The Impact of Socioeconomic Deprivation on Access to Guideline-Concordant Treatment in Foregut Cancer

High socioeconomic deprivation, as measured by the area deprivation index (ADI), significantly reduces the likelihood of receiving guideline-concordant treatment (GCT) for foregut cancers. In a retrospective study of 498 patients, 66% received GCT, with lower rates observed in pancreatic, gastric, and hepatobiliary cancers. Factors independently associated with non-receipt of GCT included age ≥75 years, black race, high ADI, longer intervals between symptoms and work-up, diagnosis and oncology appointment, and oncology appointment and treatment. Interventions focusing on reducing barriers, such as community outreach and telehealth, are recommended to improve access to GCT.