Risk Factors Contributing to Disparities in Medical Treatment and Lower Survival Rates among Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Induced by Residential Areas

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Medical Informatics, Hirosaki University, Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.

2 Hirosaki University Hospital, Japan.

Abstract

Objective: Because of a lack of medical resources for cancer treatment, particularly in rural areas, there are disparities in receiving medical treatment between urban and rural area. This study examined the association between residential area or areal deprivation index (ADI) and lack of surgical treatment or chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in rural area, Japan. Methods: We analyzed the Aomori population-based cancer registry data from 926 cancer patients with NSCLC diagnosed between January and December 2014. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine association of patients’ residential area/ADI with either surgery/chemotherapy or survival time, respectively. The residential area was divided into six medical areas based on the location of specialist hospitals. The medical areas were defined by Aomori Prefecture. Results: The residential area (medical area) was strongly associated with access to cancer treatment for patients with NSCLC and ultimately contributed to lower survival rates. There was no significant influence in the distance from home to hospital and areal deprivation. Conclusion: We identified the risk factors related to a lack of medical treatment and shorter survival in rural area, Japan. 

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 25, Issue 1
January 2024
Pages 185-190

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 August 2023
  • Revise Date: 09 November 2023
  • Accept Date: 19 January 2024

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