title: Factors affecting receipt of a medical card in a cohort of colorectal cancer patients, 2002-2006.
abstract: The criteria for allocation of medical cards to colorectal cancer patients < 70 were explored. All invasive colorectal cancers diagnosed during 2002-2006 (n = 4,762) were abstracted and linked to the PCRS master file to determine medical card status. Determinants of medical card possession before diagnosis were; age 65-69yr vs. 15-54 yr (OR = 3.95 (95% CI); 3.20-4.88), other status vs. married (OR = 1.89; 1.61-2.23), most vs. least deprived (OR = 3.65; 2.89-4.61), smoker vs. non-smoker (OR = 1.98; 1.64-2.37), ED population density (< 1/ha vs. > 15/ha; OR = 1.47; 1.20-1.80). Determinants of medical card possession after diagnosis were; age 65-69 yr vs. 15-54 yr (OR = 0.77; 0.62-0.96), most vs. least deprived (OR = 2.15; 1.72-2.70), stage IV vs. 1: OR = 2.49; 1.85-3.36), chemotherapy (OR = 2.30; 1.87-2.83), radiotherapy (OR = 1.40; 1.13-1.72), ED population density (< 1/ha vs. > 15/ha; OR = 1.47; 1.19-1.82), HSE South vs. DNML (OR = 1.76; 1.40-2.21). Medical card possession among colorectal cancer patients was determined by greater age and deprivation before diagnosis; and younger age, greater deprivation, advanced stage and treatments warranted by extent of disease after diagnosis. Low population density of ED of residence also predicted card receipt.
authors.affiliation: National Cancer Registry, Building 6800, Cork Airport Business Park, Cork.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McDevitt
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sharp
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: MacDonald
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dwane
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Comber
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000191:economics* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007494:Ireland; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012907:Smoking; D055815:Young Adult