A recent cohort study published in JAMA Network Open examines the five-year survival rates among patients with oral cancer in India, highlighting significant geographic disparities in outcomes. The study underscores the influence of regional variations in healthcare access and quality on patient survival, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals globally.
The research analysed data from 14,059 patients diagnosed with oral cancer across ten population-based cancer registries in India. The overall five-year survival rate was found to be 37.2%. However, survival rates varied significantly between regions, with the highest being 48.0% and the lowest at 19.3%. These disparities suggest that access to timely diagnosis and quality treatment differs markedly across the country.
While the study focuses on India, the implications are relevant for healthcare providers:
Awareness of Disparities: Recognising that geographic and socioeconomic factors can impact cancer outcomes is crucial. In Australia, rural and remote communities may face similar challenges, emphasising the need for equitable healthcare access nationwide.
Early Detection Initiatives: Implementing and supporting community-based screening and education programmes can facilitate early diagnosis of oral cancer, particularly in underserved areas.
Resource Allocation: Advocating for policies that address healthcare disparities and ensure that all patients, regardless of location, have access to high-quality cancer care is essential.
The study highlights the significant impact of geographic disparities on oral cancer survival rates in India. For all clinicians, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing healthcare inequities to improve cancer outcomes across diverse populations.
Paper: Sathishkumar K, Sankarapillai J, Santhappan S, et al. Geographic Disparities in Oral Cancer Survival From 10 Population-Based Cancer Registries in India. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(4):e253910. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.3910. Access online here.
