Seventy-six percent of oncologists reported seeing an increasing number of patients presenting with advanced-stage cancer. Of those, 75% attributed the increase to screening barriers, according to a survey published May 13 by the Harris Poll on behalf of Quest Diagnostics.
The Harris Poll surveyed 174 medical oncologists and 76 surgical oncologists on their experiences with advanced-stage cancer diagnoses and recurrence between Aug. 6 and Sept. 4.
Here are five notes on their findings:
- Almost all oncologists surveyed (92%) expressed concern that economically disadvantaged or marginalized patients are unable to access quality cancer care.
- After attributing the increasing number of patients presenting with advanced-stage cancers to screening barriers, 48% of oncologists attributed the rise to the aging population, 43% to lifestyle factors and 32% to unknown factors.
- According to the survey, 79% of oncologists said they have had patients whose cancer recurrence was missed while still in the early disease stage.
Of those, 68% attributed the missed early-stage recurrence to patients missing, skipping or delaying follow-up care and monitoring appointments. - Patients skip or delay follow-up care and monitoring due to fear — of the testing procedure, the test results and/or more treatment — according to 62% of oncologists surveyed, closely followed by financial reasons or insurance limitations at 59%.
- Half of oncologists said early stage cancer recurrences are missed on imaging tests and 30% said they are missed on laboratory tests.
Of the survey respondents, 88% said minimal residual disease testing should be incorporated into the standard of care for monitoring cancer recurrence.
Read the full survey results here.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.