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Gustavsen EM, Haug ES, Haukland E, Heimdal R, Stensland E, Myklebust TÅ, Hauglann B. Geographic and socioeconomic variation in treatment of elderly prostate cancer patients in Norway - a national register-based study. RESEARCH IN HEALTH SERVICES & REGIONS 2024; 3:8. [PMID: 39177854 PMCID: PMC11281769 DOI: 10.1007/s43999-024-00044-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine geographic and socioeconomic variation in curative treatment and choice of treatment modality among elderly prostate cancer (PCa) patients. METHODS This register-based cohort study included all Norwegian men ≥ 70 years when diagnosed with non-metastatic, high-risk PCa in 2011-2020 (n = 10 807). Individual data were obtained from the Cancer Registry of Norway, the Norwegian Prostate Cancer Registry, and Statistics Norway. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to model variation across hospital referral areas (HRAs), incorporating clinical, demographic and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS Overall, 5186 (48%) patients received curative treatment (radical prostatectomy (RP) (n = 1560) or radiotherapy (n = 3626)). Geographic variation was found for both curative treatment (odds ratio 0.39-2.19) and choice of treatment modality (odds ratio 0.10-2.45). Odds of curative treatment increased with increasing income and education, and decreased for patients living alone, and with increasing age and frailty. Patients with higher income had higher odds of receiving RP compared to radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS This study showed geographic and socioeconomic variation in treatment of elderly patients with non-metastatic, high-risk PCa, both in relation to overall curative treatment and choice of treatment modality. Further research is needed to explore clinical practices, the shared decision process and how socioeconomic factors influence the treatment of elderly patients with high-risk PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Marthinussen Gustavsen
- Department of Community Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Tromsø, Norway.
- Centre for Clinical Documentation and Evaluation (SKDE), Northern Norway Regional Health Authority, Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | - Ellinor Haukland
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway
- SHARE - Center for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Quality and Health Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Heimdal
- Geriatric Department, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Eva Stensland
- Department of Community Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Clinical Documentation and Evaluation (SKDE), Northern Norway Regional Health Authority, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tor Åge Myklebust
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research and Innovation, Møre and Romsdal Hospital Trust, Ålesund, Norway
| | - Beate Hauglann
- Centre for Clinical Documentation and Evaluation (SKDE), Northern Norway Regional Health Authority, Tromsø, Norway
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Johansson ALV, Kønig SM, Larønningen S, Engholm G, Kroman N, Seppä K, Malila N, Steig BÁ, Gudmundsdóttir EM, Ólafsdóttir EJ, Lundberg FE, Andersson TML, Lambert PC, Lambe M, Pettersson D, Aagnes B, Friis S, Storm H. Have the recent advancements in cancer therapy and survival benefitted patients of all age groups across the Nordic countries? NORDCAN survival analyses 2002-2021. Acta Oncol 2024; 63:179-191. [PMID: 38597666 PMCID: PMC11332520 DOI: 10.2340/1651-226x.2024.35094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the early 2000s, overall and site-specific cancer survival have improved substantially in the Nordic countries. We evaluated whether the improvements have been similar across countries, major cancer types, and age groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using population-based data from the five Nordic cancer registries recorded in the NORDCAN database, we included a cohort of 1,525,854 men and 1,378,470 women diagnosed with cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer) during 2002-2021, and followed for death until 2021. We estimated 5-year relative survival (RS) in 5-year calendar periods, and percentage points (pp) differences in 5-year RS from 2002-2006 until 2017-2021. Separate analyses were performed for eight cancer sites (i.e. colorectum, pancreas, lung, breast, cervix uteri, kidney, prostate, and melanoma of skin). RESULTS Five-year RS improved across nearly all cancer sites in all countries (except Iceland), with absolute differences across age groups ranging from 1 to 21 pp (all cancer sites), 2 to 20 pp (colorectum), -1 to 36 pp (pancreas), 2 to 28 pp (lung), 0 to 9 pp (breast), -11 to 26 pp (cervix uteri), 2 to 44 pp (kidney), -2 to 23 pp (prostate) and -3 to 30 pp (skin melanoma). The oldest patients (80-89 years) exhibited lower survival across all countries and sites, although with varying improvements over time. INTERPRETATION Nordic cancer patients have generally experienced substantial improvements in cancer survival during the last two decades, including major cancer sites and age groups. Although survival has improved over time, older patients remain at a lower cancer survival compared to younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L V Johansson
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Simon M Kønig
- Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Siri Larønningen
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gerda Engholm
- Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Kroman
- Department Breast Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital (Herlev/Gentofte), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karri Seppä
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nea Malila
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bjarni Á Steig
- National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | | | | | - Frida E Lundberg
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Therese M-L Andersson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul C Lambert
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Mats Lambe
