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.
Journal Article by Fonseca AL, Ahmad R (…) Heslin MJ et 6 al. in J Am Coll Surg
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