Does patient rurality predict quality colon cancer care?: A population-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

More than 50 million people reside in rural America. However, the impact of patient rurality on colon cancer care has been incompletely characterized, despite its known impact on screening.

Objective

Our study sought to examine the impact of patient rurality on quality and comprehensive colon cancer care.

Design

We constructed a retrospective cohort of 123,129 patients with stage 0 to IV colon cancer. Rural residence was established based on the patient medical service study area designated by the registry.

Settings

The study was conducted using the 1996-2008 California Cancer Registry.

Patients

All of the patients diagnosed between 1996 and 2008 with tumors located in the colon were eligible for inclusion in this study.

Main outcome measur

SUBMITTER: Chow CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4356018 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature