Socioeconomic deprivation adversely affects survival of patients with rectal cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim was to examine the influence of socioeconomic deprivation on stage at presentation, perioperative mortality, permanent stoma rates and overall survival in patients with rectal cancer. Methods Data on patient demographics, mode and stage of presentation, and short- and longer-term outcomes were extracted from a database of patients with rectal cancer. Comparisons were made after stratification into quintiles of socioeconomic deprivation. Results In total 486 patients were identified. Fewer patients from the most deprived group than from the least deprived group underwent resectional surgery (79·2 versus 93 per cent; P = 0·005). Permanent stoma rates among patients who had surgery were 40·8 and 30 per cent respectively (P = 0·110). The overall 5-year survival rate was 32·8 per cent for the most deprived compared with 64·0 per cent for the least deprived patients (P < 0·001). Respective rates for those who underwent resectional surgery were 49·9 and 72 per cent (P = 0·030). Conclusion In rectal cancer, socioeconomic deprivation appears to be associated with poorer outcomes and survival. This has important implications for healthcare planning.