Population-Level Differences in Rectal Cancer Survival in Uninsured Patients Are Partially Explained by Differences in Treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rectal cancer (RC) is a common malignancy with a substantial mortality but good survival for patients with optimally treated nonmetastatic disease. Lack of insurance may compromise access to care and therefore compromise survival. Here, we examine RC survival by insurance type.

Methods

Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were used to determine 1- to 3-year survival for patients with RC by insurance type (Medicaid, uninsured, other insurance).

Results

Patients with Medicaid or no insurance presented at later stages and were less likely to receive definitive surgery. Overall 3-year survival was higher for patients with other insurance compared with Medicaid-insured (+22.2% units) and uninsured (+18.8% units) patients. Major diff

SUBMITTER: Pulte D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5344639 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature