To compare the existing model estimates of the appropriate rates of radiotherapy for
lung, breast and prostate cancers with actual radiotherapy rates in rural, semi-urban
and urban areas, and in areas with short and long drive distances to cancer clinics
in British Columbia.
All registered cases of lung, breast and prostate cancer diagnosed in British Columbia
between 1997 and 2007 were identified. The proportion of cancers treated within 1
(RT1Y) and 5 years (RT5Y) of diagnosis were calculated according to rural, semi-urban
and urban area, and areas associated with short and long drive distances to cancer
clinics in British Columbia.
RT1Y for lung, breast and prostate in urban and rural areas were 47/45%, 57/46% and
31/30%, and for short and long drive times were 47/44%, 56/50% and 31/31% compared
with model estimates for initial radiotherapy needs of 41-45%, 57-61% and 32-37%,
respectively. RT5Y for lung, breast and prostate in urban and rural areas were 52/47%,
59/48% and 42/39%, and for short and long drive times were 51/47%, 57/50% and 42/42%
compared with model estimates for overall radiotherapy needs of 66-83%, 57-61% and
60-61%, respectively.
Radiotherapy rates vary between and within urban and rural areas in British Columbia.
Radiotherapy rates for breast and lung cancer patients are higher, and closer to model
estimates of need, in urban areas and short drive time areas. Radiotherapy rates do
not vary with drive time or rural versus urban classification for patients with prostate
cancer.
Copyright (c) 2010 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All
rights reserved.