AbstractBackgroundDisparities in treatment selection based on socioeconomic status for prostate cancer exist. However, the association between patient-level income with treatment selection priorities and treatment received has not been studied.MethodsA population-based cohort of 1382 individuals with newly diagnosed prostate cancer was enrolled throughout North Carolina prior to treatment. Patients self-reported household income and were asked about the importance of 12 factors contributing to their treatment decision-making process. Diagnosis details and primary treatment received were abstracted from medical records and cancer registry data.ResultsPatients with lower income were diagnosed with more advanced disease (P< .01). Cure was deemed to be “very important” by more than 90% of patients at all income levels. However, patients with lower vs higher household income were more likely to rate factors beyond cure as “very important” such as cost (P< .01), effect on daily activities (P= .01), duration of treatment (P< .01), recovery time (P< .01), and burden on family and friends (P< .01). On multivariable analysis, high vs low income was associated with increased utilization of radical prostatectomy (odds ratio = 2.01, 95% confidence interval = 1.33 to 3.04;P< .01) and decreased use of radiotherapy (odds ratio = 0.48, 95% confidence interval = 0.31 to 0.75;P< .01).ConclusionsNew insights from this study on the association between income and treatment decision-making priorities provide potential avenues for future interventions to reduce disparities in cancer care.