Social determinants of health: does socioeconomic status affect access to staging imaging for men with prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2023 Jun;26(2):429-431. doi: 10.1038/s41391-022-00508-7. Epub 2022 Feb 15.

Abstract

Socioeconomic status (SES), race and geographical factors are known to impact prostate cancer management and outcomes. We aimed to assess these factors with regard to access to novel imaging in prostate cancer. Using the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry of Victoria (PCOR-Vic) we identified 5256 men diagnosed with prostate cancer via biopsy. Following the introduction of government rebate, the access to MRI improved with respect to SES. Access to PET imaging remains poor with respect to SES and geographical location in the absence of Federal funding. Further improvements for men with low SES and regional areas to access PET staging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Social Class
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Social Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors