The team, however, did find a seven percent decline in the likelihood of advanced stage colorectal cancer after the reform law went into effect in Massachusetts, compared to diagnoses recorded in data from other states. When extrapolating their findings to the entire U.S., the group estimated 2,100 fewer late-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses among non-elderly patients annually. Sabik asserts that because the Affordable Care Act shared many of the same key elements as the Massachusetts health reform law, it should be examined in a similar fashion.

"The Affordable Care Act affected patients in all states and shared many of the key elements of the Massachusetts health reform. Available data show that early stage cancer diagnoses increased following the Affordable Care Act, though most research to date only examined the period immediately following reform," she said. "It will be important to continue to track the longer term impacts of the Affordable Care Act on timely cancer diagnosis, as well as access to high-quality care."

Research was funded by grants from the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute. The Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation also contributed to funding.

The study was published in the journal, Medical Care.

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