Researchers of a recent study reviewed 809 patients with stage IV gastrointestinal (GI) cancer in Minnesota from 2011 to 2019, analyzing healthcare contact days from diagnosis to death. Patients spent 25.8% of their remaining life in healthcare, mostly in outpatient visits. Older age, Black race, and absence of systemic cancer treatment were associated with more contact days. Healthcare contacts peaked in the first month after diagnosis and before death, showing a U-shaped distribution. The researchers concluded that patients with advanced GI cancer frequently use healthcare services, especially around the times of diagnosis and end-of-life, stressing the need for efficient and appropriate care planning for this population with limited time.

Reference: Patel VR, Ramesh V, Tsai AK, et al. Health Care Contact Days Experienced by Decedents With Advanced GI Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract. 2023;19(11):1031-1038. doi:10.1200/OP.23.00232