학술논문
Demographics and access to head and neck cancer care in rural areas compared to urban areas in Germany
Document Type
article
Author
Source
Cancer Medicine, Vol 12, Iss 18, Pp 18826-18836 (2023)
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
2045-7634
Abstract
Abstract Background Demographic development in rural and urban areas differs substantially. Demographics and access to specialized head and neck cancer centers may affect head and neck cancer patients' (HNCP) outcomes. Here, we compare epidemiological indicators and outcomes of HNCP in rural and urban Germany. Patients and Methods In a retrospective analysis of data from the Center for Cancer Registry Data (ZfKD) between 2002 and 2017, 212,920 HNCP were included. Incidence, demographics, travel distance to specialized centers, and ground values were compared between rural and urban areas with a focus on their association with patient outcomes. Results The mean age of HNCP was significantly higher in urban areas (mean difference = 1.4 years; p