Sociodemographic Disparities in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Patients With Cervical Cancer: An Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program

Background While the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are declining due to improved prevention, screening, and treatment, inequitable access to care may contribute to worse patient outcomes. Therefore, we sought to evaluate sociodemographic disparities in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with cervical cancer. Methodology The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for adult women diagnosed with cervical cancer from 2010 to 2015. Sociodemographic groups of interest included patient race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White/Hispanic White/Black/Other), residential setting (rural/urban), and county median household income (<$45,000/$45,000-59,999/$60,000-74,999/≥$75,000). Outcomes of interest included stage at diagnosis, receipt of hysterectomy, and overall survival (OS). Outcomes were evaluated using Pearson’s chi-square test, multivariable logistic regression, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards. Results A total of 5,726 patients were identified with an average age of 50.1 years (SD = 14.6). Significant differences in cancer stage at diagnosis were identified based on race/ethnicity (p < 0.001) and household income (p = 0.012). On adjusted analysis, Black patients were found to be significantly less likely to receive a hysterectomy compared to non-Hispanic White patients (odds ratio (OR) = 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.37-0.56). Lower household income was associated with poorer survival for stage I (<$45,000 vs. >$75,000: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.53; 95% interquartile range (IQR) = 1.00-2.33), II ($45,000-59,999 vs. >$75,000: HR = 1.67; 95% IQR = 1.19-2.35), and IV (<$45,000 vs. >$75,000: HR = 1.64; 95% IQR = 1.22-2.29) disease. Black race was associated with poorer OS for stage IV disease (HR = 1.29; 95% IQR = 1.06-1.56). Conclusions This study highlights significant disparities in disease progression at diagnosis and OS for cervical cancer patients based on race/ethnicity and household income. These findings may assist policymakers in developing strategies for mitigating these disparities.