What characteristics of primary care and patients are associated with early death in patients with lung cancer in the UK? [1]
Lung cancer cases 2000-2013 in the UK Health Improvement Network were evaluated for factors associated with early death (within 90 days of diagnosis) vs later death. Risk factors for early death included male sex, older age, current smoking, social deprivation, and rural location. Those experiencing early death saw their primary care physicians more frequently prior to diagnosis, possibly representing missed opportunities to make an earlier diagnosis.