Geographical disparities in treatment and health care costs for end-of-life cancer patients in China: a retrospective study.
Anli LengJun JingStephen NicholasJian WangPublished in: BMC cancer (2019)
We found significant urban-rural and regional disparities in EOL types of cancer treatment, utilization of medical care and the health care expenditures. The EOL cancer care costs imposed heavy economic burdens in China.We recommend better clinical guidelines, improved EOL conversations and fuller information on treatment regimes among patients, family caregivers and doctors. Policies and information should pay more attention to palliative care options and the socio-cultural context of cancer care decision-making by family.