Understanding survival disparities in cancer care: A population-based study on mobility patterns

A recent study published in Health Data Science, led by Dr. Fengyu Wen from the Institute of Medical Technology at Peking University Health Science Center and Professor Luxia Zhang from the National Institute of Health Data Science at Peking University, reveals significant survival disparities among cancer patients depending on their mobility patterns for medical care.

The study analyzed data from over 20,000 cancer patients in Shandong Province, China, to assess the impact of intra-city, local center, and national center mobility patterns on survival rates. Patients who traveled to local or national healthcare centers had higher five-year survival rates compared to those who remained in their residential cities for treatment​. Specifically, the five-year survival rate was 69.3% for patients treated in local or national centers, compared to 65.4% for intra-city patients​.

These findings highlight critical disparities in healthcare resource allocation and quality across regions. Patients seeking care in national or local centers often have access to more advanced treatments, better medical infrastructure, and experienced medical teams. However, such mobility also brings financial and psychological burdens, raising concerns about healthcare equity​.

Dr. Fengyu Wen emphasized, “Our study underscores the importance of addressing survival disparities by improving the quality of cancer care in cities with limited healthcare resources. Future efforts should focus on optimizing healthcare accessibility and reducing barriers to high-quality cancer treatment.”

Looking ahead, the research team plans to incorporate more detailed data, including cancer stages and diagnosis timelines, to further refine their understanding of mobility patterns and survival outcomes. These insights will support the development of evidence-based strategies to reduce healthcare inequities and improve overall cancer patient survival.