Introduction
Regional Victoria has poorer outcomes for lung cancer than metropolitan Melbourne1.
Detailed information regarding the diagnosis of lung cancer is critical to understand this problem
Aim
To understand drivers of poor outcomes in regional centres and identify potential modifiable variables through:
Method
Data from a retrospective cohort of all patients with a diagnosis of lung cancer presented to the Gippsland Lung cancer MDM between 1/1/2020 and 31/12/2021 was analysed.
Results
During the study period, 274 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer.
Males (56.2%) and females (43.8%) were diagnosed at similar ages 71 (range 38-90) years and 70 (range 42-89) years respectively. More than 95% had a smoking history.
Metropolitan referrals occurred in 36% of cases. Only 17% of regional referrals were received from Primary Care.
More than 30% of cases required access to metropolitan services including endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and complex cardiothoracic or neurosurgery.
Sixty (60) percent were diagnosed with stage IV disease. Adenocarcinoma (45%) was the most common histology followed by squamous cell carcinoma (20%) and small cell (15%).
Treatment decision for 72% were palliative intent and 75% of patients had died at the time of analysis.
OCP timing measured by the median number of days were met however the large range shows delays to treatment for individuals, for example:
Conclusion
A large data base of lung cancer diagnosis and management in a regional centre provides a unique opportunity to explore potential modifiable contributors to improve poor outcomes in this high-risk patient group through survival and regression analysis.