Treatment disparities among elderly colon cancer patients in the United States using SEER-Medicare data

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and cause of cancer‑related death in the United States, yet survival depends heavily on early detection and appropriate treatment. This historic cohort study used SEER‑Medicare data (2000–2005) to examine whether older adults with stage I–III colon cancer received less cancer‑directed therapy than younger seniors. Patients were grouped in five‑year age increments starting at 65. Multivariate logistic regression showed that adults aged 70–74 and older were significantly less likely to receive cancer‑directed therapy, and those over 90 had increased odds of inadequate lymph node examination. Older age predicted poorer survival, with the greatest mortality among patients who did not receive cancer‑directed therapy. Findings highlight substantial age‑related disparities in treatment and outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries with colon cancer.