Temple University Study Highlights Impact of Insurance on Late-Stage Colorectal Cancer in Pennsylvania
A recent study conducted by Temple University has revealed significant findings regarding the diagnosis of late-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) in Pennsylvania. The research, published in Cancer Epidemiology, examined the effects of area-level deprivation, healthcare access, and individual health insurance status on late-stage CRC diagnoses. The study analyzed data from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry, covering the period from 2008 to 2017, and included 34,250 adults diagnosed with primary CRC. The findings indicate that individuals with government insurance were more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage compared to those with private insurance. Moreover, the absence of health insurance was strongly associated with an increased likelihood of late-stage diagnosis. The study also found that late-stage CRC was less common among older individuals, Black and other racial groups compared to white individuals, and those living in suburban areas compared to urban ones. 
