Who Receives Optimal Medical Care?

It has long been contended that the upper class receives more personalized care than the lower class and this constitutes superior care. It is also known that for cancer, specialized care obtained as quickly as possible, is essential for recovery. The findings of this study indicate that upper-class patients are treated longer by their physicians than lower-class patients, regardless of the type of practitioner used or the period the patient delayed. However, since "optimal" medical care for cancer is associated with obtaining specialized care-not personalized care-upper-class persons may not, contrary to common belief, be receiving the most effective medical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]