Analysis of patients who decline treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: National perspective

Abstract

Background: To analyze demographic and socioeconomic factors that influence patients' decisions to decline treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis utilizing the National Cancer Data Base of patients with oral cavity/oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal SCC. Results: A total of 166 204 patients were included, of which 689 patients declined all treatment. Among early-stage (I-II) patients, Charlson/Deyo score ≥ 3, hypopharyngeal cancer, and no insurance or Medicare were more likely to decline all recommended treatment (P