The Medicare effect on head and neck cancer diagnosis and survival

BackgroundUninsured individuals age 55-64 experience disproportionately poor outcomes compared to their insured counterparts. Adequate coverage may prevent these delays. This study investigates a Medicare-effect on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnosis and treatment. MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for persons ages 60-70 years in the United States from 2000 to 2016 with HNSCC. A Medicare effect was defined as an increase in incidence, reduction in advanced stage presentation, and/or decrease in cancer-specific mortality (CSM). ResultsCompared to their Medicaid or uninsured counterparts, patients age 65 have an increased incidence of HNSCC diagnosis, reduction in advanced stage presentation, decrease in cancer-specific mortality, and higher likelihood of receiving cancer-specific surgery. ConclusionsPatients age 65 with Medicare have decreased incidence of HNSCC, less hazard of late-stage diagnosis, and lower cancer-specific mortality than their Medicaid or uninsured counterparts, supporting the idea of a Medicare effect in HNSCC.

Automated summary

Uninsured individuals aged 55-64 have worse outcomes compared to their insured counterparts. Adequate coverage can prevent these delays. This study investigates the impact of Medicare on the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).