Cancer patients from poor neighbourhoods have a greater chance of dying prematurely than their wealthier counterparts, says a new study, describing a problem that persists despite universal health care in Canada.

Much of the literature on the topic, especially in the United States, has partially explained this disparity by saying it is due to the fact that poorer people are diagnosed when their cancer is at a later stage. But this particular study of Ontario patients didn't find that to be the case.

Read the entire Toronto Star article here.