Rural Factors and Cancer Survival in Scotland
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, UK
Hypothesis
Does increasing distance from a cancer center affect cancer diagnosis and survival rates?
Conclusion
Patients living further from cancer centers had a lower chance of early diagnosis and poorer survival rates for certain cancers.
Supporting Evidence
- Increasing distance from a cancer center was associated with less chance of diagnosis before death for stomach, breast, and colorectal cancers.
- Patients had poorer survival after diagnosis for prostate and lung cancers if they lived further from a cancer center.
Takeaway
If you live far away from a hospital, it might take longer to find out if you have cancer, and you might not live as long after being diagnosed.
Methodology
Analysis of cancer registrations and follow-up data for patients diagnosed with six common cancers in Scotland.
Participant Demographics
Patients diagnosed with one of six common cancers in Scotland.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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