Socioeconomic deprivation adversely affects survival of patients with rectal cancer

Authors: Harris, A. R.; Bowley, D. M.; Stannard, A.; Kurrimboccus, S.; Geh, J. I.; Karandikar, S.

Source: British Journal of Surgery, Volume 96, Number 7, July 2009 , pp. 763-768(6)

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract:

Background:

The aim was to examine the influence of socioeconomic deprivation on stage at presentation, perioperative mortality, permanent stoma rates and overall survival in patients with rectal cancer.

Methods:

Data on patient demographics, mode and stage of presentation, and short- and longer-term outcomes were extracted from a database of patients with rectal cancer. Comparisons were made after stratification into quintiles of socioeconomic deprivation.

Results:

In total 486 patients were identified. Fewer patients from the most deprived group than from the least deprived group underwent resectional surgery (79·2 versus 93 per cent; P = 0·005). Permanent stoma rates among patients who had surgery were 40·8 and 30 per cent respectively (P = 0·110). The overall 5-year survival rate was 32·8 per cent for the most deprived compared with 64·0 per cent for the least deprived patients (P < 0·001). Respective rates for those who underwent resectional surgery were 49·9 and 72 per cent (P = 0·030).

Conclusion:

In rectal cancer, socioeconomic deprivation appears to be associated with poorer outcomes and survival. This has important implications for healthcare planning. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bjs.6621

Publication date: 2009-07-01

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