{Reference Type}: Observational Study
{Title}: Role of patient characteristics in adherence to first-line treatment guidelines in breast, lung and prostate cancer: insights from the Nordic healthcare system.
{Author}: Sandström N;Leppälä E;Jekunen A;Johansson M;Andersén H;
{Journal}: BMJ Open
{Volume}: 14
{Issue}: 4
{Year}: 2024 Apr 8
{Factor}: 3.006
{DOI}: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084689
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study investigates the influence of socioeconomic status, health literacy, and numeracy on treatment decisions and the occurrence of adverse events in patients with breast, lung, and prostate cancer within a Nordic healthcare setting.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A follow-up to a cross-sectional, mixed-methods, single-centre study.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A Nordic, tertiary cancer clinic.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A total of 244 participants with breast, lung and prostate cancer were initially identified, of which 138 first-line treatment participants were eligible for this study. First-line treatment participants (n=138) surpassed the expected cases (n=108).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Not applicable as this was an observational study.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The study's primary endpoint was the rate of guideline adherence. The secondary endpoint involved assessing treatment toxicity in the form of adverse events.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Guideline-adherent treatment was observed in 114 (82.6%) cases. First-line treatment selection appeared uninfluenced by participants' education, occupation, income or self-reported health literacy. A minority (3.6%) experienced difficulties following treatment instructions, primarily with oral cancer medications.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The findings indicated lesser cancer health disparities regarding guideline adherence and treatment toxicity within the Nordic healthcare framework. A causal connection may not be established; however, the findings contribute to discourse on equitable cancer health provision.