Inequalities in cancer prognosis across socioeconomic groups and how these arise.

Despite the large improvements in cancer survival in recent years, there is still large variation across population groups.

Survival differences are especially profound across socioeconomic groups, both for females and males, and they persist even in countries with universal healthcare access like Sweden.

Even though survival differences are well-documented, their underlying determinants are not well-understood as they are driven by complex mechanisms.

Identifying the factors that are responsible for the survival differences is of high importance and can inform health policies.

This project will quantify the impact of melanoma, lung, colorectal and bladder cancers on the remaining lifespan of patients by socioeconomic group, using data from cancer quality registers in Sweden. It will also explore potential factors that drive disparities across socioeconomic groups.

Potential factors that will be explored include stage at diagnosis, comorbidity and regional differences as well as the diagnostic workup and treatment intensity. The potential gain in survival by altering the modifiable factors will also be quantified.

One important part of the project is to develop methodology that could be used to evaluate more cancer sites in the future.

Communication of research findings in a meaningful way to a broad audience is essential for effective dissemination of the research findings. For this reason, special consideration will be given on the way that the research findings are reported.

This project has enormous potential to improve understanding of the mechanisms that drive cancer survival inequalities and help to target the most affected population groups.

For instance, if survival differences between the least and most deprived are driven by differences in stage at diagnosis, health policies could be implemented to encourage earlier detection in groups with worse survival and ultimately reduce health inequalities in society.