A retrospective study on accessibility of palliative radiation therapy in the management of prostate cancer in British Columbia

Timely administration of palliative radiation therapy (PRT) to manage symptoms derived from advanced prostate cancer is necessary to help alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life. Despite PRT being an effective treatment, analyzing utilization rates in British Columbia (BC), Canada for palliative purposes implies it is an under-utilized medical resource. Access to and utilization of radiation therapy (RT) is lower in remote geographical regions and higher in urban regions where a cancer care facility is close in proximity suggesting the presence of geographical barrier affecting access to health care and services. Equitable access to PRT can be achieved by reducing barriers such as geographical distance. This retrospective cohort study describes accessibility of PRT in the management of prostate cancer and the impact of an additional facility on improving access to PRT.