Time delay barriers in diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer in Nepal.
e19085 Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers represent a major health challenge worldwide including in Nepal where patients (pts) often present with advanced disease and outcomes are poor. The purpose of this study was to quantify and to determine the causes of delay in diagnosis and treatment of GI cancer pts in Nepal. Methods: An IRB-approved cross sectional study was performed in pts with GI cancers at safety net Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. All diagnosed consenting pts, both in- and out-pts, were enrolled. Pts were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire from July 2018 to June 2019. The caregivers were allowed to answer on behalf of illiterate pts. Diagnosis delay was defined as days from first symptoms to pathological diagnosis. Patient delay was defined as days from first symptoms to first medical consultation. Treatment delay was defined as days from diagnosis to surgery and/or treatment by medical/radiation oncologist. Differences in median times to delay were compared with two-tailed t-tests (Prism 8.0) based on the identified potential causes of delays. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 53.5 (22-77) years and 62% were males; 46% were farmers, 29% were housewives, and the rest had various occupations. 73% were outpatient at diagnosis. 46% had gastroesophageal cancer (gastric – 38%; esophagus – 8%) and 54% had colorectal cancer (left sided colon - 23%, right sided colon -13%; rectum 18%). No patients with anal or small bowel cancer were identified. 84% presented with Stage III/ IV disease. 68% were illiterate, 89% had a history of self-medication prior to first medical consultation, 74% were from rural areas with limited healthcare facilities and 79% were unaware of causes of GI cancers. Only self-medication was associated with delays in diagnosis and patient delays (Table). Conclusions: Self-medication rather than seeking help from medical professionals led to significant delays in the diagnosis of GI cancers in Nepal. Reasons for these decisions will be explored in future studies and may be amenable to efforts such as lay navigation. [Table: see text]