In:
Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Vol. 31, No. 15_suppl ( 2013-05-20), p. e17563-e17563
Abstract:
e17563 Background: Cancer is a major health concern among Canada’s northern Inuit population. Limited Inuit specific data exists on the geographical isolation and the effect on treatment outcomes of Inuit referred to urban hospitals for cancer treatment. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all Inuit referred to the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre from Nunavut, Canada (distance: 1298 miles) between 2001-2011 was conducted. Demographic, diagnostic and treatment related information was collected on all patients, including the number of visits made by each Inuit patient from Nunavut to OHCC for treatment. Results: 234 Inuit (male: 74, female: 160) were referred to OHCC with a diagnosis of cancer. Mean age at diagnosis was 58.5 years (sd 14.61). Over half the patients were current smokers (54%) and 39% of patients had a history of tuberculosis (TB). Among Inuit men, lung (n=32, 43%), colorectal (n=11, 14%) and nasopharyngeal (n=9, 12%) cancer were the most common diagnosis. Among Inuit women, the most common cancers were lung (n=72, 45%), colorectal (n=32, 20%), breast (n=21, 13%), cervical (n=11, 7%) and nasopharyngeal (n=7, 4%). Metastatic disease at presentation was common (n=76, 38%). Primary cancer was amenable to surgery in n=57 patients. An equivalent number of patients (n=82) received adjuvant/definitive radiation therapy (RXT) and adjuvant chemotherapy, with n=52 receiving chemoradiation. Palliative RXT and chemotherapy was received by 64 and 51 patients, respectively. Among patients receiving chemotherapy, there were no cases of TB reactivation and no treatment related serious adverse outcomes or deaths. Average number of trips made to Ottawa for treatment was n=7 (sd 7.90) with the upper quartile averaging n=10 trips. Conclusions: Lung, colorectal and nasopharyngeal cancers are over-represented among Canadian Inuit, who often present with advanced disease. Travel burden is significant among patients receiving treatment. Improved cancer screening and oral molecularly targeted therapies that can be delivered in remote northern communities are likely to improve the experience and treatment outcomes among Canadian Inuit.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0732-183X
,
1527-7755
DOI:
10.1200/jco.2013.31.15_suppl.e17563
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Publication Date:
2013
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2005181-5
