Association of Distance, Region, and Insurance With Advanced Colon Cancer at Initial Diagnosis

Social determinants of health influencing the adherence to post-endoscopic mucosal resection surveillance

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global health challenge, particularly in Alabama, where the incidence rates exceed national averages. This study investigated the factors influencing adherence to post-endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) colonoscopies, focusing on travel distance and socioeconomic status. This study aimed to provide evidence-based insights to improve patient care in CRC management.

METHODS

This retrospective study in a tertiary care referral center analyzed 465 patients who underwent EMR. The data included demographics, clinical details, and travel-related variables. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and spatial analysis were used to assess the factors affecting adherence.

RESULTS

Of 465 patients, 36.6 % had adequate follow-up, 21.8 % had inadequate follow-up, and 41.6 % were lost to follow-up. Noteworthy demographic variations were observed, with median ages differing across adherence groups. Traveled distances showcased compelling insights, indicating a median distance of 22.2 miles for adequate follow-up, 15.7 miles for inadequate follow-up, and 31.6 miles for the lost-to-follow-up group (p<0.001). Longer travel distances were associated with better adherence. Longer travel distances from the hospital were associated with significantly lower odds of inadequate follow-up: 10-25 miles OR:0.29, 25-85 miles OR:0.35, and >80 miles OR:0.24 compared to the first quartile (<10 miles). Socioeconomic factors, particularly educational attainment, significantly influenced the follow-up rates.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed suboptimal post-EMR follow-up rates and underscored the impact of travel distance and socioeconomic factors. Targeted interventions addressing distance-related barriers can enhance treatment adherence and ensure timely CRC surveillance after EMR. Further research is needed in diverse healthcare settings.

Socioeconomic status on survival outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is widely acknowledged as a prevalent malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the independent impact of Median Household Income (MHI) on prognosis and survival outcomes in patients with CRC.

METHODS

Data from 17 cancer registries of the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, with follow-up extended until November 2022 was analyzed. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of different levels of MHI on survival outcomes among patients with CRC. A total of 761,697 CRC patient records were retrieved from the SEER database.

RESULTS

The Cox regression analysis results indicated that patients with higher MHI exhibited improved overall survival outcomes when compared to those with lower MHI (MMHI: P < 0.001; HMHI: P < 0.001). Regardless of the specific tumor location, gender, stage of CRC, or treatment method, higher MHI is consistently linked to improved survival outcomes. However, this association was not found to be statistically significant among American Indian/Alaska Native (MMHI: P = 0.017; HMHI: P = 0.081), Asian or Pacific Islander (MMHI: P = 0.223; HMHI: P = 0.002) and unmarried or domestic partner patients (MMHI: P = 0.311; HMHI: P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

These results emphasize the importance of considering socioeconomic factors, such as income level, in understanding and addressing disparities in survival outcomes of CRC patients.

Insurance status impacts survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver resection

BACKGROUND

This study intends to examine the effect of public insurance status on survival outcomes of HCC patients after liver resection in China.

METHODS

We divided 2911 HCC patients after liver resection included in our study into the Urban Employed-based Medical Insurance group (UEBMI group, n = 1462) and the non-Urban Employed-based Medical Insurance group (non-UEBMI group, n = 1449). A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to control confounding factors. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models based on variables screened by Lasso regression. Competing risk analysis was used to analyze cancer-specific survival (CSS).

RESULTS

UEBMI group had more male patients (p = 0.031), patients in the UEBMI group were older (p < 0.001) and had lower Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (CCI score, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, patients in the UEBMI group had better liver function (albumin-bilirubin grade I [ALBI I], p < 0.001) and lower tumor burden (α-fetoprotein [AFP], p = 0.009; Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage [BCLC], p = 0.026; Milan criteria, p < 0.001; tumor size, p < 0.001; microvascular invasion [MVI], p = 0.030; portal vein tumor thrombosis [PVTT], p = 0.002). More patients in the UEBMI group received laparoscopic surgery (p = 0.024) and adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE, p < 0.001). After PSM, patients in the two matched groups had similar characteristics. Patients with recurrent HCC in the UEBMI were more likely to receive curative therapy (p < 0.001) and less likely to receive supportive care (p < 0.001). HCC patients after liver resection in the non-UEBMI group had a worse OS before (p < 0.0001) and after PSM (p = 0.002). [Correction added on August 16, 2023 after first online publication. The p value has been updated in the preceding sentence.] In our Lasso-Cox risk regression model, public health insurance status was an independent factor linked with OS (non-UEBMI vs. UEBMI, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.46; p < 0.001). In the competing risk analysis, patients in the UEBMI group had a lower cumulative incidence of CSS before (p < 0.001) and after PSM (p = 0.001), and public insurance status of HCC patients after liver resection remained independently associated with CSS (non-UEBMI vs. UEBMI; HR:1.36; 95% CI: 1.18-1.58; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Underinsured HCC patients after liver resection had worse survival outcomes. Less access to care for underinsured patients may explain the difference in survival, but the corresponding conclusions need to be further explored.