Factors Affecting Lung Cancer Stage at Diagnosis
Author Information
Author(s): Christopher G Slatore, Michael K Gould, David H Au, Mark E Deffebach, Emily White
Primary Institution: Portland VA Medical Center
Hypothesis
Other screening behaviors might be associated with a decreased risk of an advanced stage at diagnosis.
Conclusion
Smoking status, education, and a screening activity were associated with stage at diagnosis of NSCLC.
Supporting Evidence
- Subjects who quit smoking <10 years had an increased risk of advanced stage NSCLC.
- College graduates were more often diagnosed with advanced stage disease.
- Receipt of sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy was associated with a decreased risk of advanced stage.
Takeaway
This study found that quitting smoking less than 10 years ago and being a college graduate can increase the risk of being diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, while getting screened can lower that risk.
Methodology
The study used logistic regression to analyze the association of demographic, health history, and health behaviors with stage at diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer.
Potential Biases
There may be residual and unmeasured confounding by access to care and comorbid disease.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to other populations as the cohort includes fewer smokers and is predominantly white and more educated than the general US population.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 50 to 76 years, predominantly white, and included both men and women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.049
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.36 - 0.86
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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