The late-stage diagnosis of colorectal cancer: demographic and socioeconomic factors.

OBJECTIVES

This study described factors related to colorectal cancer stage at diagnosis.

METHODS

Logistic regression analyses were used on data from the New York State Tumor Registry and US Census area-level social class indicators.

RESULTS

After the effects of other predictors were controlled for, the odds of late-stage cancer increased as age decreased; women and African Americans were significantly more likely to have late stage than men and Whites; and individuals living in areas of low socioeconomic status (SES) were significantly more likely to be diagnosed at late stage than those living in higher SES areas. Stratified analyses showed that living in a low SES area was the most important determinant of stage for all age, race, gender and source-of-care groups.

CONCLUSIONS

While all populations would benefit from the systematic use of screening socioeconomically disadvantaged groups may also benefit from targeted screening.