Research Article

ASSESSMENT OF DELAYS AMONGST CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS IN A RADIOTHERAPY FACILITY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Shehu Salihu Umar1*, Adamu Abdullahi2, Aisha Jamila Ahmad3, Oiza Tessy Ahmadu4, Anisa Yahya5
1 Department of Radiology, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
2 Department of Radiology, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Department of Radiation and Clinical Oncology, Ahmadu Bello University, Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching, Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
4 Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
* Corresponding author: shehuumar125@gmail.com
Published: Jan, 2025
DOI: 10.67579/njo.2025.gnod4e8a
Pages: 70-89
Views: 267
Downloads: 196

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, cervical cancer is the 8th commonest malignancy and the fourth commonest in females. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the incidence and mortality from cervical cancer is second only to breast cancer, and actually highest in some of the countries. Most cases of cervical cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa are diagnosed at advanced stages, largely due to the various delays. These include Presentation, Diagnostic, and Treatment delays; which together constitute Total delay.

Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted amongst cervical cancer patients being managed in a tertiary health facility. Patients’ socio-demographic and clinical details were obtained using a semi structured questionnaire and staging was done using the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) 2018 staging system. Each patient was then followed up and their delays were recorded.

Results: A total of 108 cervical cancer patients participated in the study with mean age of 53.7 ± 12.2 years, and 103(95.4%) presenting with advanced disease. The mean Presentation, Diagnostic, Treatment and Total delays were 18.9 ±15.1, 12.9 ±9.5, 10.6 ±9.5 and 42.5 ±21.9 weeks respectively. The use of traditional medication, finance and number of hospitals visited by patients before histology diagnosis; were some of the factors associated with delays.

Conclusion: There were significant delays in cervical cancer patients, with distribution of the various components of delays highlighted along with associated factors. Relevant stakeholders should implement massive health education campaigns, community-based screening, and adequate healthcare financing of cancer treatment to achieve earlier diagnosis and prompt treatment of most of cervical cancer patients.

Keywords

Cervical cancer Presentation delay Diagnostic delay Treatment delay Total delay

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How to Cite

Umar, S. S., Abdullahi, A., Ahmad, A. J., Ahmadu, O. T., & Yahya, A. (2025). ASSESSMENT OF DELAYS AMONGST CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS IN A RADIOTHERAPY FACILITY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY. Nigerian Journal of Oncology, 1(1), 70-89. https://doi.org/10.67579/njo.2025.gnod4e8a

S. S. Umar, A. Abdullahi, A. J. Ahmad, O. T. Ahmadu, and A. Yahya, "ASSESSMENT OF DELAYS AMONGST CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS IN A RADIOTHERAPY FACILITY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY," Nigerian Journal of Oncology, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 70-89, January 2025. doi: 10.67579/njo.2025.gnod4e8a

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