Aims
To examine variation in access and equity in cancer care among specific at-risk populations within Queensland. State-wide clinical safety and quality outcome data are routinely reported however closer examination can highlight opportunities for improvement within some subgroups of populations diagnosed with cancer.
Methods
Data were extracted from Qld Oncology Repository (QOR), a comprehensive repository which contains demographic, diagnosis, and treatment data on Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer. Key populations groups highlighted in this presentation are Adolescent and Young Adults (AYAs), elderly (age 65+) people, First Nations peoples and those living in rural and/or remote areas of Queensland.
Results
Queensland AYA cancer patients who are treated with systemic therapy should be routinely offered fertility preservation, yet during 2014-2018 only 64% of males and 59% of females had preservation.
The number of elderly Queenslanders with stage 3 colon cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased from 36% to 45% between 2007 and 2016, while those with rectal cancer also displayed increases in receipt of neoadjuvant radiation therapy 38% to 49%.
The proportion of patients waiting longer than 30 days for treatment during the period 2013-2017 was similar for First Nations peoples treated in any hospital and non-Indigenous patients treated in a public hospital, while rural and remote patients experienced delays in receiving treatment when compared to those living in major cities.
Conclusion
Extensive interrogation of Queensland cancer data has allowed for the discovery and monitoring of key specific cancer indicators relevant to at-risk population groups. A targeted approach allows the use of additional curated data within these subpopulations to address equity issues not shared across the general cancer population.