Virtual Library

Start Your Search

A. Öjdahl Boden



Author of

  • +

    MA03 - Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Screening (ID 374)

    • Event: WCLC 2016
    • Type: Mini Oral Session
    • Track: Epidemiology/Tobacco Control and Cessation/Prevention
    • Presentations: 1
    • +

      MA03.10 - Educational Level and the Management and Outcome in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Nationwide Study (Sweden) (ID 4427)

      14:20 - 15:50  |  Author(s): A. Öjdahl Boden

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background:
      Evidence from a variety of settings indicates the presence of socioeconomic differences not only in the risk of developing cancer, but also in management and outcomes. We examined the influence of educational level on stage at presentation, management and mortality in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Sweden, a country with a National Health System aiming to provide medical care on equal terms to all residents.

      Methods:
      We identified 24,385 patients with a NSCLC diagnosis 2002-2011 in Lung Cancer Data Base Sweden, a research database generated by record linkage between the Swedish National Lung Cancer Register and several other population-based registers. In analyses adjusted for comorbidity and other prognostic factors, ORs and HRs were estimated to examine associations between patients´ educational level and aspects of management and mortality.

      Results:
      Diagnostic intensity CT Thorax, CT upper abdomen and transthoracal biopsy were more commonly performed in patients with high education. In multivariable analysis, the likelihood to undergo PET scan and EGFR testing was significantly higher in patients with high compared to low education OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.23-1.57) and 1.28 (95% CI 1.05-1.55), respectively. No social gradients in EGFR testing was observed in an analysis restricted to non-smoking patients with adenocarcinoma. Stage and histopathology Stage at diagnosis did not differ between educational groups. Adenocarcinomas were proportionally more common in patients with high compared to low education, both in all patients (61.9% vs 53.9%) and among non-smokers (50.7% vs 46.7%). Waiting times There were no differences in waiting times between dates of referral and diagnosis, or between dates of diagnosis and start of treatment. Multidisciplinary conference and treatment intensity The odds for treatment decisions being made in a multidisciplinary setting was higher for patients with high compared to low education (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.04-1.51). In stage IA-IIB disease, the likelihood to undergo surgery was non-significantly elevated in patients with high education (OR 1.26; 95% CI 0.98-1.63). Mortality In early stage disease, high education was associated with lower all-cause (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.70-0.89) and cause-specific mortality (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.66-0.88) after adjustment for treatment, sex, age, region, year, comorbidity, smoking, stage, histology and performance status.

      Conclusion:
      We found evidence of social gradients in diagnostic and treatment intensity in patients with NSCLC. While there were no difference in stage at diagnosis between educational groups, a lower mortality in early stage NSCLC was observed in patients with high education.

      Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.

      Only Active Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login or select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout.