Abstract 1863
Background
The waiting time for cancer diagnosis and treatment could influence patients’ survival. However, in Poland the waiting time is still long. In Poland, medical care is financed by the government and free for patients, but in a situation of long waiting times for diagnostic tests or in cases where it is impossible to obtain some other health services, patients use the private sector. The rationale for this study was to figure out if there are any difficulties in the oncological system and assessment of whether patients have to use the private sector.
Methods
The study was carried out on a group of 384 patients who were being treated for malignant neoplasm in five oncological centers in Poland. A questionnaire was prepared specifically for this study and each patient was interviewed individually. The questionnaire was validated on a group of 20 patients. The measure of compliance was calculated using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee. All of the participants had submitted a signed consent form.
Results
202 women and 180 men (2 no data) were analyzed, median age 65 years. 67% of patients declared problems with getting social service and significant differences in getting social service were observed between various regions of Poland (p < 0.001). One third of patients (32%) used private services during the diagnostic process. Patients with higher education showed significantly more frequent problems (p = 0.03). 91% of patients declared difficulties during treatment. Those who showed significantly more frequent problems were: women (p = 0.04), younger patients (p = 0.0015), professionally active (p = 0.025) with higher education (p < 0.001), living in cities (p = 0.016). More than half of patients with higher education (54%) paid for healthcare services in comparison with patients with lower education levels (average 25%) (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Cancer patients have some difficulties in the oncological system in Poland. The younger people, those with higher education, the professionally active, and those living in cities seem to be more aware of their rights. The proper solution could be to introduce corrections in oncological organization to avoid the need of using private services.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Resources from the same session
4758 - A Phase I Study of the CDK4/6 Inhibitor, Palbociclib in combination with Cetuximab and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN); A Result of Dose Escalation Cohort
Presenter: Nuttapong Ngamphaiboon
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2607 - Single cycle induction treatment with Cisplatin/Docetaxel plus Durvalumab/Tremelimumab in Stage III-IVB head and neck squamous cell cancer (CheckRad-CD8 trial)
Presenter: Markus Hecht
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
1388 - Radiotherapy plus cisplatin (CDDP) or cetuximab (C225) in human papilloma-virus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC)? A dillema finally resolved. An updated meta-analysis.
Presenter: Petar Suton
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
1478 - Treatment outcomes of head and neck cancer patients 70 years and older receiving different chemo-radiation combinations.
Presenter: Majd Issa
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3985 - Brachytherapy and non-cancer mortality in patients with oral cavity and oropharynx SCCs
Presenter: Jovian Yu
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
4036 - Final results of a phase II study of induction chemotherapy (CT) with paclitaxel (PTX) and panitumumab (P) followed by radiotherapy (RT) and P in patients (pts) with locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) no candidates to platinum: study PANTERA
Presenter: Javier Martinez Trufero
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
4779 - Window of Opportunity for Durvalumab (MEDI4736) plus Metformin Trial in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN): interim safety analysis
Presenter: Tony Richa
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2757 - Severe Oral Mucositis (SOM) Mitigation by Genetically Modified Lactococcus Lactis Bacteria (LLB) Producing Human Trefoil Factor 1 (hTFF1; AG013) in Patients Being Treated With Concomitant Chemoradiation (CRT) for Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancers (OCOPC)
Presenter: Suraj Singh
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5559 - Transcriptome signatures of treatment responses in a preoperative window of opportunity trial of nivolumab and tadalafil in resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Presenter: Sanket Shukla
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3263 - Risk and Impact of Renal Impairment of Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Who Received Chemoradiotherapy with Cisplatin
Presenter: Thana Patimarattananan
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract