Demographics and access to head and neck cancer care in rural areas compared to urban areas in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Demographic development in rural and urban areas differs substantially. Demographics and access to specialized head and neck cancer centers may affect head and neck cancer patients' (HNCP) outcomes. Here, we compare epidemiological indicators and outcomes of HNCP in rural and urban Germany.

Patients and methods

In a retrospective analysis of data from the Center for Cancer Registry Data (ZfKD) between 2002 and 2017, 212,920 HNCP were included. Incidence, demographics, travel distance to specialized centers, and ground values were compared between rural and urban areas with a focus on their association with patient outcomes.

Results

The mean age of HNCP was significantly higher in urban areas (mean difference = 1.4 years; p < 0.0001), but increased at a comp

SUBMITTER: Vahl JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10557897 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature