Sociodemographic disparities in laryngeal cancer: a systematic review of their impact on diagnosis, treatment access and survival
摘要
To synthesize the available evidence on the influence of sociodemographic factors on the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with laryngeal cancer.
MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420251101532), PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies published between January 2015 and June 2025. Observational or experimental studies involving adults with laryngeal cancer that assessed disparities related to stage at diagnosis, treatment, survival or recurrence were included. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Due to heterogeneity, results were narratively synthesized.
ResultsFifteen observational studies met inclusion criteria. Male sex was associated with higher incidence and poorer overall survival, whereas women, though more frequently diagnosed at advanced stages, showed better survival. Married patients had greater access to definitive treatment and improved outcomes compared with single or widowed individuals. Black race, low socioeconomic or educational level, and lack of insurance were linked to more advanced-stage diagnoses, reduced access to standard therapy, and higher mortality, although racial disparities decreased in systems with equitable healthcare. Rural residence correlated with later diagnosis but showed inconsistent effects on survival.
ConclusionSociodemographic disparities in laryngeal cancer outcomes appear to be associated with structural barriers rather than biological differences. Promoting equitable healthcare access, minimizing economic obstacles, and reinforcing social support networks are essential strategies to enhance survival and overall equity in laryngeal cancer care.