Colorectal cancer trends in Chile: a Latin-American country with marked socioeconomic inequities

TL;DR

This study analyzes the ten-year trends of colorectal cancer incidence, mortality, and survival in Chile, highlighting socioeconomic disparities and the impact of healthcare access programs.

Contribution

It provides the first comprehensive epidemiological analysis of CRC in Chile, assessing the influence of socioeconomic factors and healthcare access on outcomes.

Findings

Incidence and mortality rates vary across socioeconomic groups.

Access to CRC treatment significantly improves survival.

Socioeconomic inequities influence CRC outcomes.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent malignant disease in the world. In some countries with established screening programs, its incidence and mortality have decreased, and survival has improved. AIMS: To obtain reliable data about the epidemiology of CRC in Chile, we analyzed the trends in the last ten years and the influence of observable factors on survival, including explicit guarantees in CRC treatment access (GES program). Publicly available data published by the Health Ministry and National Institute of Statistics were used. Data were obtained from registries of mortality and hospital discharges, making follow-up of the individuals possible. Crude and age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated, and individual survival was studied by constructing Kaplan-Meier curves. Finally, a Cox statistical model was established to estimate the impact of the observable factors.