Low neighborhood socioeconomic status is associated with poor outcomes in young adults with colorectal cancer (6 July 2024)

Summary

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer has increased significantly over the past decade. Although there has been research on the relationship between outcomes and socioeconomic status in older adults, data on socioeconomic and racial disparities in younger adults is lacking. This US study in Surgery aimed to fill this gap by investigating factors affecting screening, treatment and outcomes for adults under 50 years at the time of diagnosis.

The authors found that socioeconomic and racial disparities in early-onset colorectal cancer affect diagnosis, treatment and survival. They call for interventions to boost early diagnosis and access to surgery among minorities and patients living in neighbourhoods with low socioeconomic status.