Abstract
Ethnic inequalities in colorectal cancer care were reported previously in the United States. Studies specifically reporting on ethnic inequalities in rectal cancer care are limited. This nationwide, population-based observational study aimed to explore potential ethnic inequalities in rectal cancer care in the Netherlands. Data were extracted from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and linked to the Dutch population registry and the Social Statistics Database. All patients diagnosed with rectal carcinoma in 2003–2011 (n = 27,159) were included. Treatment indicators (preoperative radiotherapy and sphincter-sparing surgery) and short-term outcome indicators (anastomotic leakage and 30-day postoperative mortality) were analyzed using stepwise multivariable logistic regression models. Patients of Western non-Dutch and non-Western origin were significantly younger and had a higher tumor stage than ethnic Dutch patients. No ethnic inequalities were detected in preoperative radiotherapy, anastomotic leakage, and 30-day postoperative mortality. After adjustment, Western non-Dutch and non-Western patients were significantly more likely to receive sphincter-sparing surgery. The absence of ethnic inequalities in several indicators suggests that ethnic minority patients have similar chances of optimal rectal cancer care outcomes as Dutch patients.