as the study cannot observe patients who remain undiagnosed.
Limitations
The study does not account for variations in cancer detection rates across income deprivation groups, which may affect waiting times.
Participant Demographics
The sample included female patients diagnosed with breast cancer, with a higher prevalence of comorbidities in more deprived areas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.657
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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