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Regional Cancer Center Mid-Sweden, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - David Pettersson
- Swedish Cancer Registry, National Board of Health and Welfare, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bjarte Aagnes
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Søren Friis
- Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Storm
- Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Hofmann B, Haug ES, Andersen ER, Kjelle E. Increased magnetic resonance imaging in prostate cancer management-What are the outcomes? J Eval Clin Pract 2023; 29:893-902. [PMID: 36374190 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Increased attention to cancer care has instigated altered systems for screening, diagnosis, and management of various types of cancer, such as in the prostate. While such systems very likely have improved the quality of cancer care, they also result in the altered use of specific services, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). AIMS AND OBJECTIVE To study the change in the use of prostate MRI in the Norwegian health care system from 2013 to 2021 and to investigate some reasons for and potential implications of this change. METHOD Data from the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (HELFO), The Cancer Registry of Norway and Cause-of-death registry at the Norwegian Institute of public health and the health registry of Vestfold Hospital Trust were used for descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS The number of MRIs of the prostate increased threefold from 2013 to 2021, representing an extra cost of 2 million USD in 2020. The incidence of prostate cancer was stable at about 5000 cases per year, corresponding to 178 per 100,000 men, indicating no increased overdiagnosis. However, the clinical staging has changed substantially during this period, indicating stage and grade migration. The number of negative biopsies was reduced, and there are three MRIs per reduced negative biopsy. The number of persons on active surveillance increased during the period. However, these changes are partly independent of the increase in the number of MRIs. CONCLUSION There was a substantial increase in the number of prostate MRIs and thus an increase in costs. This appears to have contributed to the reduction of negative biopsies, improved staging and increased active surveillance. However, as these effects are partly independent of the increase in MRIs, we need to document the outcomes for patients from prostate MRIs as their opportunity costs are substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Hofmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjovik, Norway
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Skaaheim Haug
- Department of Urology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- Institute of Cancer Genomics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Cancer Registry, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eivind Richter Andersen
- Department of Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjovik, Norway
| | - Elin Kjelle
- Department of Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjovik, Norway
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Magnier O, Gofti-Laroche L, Gaspar N, Schiff I, Chevassut D, Desagneaux A, Pagnier A, Pavillet J, De Schlichting E, Bobillier-Chaumont S. Adolescents and Young Adults with Primary Brain Tumor: Description of the Care Pathway of Patients Diagnosed in Grenoble Between 2013 and 2019. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:546-554. [PMID: 36409519 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study was undertaken to describe the Adolescents and Young Adults' (AYA-aged patients') neuro-oncology care pathways at Grenoble Alpes University Hospital according to the French health recommendations. Methods: A retrospective monocentric observational study was conducted between 2020 and 2021, on patients 13-29 years of age, diagnosed from January 2013 to 2019 in our institute with a primary brain tumor, excluding meningiomas, schwannomas, and neurinomas. The detailed analysis took into account the type of care unit (adult or pediatric), whether or not a dedicated AYA support team was involved, and various pretherapeutic actions. Results: Sixty patients were included in this study. Three of the 9 key stages of the care process were completed regardless of the type of management. Management in a pediatric oncology department seems to improve multidisciplinary discussions and access to the AYA team. Collaboration with an AYA team seems to improve the recourse to pediatric advice and supportive care. Conclusions: Increased vigilance at all key steps as defined in the recommendations of the Directorate General of Healthcare Services would significantly improve the overall quality of care for this specific population. In the absence of a dedicated AYA hospitalization unit, interdisciplinary cooperation between the different professionals of the adult and pediatric services is essential, and the involvement of the AYA mobile team is a factor that favors links and exchanges and ultimately an overall improvement in patient care and life. We propose our vision of an ideal AYA neuro-oncology care pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlane Magnier
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer and Blood Diseases, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Leila Gofti-Laroche
- Department of AYA Unit and Public Health, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Nathalie Gaspar
- French Society for the Fight against Cancer and Leukemia in Children and Adolescents and AYA Unit, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Isabelle Schiff
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Diane Chevassut
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer and Blood Diseases, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Andréa Desagneaux
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Pagnier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Julien Pavillet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer and Blood Diseases, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Séverine Bobillier-Chaumont
