Key result
Decreased transit access linked to ~9% higher odds of low quality of life in cancer patients.
Why the study?
Cancer patients are vulnerable to inadequate transit access due to frequent medical appointments and treatment-related toxicity, but the relationship between public transit access, quality of life, pain, and fatigue needed evaluation.
Does decreased public transit access worsen quality of life, pain, and fatigue in adults with cancer?
Population
31,126 adults with cancer enrolled in the NIH All of Us cohort
Comparison
Distance to public transit
Design
Cohort study
Authors
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Transit barriers may warrant screening in oncology; extends built-environment evidence but leaves causal effects open.
Cohort (n=31,126)
Yes
Does decreased public transit access worsen quality of life, pain, and fatigue in adults with cancer?
Effect estimate: aOR 1.09 (95% CI 1.00-1.19)
p-value: p=0.04
Decreased public transit access is significantly associated with worse quality of life, increased pain and fatigue, and more frequent care delays among adults with cancer.
Ivanson et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Cancer (n=31,126). Decreased public transit access (>15 minutes away) vs. Adequate public transit access was evaluated on Low Quality of Life (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.00-1.19, p=0.04). Decreased public transit access was associated with higher odds of low quality of life (aOR 1.09; 95% CI 1.00-1.19; P=0.04), moderate/high pain, and fatigue among adults with cancer.
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