Diagnostic Window Prior to a Haematological Cancer Diagnosis and the Association With Patient Pathways: A Nationwide Register-Based Cohort Study on Healthcare Utilization in Denmark.

objectivesThis study investigated healthcare utilisation in general practice and hospitals in the 2 years preceding a diagnosis of haematological cancer and the association with patient pathways.

methodsThe nationwide register-based cohort study included 12 994 patients diagnosed with leukaemia, multiple myeloma and lymphoma in 2014-2018 and 10 matched references. Patient pathways were analysed in unplanned routes (acute admission up to 1 month's prior diagnosis) and elective routes (other routes, e.g., cancer patient pathways).

resultsFemale patients in unplanned diagnostic pathways had more contacts to general practice from 19 months before the diagnosis compared to their matched references; with IRR increasing from 1.14 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.24) to 2.27 (95% CI 2.13-2.41) at 30-60 days before the diagnosis. Female patients had more point-of-care tests, hospital contacts and radiological investigations at 17, 24 and 17 months, respectively, before diagnosis compared to their references. Similar patterns were seen for male patients, although with a later onset of increase. No healthcare use variations were seen between patients diagnosed in unplanned versus elective pathways.

conclusionsIncreased healthcare utilisation was seen in general practice and hospitals up to 24 months preceding a diagnosis, which may indicate a diagnostic window for detecting haematological cancer earlier.