- Department of AYA Unit and Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
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5
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Rak O, Urban D, Perlman S, Ziv-Baran T, Katorza E. Fast vs. Regular Track for Lung and Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis-Time from Initial Finding to Final Diagnosis and Patient Survival. J Med Syst 2023; 47:48. [PMID: 37060494 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-023-01939-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health systems around the world have begun implementing unique tracks to expedite diagnosis and improve survival of patients with suspected cancers. This study aimed to compare characteristics and survival between patients diagnosed by way of fast and regular diagnostic tracks. METHODS A historical cohort study of patients (age ≥ 18) diagnosed with lung or pancreatic cancers between 09/2017 and 03/2020 on a fast diagnostic track and treated in a tertiary hospital versus a random sample of patients with the same cancer types who began treatment in the hospital over the same period of time after being diagnosed utilizing the regular track in the community. RESULTS The study included 336 patients (108 fast-track diagnostics, 228 regular track diagnostics). Advanced stages III-IV at diagnosis were more likely in the fast-track group (94.4% vs. 81.1%, p = 0.001). The median time from initial cancer suspicion to diagnosis was 21 days (IQR 14-37) for the fast-track vs. 31 days (IQR 18-51) for the regular track (p < 0.001). During the follow-up period, 56 patients from the fast-track and 131 patients from the regular track died. No significant difference was found in the median survival time between the fast and regular tracks, whether from the onset of symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment initiation. CONCLUSION Patients referred to the fast-track were more likely to be diagnosed at a further advanced stage of their cancer. The fast-track shortened the time until diagnosis and treatment but no difference was found in median survival between the tracks, perhaps due to late referral and high fatality rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Rak
- School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Fast Diagnosis of Cancer, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Damien Urban
- Center for Fast Diagnosis of Cancer, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Saritte Perlman
- School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tomer Ziv-Baran
- School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Eldad Katorza
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Hultstrand C, Hörnsten C, Lilja M, Coe A, Fjällström P, Hajdarevic S. The association between sociodemographic factors and time to diagnosis for colorectal cancer in northern Sweden. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13687. [PMID: 35970596 PMCID: PMC9787547 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined whether sociodemographic factors, including distance to hospital, were associated with differences in the diagnostic interval and the treatment interval for colorectal cancer in northern Sweden. METHODS Data were retrieved from the Swedish cancer register on patients (n = 446) diagnosed in three northern regions during 2017-2018, then linked to data from Statistics Sweden and medical records. Also, Google maps was used to map the distance between patients' place of residence and nearest hospital. The different time intervals were analysed using Mann-Whitney U-test and Cox regression. RESULTS Differences in time to diagnosis were found between groups for income and distance to hospital, favouring those with higher income and shorter distance. The unadjusted regression analysis showed higher income to be associated with more rapid diagnosis (HR 1.004, CI 1.001-1.007). This association remained in the fully adjusted model for income (HR 1.004, CI 1.000-1.008), but not for distance. No differences between sociodemographic groups were found in the treatment interval. CONCLUSION Higher income and shorter distance to hospital were in the unadjusted models associated with shorter time to diagnosis for patients with CRC in northern Sweden. The association remained for income when adjusting for other variables even though the difference was small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Hultstrand
- Department of NursingUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden,Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family MedicineUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | | | - Mikael Lilja
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Unit of Research, Education, and DevelopmentÖstersund Hospital, Umeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | | | | | - Senada Hajdarevic
- Department of NursingUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden,Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family MedicineUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
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7
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Wearable smart devices in cancer diagnosis and remote clinical trial monitoring: Transforming the healthcare applications. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103314. [PMID: 35798227 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During the past two decades, the era of digitalization in pharmaceutical device manufacturing has gained significant momentum for maintaining human health. From various available technologies, internet of things (IoT) sensors are being increasingly used as wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, wrist bands, mobile phones, tablets, implantable pumps, etc.) that enable real-time monitoring of data. Such devices are integrated with smart materials that typically monitor the real-time data (blood pressure, blood sugar, heart and pulse rate, cytokine levels, etc.) to advise patients and physicians. Hence, there has been a great demand for wearable devices as potential tools for remote clinical trial monitoring in cancers and other diseases and they are proving to be very cost-effective.
