Socioeconomic position, stage of lung cancer and time between referral and diagnosis in Denmark, 2001–2008

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the association between socioeconomic position, stage at diagnosis, and length of period between referral and diagnosis in a nationwide cohort of lung cancer patients. METHODS: Through the Danish Lung Cancer Register, we identified 18 103 persons diagnosed with lung cancer (small cell and non-small cell) in Denmark, 2001–2008, and obtained information on socioeconomic position and comorbidity from nationwide administrative registries. The odds ratio (OR) for a diagnosis of advanced-stage lung cancer (stages IIIB–IV) and for a diagnosis >28 days after referral were analysed by multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: The adjusted OR for advanced-stage lung cancer was reduced among persons with higher education (OR, 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.84–0.99), was increased in persons living alone (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13) and decreased stepwise with increasing comorbidity. Higher education was associated with a reduced OR for >28 days between referral and diagnosis as was high income in early-stage patients. Male gender, age and severe comorbidity were associated with increased ORs in advanced-stage patients. INTERPRETATION: Differences by socioeconomic position in stage at diagnosis and in the period between referral and diagnosis indicate that vulnerable patients presenting with lung cancer symptoms require special attention.