Causes of delay in cancer diagnosis

Objectives: To assess the causes of delay In cancer diagnosis in lower Sindh, Pakistan and to suggest solutions to the problem

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Study Design: ADescriptive study

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Place And Duration: At Nuclear Institute of Medical Radiotherapy, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Pakistan over a period of six months from May 2011 to December 2011

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Methodology: 100 diagnosed cases of cancer admitted to hospital for diagnosis and treatment included in the study

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All patients were interviewed regarding cause of delay in cancer diagnosis and findings were recorded on a printed Performa

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Results: The causes for delay were divided into two groups. Delay in diagnosis [9.24 months] and delay in treatment [1.9 months]. Major causes of delay in diagnosis were consulting various doctors [n=85%], financial problems [n=80%], conveyance problem [n=60%] and lack of education [n=65%]. Major cause of delay in treatment was that a lot of time was taken to carry out the investigations to assess the extent of the disease reach to a final diagnosis. Partly the delay occurred [n=60%] because the patients could not keep their appointments due to transport and financial problems

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Conclusion: Major causes of delay in cancer diagnosis and treatment indicate the pivotal role of primary doctor's ability to suspect, detect and refer patients with cancer to proper cancer care facility