Use and Timeliness of Radiation Therapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery in Low-Income Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: To characterize overall receipt and timeliness of radiation therapy (RT) following breast-conserving surgery among Medicaid-insured patients. Method: State cancer registry data linked with Medicaid claims from 2003 to 2009 were analyzed. Multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazards regressions were employed. Results: Overall, 81% of patients received guideline-recommended RT. Significant variation in timing of RT initiation was documented. Having fewer comorbitidies and receiving chemotherapy were correlated with higher odds of RT initiation within 1 year. Conclusion: Although RT use in Medicaid-insured women appears to have improved since earlier studies, documented delays in RT are troublesome and warrant further investigation.

Keywords :

• Breast cancer
• Quality
• Medicaid
• Radiation therapy
• Breast-conserving surgery