Delay in Cancer Diagnosis: Causes and Possible Solutions

Abstract

Cancer is the leading cause of death in developed and developing countries. Cancer mortality is expected to rise to an estimated 13.1 million deaths annually by 2030. However, certain types of cancer have a high chance of cure if they are detected at an early stage and adequately treated. The delays in cancer diagnosis may occur throughout the diagnostic pathway: patient, primary care, and secondary care. Patient delays may occur when the patient fails to recognise and act on suspicious cancer symptoms. Poor public awareness for early symptoms of cancer is considered to be the predominant reason for delayed presentation, particularly if symptoms are atypical in nature. A recent community-based study measuring public awareness of cancer symptoms in Oman showed that the majority of Omanis were unable to identify common cancer symptoms. These included unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, change in bowel or bladder habits, sores that did not heal, unexplained pain, cough or hoarseness, unexplained lump or swelling, change in the appearance of a mole, and unexplained weight loss. The study also showed that the most reported barriers to seeking timely medical help included being too busy to make an appointment, concern about what the doctor might find, and difficulty talking to the doctor. The study concluded that urgent strategies are needed to increase public awareness in Oman for cancer symptoms.

Keywords