Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Radiation Planning Assistant - A Web-based Tool to Support High-quality Radiotherapy in Clinics with Limited Resources
Published on: October 6, 2023
Accessibility as a major determinant of radiotherapy underutilization: a population based study
Eva Pagano1, Daniela Di Cuonzo, Cristina Bona
1Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Ospedale S. Giovanni Battista, CPO-Piemonte, University of Turin, Italy. evapagano@yahoo.com
Background And Purpose:
A survey was conducted of radiotherapy (RT) resources and utilization in a northwestern Italian Region in order to assess geographical variations in radiotherapy utilization rates, and the effects of infrastructure supply on accessibility.
Materials And Methods:
The survey was conducted by analysing standardized utilization rates based on administrative records. The data were analysed at both Regional and Local Health Unit (LHU) level.
Results:
Wide variation was found among LHUs RT utilization rates--the sex- and age-standardized rates varied from 1.8/1000 inhabitants to more than 3/1000 inhabitants. Patients resident in LHUs with no RT service showed a lower probability of accessing RT (standardized rate ratio (SRR), 0.82; 95%IC, 0.80-0.85). The utilization rate decreased in relation to the distance between a patient's residence and the nearest RT service; the reduction was greater for patients > or =70 years of age.
Conclusion:
The wide geographic variation implies lack of equity in access to services. Utilization levels decreased significantly with increasing distance from the nearest RT service, distance being a barrier to access particularly for older persons. The heterogeneous distribution of services on the Regional territory seems a relevant explanation of differences in utilization rates.