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Danckert B, Christensen NL, Falborg AZ, Frederiksen H, Lyratzopoulos G, McPhail S, Pedersen AF, Ryg J, Thomsen LA, Vedsted P, Jensen H. Assessing how routes to diagnosis vary by the age of patients with cancer: a nationwide register-based cohort study in Denmark. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:906. [PMID: 35986279 PMCID: PMC9392355 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09937-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older patients with cancer have poorer prognosis compared to younger patients. Moreover, prognosis is related to how cancer is identified, and where in the healthcare system patients present, i.e. routes to diagnosis (RtD). We investigated whether RtD varied by patients' age. METHODS This population-based national cohort study used Danish registry data. Patients were categorized into age groups and eight mutually exclusive RtD. We employed multinomial logistic regressions adjusted for sex, region, diagnosis year, cohabitation, education, income, immigration status and comorbidities. Screened and non-screened patients were analysed separately. RESULTS The study included 137,876 patients. Both younger and older patients with cancer were less likely to get diagnosed after a cancer patient pathways referral from primary care physician compared to middle-aged patients. Older patients were more likely to get diagnosed via unplanned admission, death certificate only, and outpatient admission compared to younger patients. The patterns were similar across comorbidity levels. CONCLUSIONS RtD varied by age groups, and middle-aged patients were the most likely to get diagnosed after cancer patient pathways with referral from primary care. Emphasis should be put on raising clinicians' awareness of cancer being the underlying cause of symptoms in both younger patients and in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Danckert
- The Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N L Christensen
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A Z Falborg
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Frederiksen
- Haematological Research Unit, Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - G Lyratzopoulos
- Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare and Outcomes (ECHO) Research Group, Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - S McPhail
- National Disease Registration Service, NHS Digital, Leeds, UK
| | - A F Pedersen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - J Ryg
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - L A Thomsen
- The Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P Vedsted
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Jensen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Compliance with recommended cancer patient pathway timeframes and choice of treatment differed by cancer type and place of residence among cancer patients in Norway in 2015-2016. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:220. [PMID: 35227226 PMCID: PMC8883731 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09306-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer patient pathways (CPPs) were implemented in Norway to reduce unnecessary waiting times, regional variations, and to increase the predictability of cancer care for the patients. This study aimed to determine if 70% of cancer patients started treatment within the recommended time frames, and to identify potential delays. Methods Patients registered with a colorectal, lung, breast, or prostate cancer diagnosis at the Cancer Registry of Norway in 2015–2016 were linked with the Norwegian Patient Registry and Statistics Norway. Adjusting for sociodemographic variables, multivariable quantile (median) regressions were used to examine the association between place of residence and median time to start of examination, treatment decision, and start of treatment. Results The study included 20 668 patients. The proportions of patients who went through the CPP within the recommended time frames were highest among colon (84%) and breast (76%) cancer patients who underwent surgery and lung cancer patients who started systemic anticancer treatment (76%), and lowest for prostate cancer patients who underwent surgery (43%). The time from treatment decision to start of treatment was the main source of delay for all cancers. Travelling outside the resident health trust prolonged waiting time and was associated with a reduced odds of receiving surgery and radiotherapy for lung and rectal cancer patients, respectively. Conclusions Achievement of national recommendations of the CCP times differed by cancer type and treatment. Identified bottlenecks in the pathway should be targeted to decrease waiting times. Further, CPP guidelines should be re-examined to determine their ongoing relevance. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09306-9.
