Where you live can influence your chances of surviving blood cancer in NSW

New research led by the Daffodil Centre, a partnership between Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney, has found that Australians living in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged communities continue to experience poorer cancer survival outcomes than those living in the most advantaged areas. 

People diagnosed with multiple myeloma in disadvantaged areas of NSW are more likely to die from the disease than those living in more affluent areas, according to the research. 

Published in Cancer Control, the population-based study examined outcomes for 6,030 people diagnosed with multiple myeloma in NSW between 2008 and 2019. Researchers found the five-year risk of death from multiple myeloma was substantially higher for people living in lower and medium socioeconomic areas compared to those in higher socioeconomic areas. 

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. While survival from the disease has improved significantly in recent decades due to advances in treatment, the study found not everyone is benefiting equally.  

Lead author Professor Xue Qin Yu from the Daffodil Centre, said the findings highlight persistent inequities in cancer outcomes, “it is concerning that where a person lives and their socioeconomic circumstances can influence their chances of surviving multiple myeloma.”  

The study found that people in higher socioeconomic areas were more likely to receive an autologous stem cell transplant, a standard treatment for eligible patients with multiple myeloma, and were more likely to receive care at principal referral or private hospitals.  

When these factors were taken into account, much of the survival difference between socioeconomic groups was explained, suggesting disparities in access to treatment and specialist care may be driving poorer outcomes.  

Professor Yu says, the good news is that these disparities appear to be linked to factors that may be modifiable, “our findings suggest there is an urgent need to better understand and address barriers that prevent some people from accessing optimal treatment and care.” 

Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Cancer Council NSW, Brad Gellert, said the findings reinforce the need to ensure every person affected by cancer can access high-quality care regardless of where they live or their circumstances, “no one should face poorer cancer outcomes because of avoidable barriers to treatment and care. 

“These findings highlight the importance of continuing to identify and address the inequities that exist across our health system, so that every person with cancer has a fair opportunity to benefit from advances in treatment.” 

Mr Gellert says cancer outcomes should not be determined by a person’s postcode, income or ability to navigate the health system, “reducing these avoidable disparities must remain a priority.” 

The authors say further research is needed to better understand barriers to treatment and specialist care and to identify opportunities to improve equity across the cancer care pathway. 

If you have any questions about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.