Socioeconomic position, stage of lung cancer and time between referral and diagnosis in Denmark, 2001-2008

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelfagfællebedømt

  • Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton
  • Flemming B. Frederiksen
  • E Jacobsen
  • M Steding-Jessen
  • Kell Erik Østerlind
  • J Schüz
  • Osler, Merete
  • Christoffer Johansen
INTRODUCTION:
We investigated the association between socioeconomic position, stage at diagnosis, and length of period between referral and diagnosis in a nationwide cohort of lung cancer patients.
METHODS:
Through the Danish Lung Cancer Register, we identified 18,103 persons diagnosed with lung cancer (small cell and non-small cell) in Denmark, 2001-2008, and obtained information on socioeconomic position and comorbidity from nationwide administrative registries. The odds ratio (OR) for a diagnosis of advanced-stage lung cancer (stages IIIB-IV) and for a diagnosis >28 days after referral were analysed by multivariate logistic regression models.
RESULTS:
The adjusted OR for advanced-stage lung cancer was reduced among persons with higher education (OR, 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.84-0.99), was increased in persons living alone (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.13) and decreased stepwise with increasing comorbidity. Higher education was associated with a reduced OR for >28 days between referral and diagnosis as was high income in early-stage patients. Male gender, age and severe comorbidity were associated with increased ORs in advanced-stage patients.
INTERPRETATION:
Differences by socioeconomic position in stage at diagnosis and in the period between referral and diagnosis indicate that vulnerable patients presenting with lung cancer symptoms require special attention.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftB J C
Vol/bind105
Udgave nummer7
Sider (fra-til)1042-8
Antal sider7
ISSN0007-0920
DOI
StatusUdgivet - sep. 2011

ID: 40207119