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10
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Olsen F, Jacobsen BK, Heuch I, Tveit KM, Balteskard L. Equitable access to cancer patient pathways in Norway - a national registry-based study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1272. [PMID: 34823515 PMCID: PMC8613926 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07250-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2015, cancer patient pathways (CPP) were implemented in Norway to reduce unnecessary non-medical delay in the diagnostic process and start of treatment. The main aim of this study was to investigate the equality in access to CPPs for patients with either lung, colorectal, breast or prostate cancer in Norway. Methods National population-based data on individual level from 2015 to 2017 were used to study two proportions; i) patients in CPPs without the cancer diagnosis, and ii) cancer patients included in CPPs. Logistic regression was applied to examine the associations between these proportions and place of residence (hospital referral area), age, education, income, comorbidity and travel time to hospital. Results Age and place of residence were the two most important factors for describing the variation in proportions. For the CPP patients, inconsistent differences were found for income and education, while for the cancer patients the probability of being included in a CPP increased with income. Conclusions The age effect can be related to both the increasing risk of cancer and increasing number of GP and hospital contacts with age. The non-systematic results for CPP patients according to income and education can be interpreted as equitable access, as opposed to the systematic differences found among cancer patients in different income groups. The inequalities between income groups among cancer patients and the inequalities based on the patients’ place of residence, for both CPP and cancer patients, are unwarranted and need to be addressed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1186/s12913-021-07250-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Olsen
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway. .,Centre for Clinical Documentation and Evaluation (SKDE), Northern Norway Regional Health Authority, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Bjarne K Jacobsen
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Centre for Clinical Documentation and Evaluation (SKDE), Northern Norway Regional Health Authority, Tromsø, Norway.,Centre for Sami Health Research, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ivar Heuch
- Department of Mathematics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell M Tveit
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Balteskard
- Centre for Clinical Documentation and Evaluation (SKDE), Northern Norway Regional Health Authority, Tromsø, Norway
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11
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Nilssen Y, Eriksen MT, Guren MG, Møller B. Factors associated with emergency-onset diagnosis, time to treatment and type of treatment in colorectal cancer patients in Norway. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:757. [PMID: 34187404 PMCID: PMC8244161 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08415-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background International differences in survival among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients may partly be explained by differences in emergency presentations (EP), waiting times and access to treatment. Methods CRC patients registered in 2015–2016 at the Cancer Registry of Norway were linked with the Norwegian Patient Registry and Statistics Norway. Multivariable logistic regressions analysed the odds of an EP and access to surgery, radiotherapy and systemic anticancer treatment (SACT). Multivariable quantile regression analysed time from diagnosis to treatment. Results Of 8216 CRC patients 29.2% had an EP before diagnosis, of which 81.4% were admitted to hospital with a malignancy-related condition. Higher age, more advanced stage, more comorbidities and colon cancer were associated with increased odds of an EP (p < 0.001). One-year mortality was 87% higher among EP patients (HR=1.87, 95%CI:1.75–2.02). Being married or high income was associated with 30% reduced odds of an EP (p < 0.001). Older age was significantly associated with increased waiting time to treatment (p < 0.001). Region of residence was significantly associated with waiting time and access to treatment (p < 0.001). Male (OR = 1.30, 95%CI:1.03,1.64) or married (OR = 1.39, 95%CI:1.09,1.77) colon cancer patients had an increased odds of SACT. High income rectal cancer patients had an increased odds (OR = 1.48, 95%CI:1.03,2.13) of surgery. Conclusion Patients who were older, with advanced disease or more comorbidities were more likely to have an emergency-onset diagnosis and less likely to receive treatment. Income was not associated with waiting time or access to treatment among CRC patients, but was associated with the likelihood of surgery among rectal cancer patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08415-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yngvar Nilssen
- Department of Registration, Cancer Registry of Norway, Postboks 5313 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Morten Tandberg Eriksen
- Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Bjørn Møller
- Department of Registration, Cancer Registry of Norway, Postboks 5313 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
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12
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Nilssen Y, Brustugun OT, Møller B. Factors associated with emergency-related diagnosis, time to treatment and type of treatment in 5713 lung cancer patients. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:967-974. [PMID: 34233351 PMCID: PMC8565486 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background International and national differences exist in survival among lung cancer
patients. Possible explanations include varying proportions of emergency
presentations (EPs), unwanted differences in waiting time to treatment and
unequal access to treatment. Methods Case-mix-adjusted multivariable logistic regressions the odds of EP and
access to surgery, radiotherapy and systemic anticancer treatment (SACT).
