Are there social gradients in the occurrence of lung cancer and in the survival of lung cancer patients? Findings from an observational study using German claims data of Lower Saxony.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Only a few studies on health inequalities in terms of lung cancer are available. We examined whether social inequalities are present for the occurrence of lung cancer. Confining the analyses to patients, it was also examined whether survival over the observation period and over a standardised period of 18 months differed by occupational position and income.

Methods

Our findings are based on claims data from a German statutory health insurance covering 2005-2016. The database comprised N=3 163 211 women (50.7%) and men (49.3%) aged 18 years and older. Diagnoses (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision: C34.0 to C34.9) were hospital-based, and income and occupational position were used as indicators of socioecon

SUBMITTER: Schroder S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7470500 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature