Demographics, Social Determinants, and Treatment Trends in Head and Neck Cancer Patients in Central Missouri
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By
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Carson Gates
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Elsie Barry
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Laura Dooley
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Stephanie Knollhoff
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February 11, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Demographics, Social Determinants, and Treatment Trends in Head and Neck Cancer Patients in Central Missouri
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) |
| Key Mechanisms | Social determinants of health (SDOH) such as socioeconomic status, rurality, and healthcare access impact cancer stage at diagnosis. |
| Target Population | Patients diagnosed with primary head and neck cancer in central Missouri. |
| Care Setting | Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia. |
Key Highlights
- 53% of patients living over 100 miles from the cancer center presented with stage IV disease.
- Higher Area Deprivation Index (ADI) scores correlated with advanced-stage HNC.
- Travel distance and socioeconomic deprivation were independently associated with higher stage at diagnosis.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize comprehensive demographic and tumor staging data for accurate diagnosis.
Management
- Address social determinants of health in treatment planning to improve outcomes.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regularly assess travel distance and socioeconomic factors in follow-up care.
Risks
- Patients from rural areas and those with higher ADI scores are at increased risk for advanced-stage disease.
Patient & Prescribing Data
880 patients diagnosed with primary HNC from 2006 to 2022.
Focus on personalized care that considers socioeconomic and geographic factors.
Clinical Best Practices
- Incorporate SDOH assessments into routine evaluations for HNC patients.
- Facilitate access to care for patients in rural areas to improve early diagnosis.
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