Multivariable quantile regression analyzed time from diagnosis to first
treatment. Results Of 5713 lung cancer patients diagnosed in Norway in 2015–16,
37.9% (n = 2164) had an EP
before diagnosis. Higher age, more advanced stage and more comorbidities
were associated with increasing odds of having an EP
(P < 0.001) and a lower odds of
receiving any treatment
(P < 0.001). After adjusting for
case-mix, waiting times to curative radiotherapy and SACT were
12.1 days longer [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.2, 14.0]
and 5.6 days shorter (95% CI: −7.3, −3.9),
respectively, compared with waiting time to surgery. Patients with regional
disease experienced a 4.7-day shorter (Coeff: −4.7, 95%
CI:−9.4, 0.0) waiting time to curative radiotherapy when compared
with patients with localized disease. Patients with a high income had a
22% reduced odds [odds ratio (OR) = 0.78,
95% CI: 0.63, 0.97] of having an EP, and a 63%
(OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.21) and a
40% (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.76)
increased odds of receiving surgery and SACT, respectively. Conclusion Patients who were older, had advanced disease or increased comorbidities were
more likely to have an EP and less likely to receive treatment. While income
did not affect the waiting time for lung cancer treatment in Norway, it did
affect the likelihood of receiving surgery and SACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yngvar Nilssen
- Department of Registration, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Odd T Brustugun
- Section of Oncology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Møller
- Department of Registration, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
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13
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Calanzani N, Chang A, Van Melle M, Pannebakker MM, Funston G, Walter FM. Recognising Colorectal Cancer in Primary Care. Adv Ther 2021; 38:2732-2746. [PMID: 33864597 PMCID: PMC8052540 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-021-01726-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Primary care professionals can play an important role in both prevention and early detection of CRC. Most CRCs are attributed to modifiable lifestyle factors, which can be addressed within primary care, and promotion of population-based screening programmes can aid early cancer detection in asymptomatic patients. Primary care professionals have a vital role in clinically assessing patients presenting with symptoms that may indicate cancer, as most patients with CRC first present with symptoms. These assessments are often challenging—many of the symptoms of CRC are non-specific and commonly occur in patients presenting with non-malignant disease. The range of options for investigating symptomatic patients in primary care is rapidly growing. Simple tests, such as faecal immunochemical testing (FIT), are now being used to guide decisions around referral for more invasive tests, such as colonoscopy, while direct access to specialist investigations is also becoming more common. Clinical decision support tools (CDSTs) which calculate cancer risk based on symptomatology, patient characteristics and test results can provide an additional resource to guide decisions on further investigation. This article explores the challenges of CRC prevention and detection from the primary care perspective, discusses current evidence-based approaches for CRC detection used in primary care (with examples from UK guidelines), and highlights emerging research which may likely alter practice in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Calanzani
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Aina Chang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marije Van Melle
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Merel M Pannebakker
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Garth Funston
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK.
- Centre for Cancer Research and Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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14
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Nilbert M, Thomsen LA, Winther Jensen J, Møller H, Borre M, Widenlou Nordmark A, Lambe M, Brändström H, Kørner H, Møller B, Ursin G. The power of empirical data; lessons from the clinical registry initiatives in Scandinavian cancer care. Acta Oncol 2020; 59:1343-1356. [PMID: 32981417 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2020.1820573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Scandinavia, there is a strong tradition for research and quality monitoring based on registry data. In Denmark, Norway and Sweden, 63 clinical registries collect data on disease characteristics, treatment and outcome of various cancer diagnoses and groups based on process-related and outcome-related variables. AIM We describe the cancer-related clinical registries, compare organizational structures and quality indicators and provide examples of how these registries have been used to monitor clinical performance, develop prediction models, assess outcome and provide quality benchmarks. Further, we define unmet needs such as inclusion of patient-reported outcome variables, harmonization of variables and barriers for data sharing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The clinical registry framework provides an empirical basis for evidence-based development of high-quality and equitable cancer care. The registries can be used to follow implementation of new treatment principles and monitor patterns of care across geographical areas and patient groups. At the same time, the lessons learnt suggest that further developments and coordination are needed to utilize the full potential of the registry initiative in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mef Nilbert
- Department of Oncology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- The Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Research Department, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Winther Jensen
- The Danish Clinical Quality Program and Clinical Registries, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Møller
- The Danish Clinical Quality Program and Clinical Registries, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael Borre
- The Association of Danish Multidisciplinary Cancer Groups, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Mats Lambe
- The Federation of Regional Cancer Centers, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Hartwig Kørner
- Institute of Surgical Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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