To evaluate the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on the stage at diagnosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in central Missouri, emphasizing the significance of SDOH in cancer care.
Key Findings:
Patients living more than 100 miles from the cancer center had higher rates of stage IV presentation (53% vs. 28%; p = 0.005).
Higher ADI scores were significantly associated with advanced-stage disease (p = 0.017).
Travel distance (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09–1.41, p = 0.001) and ADI (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.11, p = 0.02) were independently associated with higher stage at diagnosis.
Interpretation:
Greater travel distance and higher socioeconomic deprivation are linked to advanced-stage HNC at diagnosis, highlighting the need to address SDOH in cancer care and its implications for policy and practice.
Limitations:
The study is limited to a single cancer center, which may affect generalizability. Future research should include multiple centers to enhance applicability.
Retrospective design may introduce bias in data collection and analysis; prospective studies are recommended to validate findings.
Conclusion:
Addressing SDOH is crucial for improving early diagnosis and outcomes in head and neck cancer, particularly in rural and disadvantaged populations, and should be integrated into broader healthcare strategies.
