Reasons behind late presentation of cancer patients to radiotherapy department of a tertiary Hospital in Southern Odisha: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of cancer is increasing worldwide. Early diagnosis with appropriate therapeutic interventions is essential for better treatment outcome. Identification and necessary modifications of factors responsible for delayed presentation might increase the life expectancy or quality of living. This study aims to identify the factors responsible for delayed presentation of cancer patients to radiotherapy department.Methods: This is a quantitative descriptive study, done with in a period from August 2018 to October 2019, among 120 cancer patients of different stages presenting to OPD of Radiotherapy department of M.K.C.G Medical College. Data were collected by using pretested semi-structured questionnaires, entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0.Results: A total of 120 cancer patients, 60 from each early and late stage had participated in the study. The mean age of presentation was 53.19 years. The number of male patients were 54 and female were 66. Maximum patients had addiction of chewing tobacco. When the time interval from appearance of symptoms to diagnosis were compared, 1 – 3 months were taken by 45% of early stage and 28.3% of late stage patients. Similarly, <1week time was taken from diagnosis to start of treatment in 25% and 13.3% in respective groups. Comparison of educational status (p=0.001), difference between primary and secondary delay (p<0.05), and socio-economic status (p=0.008) between both the groups were found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Factors responsible for delayed presentation are related both to patient and system. Educating common people regarding early sign symptoms, emphasizing early detection at grass root level, proper referral and by upgrading existing oncology facilities, we can avoid adverse treatment outcome.