Patient Surveillance Adherence After Treatment for Endometrial Cancer

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Health Services Research
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Health

Background:

• Endometrial cancer surveillance is critical for early detection of recurrence.
• Factors influencing patient adherence to post-treatment surveillance require investigation.
• Understanding adherence barriers can inform targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with adherence to endometrial cancer surveillance guidelines.
• To assess the impact of distance to care and income on follow-up compliance.
• To inform strategies for improving equitable access to cancer follow-up care.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 870 endometrial cancer patients treated between 2010-2017.
• Data collected included patient demographics, cancer characteristics, and surveillance adherence.
• Median income derived from ZIP codes; adherence defined by visit frequency per guidelines.

Main Results:

• 87.5% of patients adhered to recommended surveillance schedules.
• Non-adherent patients lived significantly farther from the cancer center (39.2 vs 20.7 miles).
• Non-adherent patients had significantly lower median incomes ($74,015 vs $80,435).

Conclusions:

• Geographic distance and lower socioeconomic status are significant barriers to endometrial cancer surveillance adherence.
• Findings highlight disparities in cancer care access and outcomes.
• Further research and interventions are needed to address these socioeconomic and geographic disparities.