Class III obesity and other factors associated with longer wait times for endometrial cancer surgery: a population-based study

Objective — To evaluate the impact of class III obesity (body mass index >40 kg/m²) on wait times for endometrial cancer surgery in Ontario, as well as other factors that influence wait time.

Methods — We performed a population-based cross-sectional study evaluating diagnosis-to-surgery time for women with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, during the period of 2006–2015, using linked administrative databases. Wait time differences between women with and without class III obesity were evaluated using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test. A multivariable generalized linear model under a generalized estimating equations approach was used to evaluate patient factors (i.e., obesity, age, comorbidities, marginalization, recent immigration, diagnosis year, geographic location), tumour characteristics (i.e., grade, stage), provider type (i.e., surgeon specialty), and institutional characteristics (i.e., rurality, hysterectomy volume, availability of minimally invasive surgery) that influence wait times.

Results — In total, 9797 women met the criteria for inclusion; 2171 (22%) had class III obesity. The overall median wait time was 55 days (interquartile range [IQR] 37–77 d) and the median wait time was significantly longer for women with class III obesity (62 [IQR 43–88] vs. 53 [IQR 36–74] d, standardized mean difference, 0.30). Age <40 or >70 years, comorbidities, lower grade disease, surgery at an urban teaching hospital, and surgery at a high-volume hospital with greater availability of minimally invasive surgery were associated with longer wait times. After adjusting for these variables, women with class III obesity waited 12% longer.

Conclusion — Class III obesity, comorbidities, and older age are associated with a longer diagnosis-to-surgery time. As the prevalence of obesity and endometrial cancer rise, processes are needed to promote equitable, timely access to care.