Abstract
605 Background: Although the use of radiation therapy is increasing, there exists geographic variation among the distribution of radiation oncologists. The impact of this variation on colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes remains unexplored. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of radiation oncologist density on CRC mortality. Methods: Using county-level data from the 2008 Area Resource File, National Program for Cancer Registries, and US Centers for Disease Control, a regression model was constructed for CRC mortality, controlling for county-level categorized radiation oncologists density, demographics, socioeconomic status and existing healthcare facilities. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in CRC mortality (reduction in mortality ranging from 12% to 47%, p<0.001) associated with counties that possessed at least one radiation oncologist. However, increasing the county density to greater than two radiation oncologists per 100,000 people had no statistically significant reduction in CRC mortality. Conclusions: The presence of a radiation oncologist is associated with lowered mortality for CRC within that county, but increasing radiation oncologist density does not yield further improvements. Therefore, as the use of radiation therapy to treat CRC increases, a detailed understanding of distribution of the radiation oncologists is essential for providing the greatest improvement in cancer mortality outcomes. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Published Version
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