The relationship between socioeconomic status and treatment for prostate cancer in a universal healthcare system: A population-based analysis.

361 Background: A large body of research has shown that there are strong socioeconomic disparities in access to cancer treatment. However, whether these inequalities persist among men with prostate cancer has not been previously explored in the equal-access, universal Canadian health care system. The aim of this study is to compare whether socioeconomic status is associated with the type of treatment received (radical prostatectomy (RP) versus radiation therapy (RT)) for men diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer in Manitoba, Canada. Methods: Men who were diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer between 2004 and 2016 and subsequently treated with RP or RT were identified using the CancerCare Manitoba Registry and linked to provincial databases. SES was defined as neighbourhood income by postal code and divided into income quintiles (Q1-Q5, with Q1 the lowest quintile and Q5 the highest). Multivariable logistic regression nested models were used to compare whether socioeconomic status was associated with treatment type received. Results: We identified 4,560 individuals between 2004-2016 who were diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer. 2,554 men were treated with RP and 2,006 with RT.As income quintile increased, men were more likely to undergo RP than RT (Q3 vs Q1: aOR 1.45 (1.09-1.92); Q5 vs. Q1: aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.52-2.86). Conclusions: Despite a universal health care system, socioeconomic inequities are present for men seeking primary treatment for prostate cancer. Further investigation into the decision making process among patients diagnosed with prostate cancer may inform decision making to ameliorate these disparities.