The Impact of Travel Distance on Cancer Stage at Diagnosis for Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Mohamed Khalis, Saber Boutayeb, Inge Huybrechts, Lahcen Belyamani, Chaimaa Elattabi, Najoua Lamchabbek, Elodie Faure

Journal: International journal of environmental research and public health 2025;22(4):

PMID: 40283744

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Geographic access to healthcare services can impact cancer outcomes. This paper reviews and updates the current evidence and gaps in the literature on the associations between travel distance and cancer stage.

METHODS

A search of electronic databases (PubMed, SpringerLink, and Science Direct) was conducted to identify studies published between 2015 and 2025. Studies examining the association between travel distance and cancer stage at diagnosis were included in this article.

RESULTS

From 19,197 studies, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. In summary, four articles reported significant associations between travel distance/time and cancer stage, while six other articles did not report any association. Significant associations were observed in sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast, studies from Scotland, Canada, and the United States did not show significant relationships, while results from Japan varied, with papers showing either no significant impact of travel distance or indicating a correlation with advanced stages.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that longer travel distance is associated with advanced cancer stage in countries with healthcare access challenges and highlights the importance of healthcare accessibility in improving early cancer detection.

Address: Department of Public Health and Clinical Research, Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat 10112, Morocco.; Mohammed VI International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca 82403, Morocco.; Department of Public Health and Clinical Research, Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat 10112, Morocco.; Department of Public Health and Clinical Research, Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat 10112, Morocco.; Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca 43150, Morocco.; International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, 69366 Lyon, France.; French Network for Nutrition and Cancer Research (Nacre Network), 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, Gustave Roussy, CESP, 94805 Villejuif, France.; Department of Public Health and Clinical Research, Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat 10112, Morocco.; Mohammed VI International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca 82403, Morocco.; Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Rabat, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Rabat 10000, Morocco.

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22040518

Link outs

Free resources

Full Text Sources:

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/travelershealth.html

Miscellaneous:

https://assays.cancer.gov/CPTAC-1496

MeSH Terms: Humans, Travel, Neoplasms, Health Services Accessibility, Neoplasm Staging