Unique dataset reveals inequality in long-term breast cancer survival

Research by Eva Kimpe (VUB, I-CHER and the Research Centre for Digital Medicine) shows how treatments and socio-economic conditions affect the long-term survival of women with invasive breast cancer. Through a unique linkage of three national databases — the Belgian Cancer Registry, the InterMutualistic Agency, and the Crossroads Bank for Social Security — researchers were able to analyze, at the individual level, the medical trajectories, healthcare costs, socio-economic background, and survival status of all Belgian women diagnosed in 2010.

Key findings

The study shows that age at diagnosis is a decisive factor: the older the patient, the smaller the chance that life expectancy returns to the level of peers without cancer. Treatment type also plays a major role: women who received the then gold standard — surgery followed by chemo- and radiotherapy — have the best survival outcomes.

In addition, socio-economic inequality has a significant impact. Women entitled to increased reimbursement — often a sign of financial vulnerability — were less likely to make a full long-term recovery.

Policy relevance

According to Professor Koen Putman, these findings highlight the importance of accessible healthcare and targeted screening programs, especially for women in vulnerable circumstances. Professor Mark De Ridder notes that the data reflect diagnoses from 2010, and that newer treatments such as immunotherapy and high-precision radiotherapy may have improved survival prospects since then.

Looking ahead

As the dataset continues to expand, it will soon be possible to analyze fifteen- and twenty-year survival rates as well. This research thus provides a powerful tool for understanding inequality in cancer care and for shaping more equitable health policies.

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