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Large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is the most common lymphoma subtype, with diffuse LBCL (DLBCL) accounting for 30%-40% of new lymphoma cases. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) is widely used for prognostic assessment in DLBCL. Clinical features associated with a poorer prognosis, such as advanced disease stage, could be a consequence of delayed diagnosis, which in turn may be influenced by a patient's socioeconomic status. While healthcare in Finland aims to ensure equal access to timely and high-quality treatment for all, disparities still exist. In this study we evaluated the impact of patients' socioeconomic status on their access to diagnostic procedures.

Patient data was prospectively collected from seven hospitals between October 2014 and March 2020 in Finland. A total of 160 patients provided information regarding their diagnostic pathway and socioeconomic status via questionnaire. The data was combined with clinical data from patient records.

The symptoms to treatment interval (STI) varied between age groups (p = 0.019), marital status groups (p = 0.023), and healthcare providers. In addition, age, income level, and occupational status (all p < 0.001) influenced which healthcare provider patients used as their first place of contact.

In this prospective study, we analyzed the impact of patients' socioeconomic status on treatment delays within the treatment pathway. Socioeconomic status was found to have a significant effect on these delays. The delays varied not only between different socioeconomic groups but also across different healthcare providers.