Socio-demographic inequalities in stage of cancer diagnosis: Evidence from patients with female breast,lung, colon, rectal, prostate, renal, bladder, melanoma, ovarian and endometrial cancer

This is the final published version. Available from Oxford University Press via the DOI in this record.Background: Understanding socio-demographic inequalities in stage at diagnosis can inform priorities for cancer control. Patients and methods: We analysed data on the stage at diagnosis of East of England patients diagnosed with any of 10 common cancers, 2006-2010. Stage information was available on 88 657 of 98 942 tumours (89.6%). Results: Substantial socio-demographic inequalities in advanced stage at diagnosis (i.e. stage III/IV) existed for seven cancers, but their magnitude and direction varied greatly by cancer: advanced stage at diagnosis was more likely for older patients with melanoma but less likely for older patients with lung cancer [odds ratios for 75-79 versus 65-69 1.60 (1.38-1.86) and 0.83 (0.77-0.89), respectively]. Deprived patients were more likely to be diagnosed in advanced stage for melanoma, prostate, endometrial and (female) breast cancer: odds ratios (most versus least deprived quintile) from 2.24 (1.66-3.03) for melanoma to 1.31 (1.15-1.49) for breast cancer. In England, elimination of sociodemographic inequalities in stage at diagnosis could decrease the number of patients with cancer diagnosed in advanced stage by 5600 annually. Conclusions: There are substantial socio-demographic inequalities in stage at diagnosis for most cancers. Earlier detection interventions and policies can be targeted on patients at higher risk of advanced stage diagnosis. ©The Author 2012.National Institute for Health Research (NIHR