5. Location Matters: Why Your Zip Code Can Affect Your Prognosis
If you think your geographical location only impacts your weekend plans, think again. Believe it or not, where you live can affect your BCC prognosis. Sunnier places like Florida or Southern California report a higher number of BCC cases compared to areas with less UV exposure. Yet, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Research has unveiled disparities in healthcare access, dependent on location. Metropolitan areas with cutting-edge healthcare facilities often report better prognoses for BCC. This isn’t just a case of better doctors but an entire ecosystem that supports early diagnosis and advanced treatment options.
You might think that these factors only apply to different countries or states, but that’s not entirely accurate. Even within a single city, your zip code can be a predictor for your BCC prognosis. Areas with lower socio-economic status often have less access to healthcare resources, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatments. (5)