preprints.org > medicine and pharmacology > pediatrics, perinatology and child health > doi: 10.20944/preprints201809.0156.v2

Preprint Article Version 2 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 8 September 2018 / Approved: 10 September 2018 / Online: 10 September 2018 (08:29:35 CEST)
Version 2 : Received: 9 May 2020 / Approved: 10 May 2020 / Online: 10 May 2020 (18:21:17 CEST)

Background: Cancer has been one of the most critical health problems during the past decades which require serious consideration, especially in developing countries. Methods: 80 parents of the children with different types of cancers were studied via both questionnaire and person-to-person interview after announcing their informed consent. Results: The highest delay in patients' initial referral was due to the following factors: lack of attention or ignoring the first symptoms, delay in referring to the physician, low economic status and even lack of family support for the patient. In addition, visiting several doctors after the initial diagnosis, uncertainty about the first proposed method, and high cost of treatment can be mentioned as the main causes of delays in the start of treatment. Conclusion: Education plays an important role in identifying the signs of cancer. In addition, proper relationship and cooperation between the health system and physicians as well as provision of adequate information to patients could lead to the long-term cooperation of these patients in continuing their treatment.

cancer; delay in referral; children; delay in diagnosis; delay in treatment

Medicine and Pharmacology, Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

* All users must log in before leaving a comment