Increased health care utilization among long‐term cancer survivors compared to the average Dutch population: A population‐based study

Abstract

In the present study, self-reported health care utilization of cancer survivors is compared with those of an age-and gender-matched normative population and predictors of health care utilization are identified. A population-based, cross-sectional survey among 1893 long-term survivors of endometrial and prostate cancer and malignant lymphomas (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's) diagnosed between 1989 and 1998 was conducted using the cancer registry of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre South. Cancer survivors visited their general practitioner somewhat more often compared to the age and gender-matched general Dutch population but this effect was not always statistically significant. In addition, they visited their medical specialist significantly more often. Survivors only sporadically (0-3%) visited or required a dietician, sexologist, oncology nurse, pastor, creative therapy or recovery program. Contact with a psychologist, physiotherapist and other cancer survivors took place somewhat more often. Patients visited a medical specialist less often if they were diagnosed with endometrial cancer (OR 5 0.2; 95% CI 5 0.1-0.5), if they were diagnosed between 10-15 years ago (OR 5 0.6; 95% CI 5 0.1-0.5) and if they were not married or divorced (OR 5 0.5; 95% CI 5 0.3-0.9). Contact with a psychologist was related to having a university or college degree (OR 5 3.6; 95% CI 5 1.3-9.4). Cancer survivors visited their specialist more often compared to the normative population. Changes in health care, such as less administrative work for the specialist and more efficiency, are probably necessary in order to cope adequately with the increasing demand on the system. ' 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Health-related quality of life and health care utilisation among older long-term cancer survivors: A population-based study

“…These same results were also found in another article based on this database. 39 However, in that particular study, we did not make a difference for age groups. A difference in survivors under and above the age of 75 was made in a Dutch study among 10-year breast cancer survivors and the results confirm our findings.…”

A comparative analysis of the health and well-being of cancer survivors to the general population

“…There were no significant differences in use of specialist services such as mental health. Some studies have found that cancer survivors had greater use of GP services [30,22] and medical specialists; other studies have presented mixed evidence [31].…”

Health Care Use Among Endometrial Cancer Survivors: A Study From PROFILES, a Population-Based Survivorship Registry

“…2,3 Moreover, owing to the generally good prognosis of 80% 5-year survival, there is a large and growing group of endometrial cancer survivors. 3 Survivors show an increased specialist care use even long after the end of treatment, 4,5 whereas for primary care use, results are more diverse. Some studies report an increased primary care use among cancer survivors compared to the general population, 6,7 whereas others could not confirm this, possibly owing to small samples.…”

“…Some studies report an increased primary care use among cancer survivors compared to the general population, 6,7 whereas others could not confirm this, possibly owing to small samples. 4,5,8 Health care use differs by cancer type; and therefore, a specific description for endometrial cancer is needed.…”

“…9 Moreover, recent studies found increased health care use among cancer survivors who had more comorbid conditions and who were married. 4,8 An association of health care use with educational level was studied in one prior study, where no association was found. 4 Because obesity is related to increased health care use in the general population, 10 this might also be the case among endometrial cancer suvivors, 11 although no research on this topic has been published.…”