Abstract
Background: Diagnostic delay in cancer remains a major challenge, particularly in low-resource settings, leading to advanced-stage presentation and poor outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the duration and patterns of diagnostic delays in solid organ malignancies and their impact on stage at diagnosis.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from March 2022 to August 2024. A total of 200 patients with solid organ malignancies were included. Data regarding time from symptom onset to diagnosis, stage at presentation, and treatment initiation were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data, while inferential analysis assessed associations between diagnostic delay and stage at diagnosis, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: The median age was 45 years, with 66.5% females. Mean time to diagnosis was longest in lung cancer (156 days), followed by upper GI (123 days), hepatocellular carcinoma (98 days), colorectal (93 days), and breast cancer (72 days). Advanced-stage disease was common, with 100% of lung cancer and 65% of breast cancer presenting at Stage IV. Misdiagnosis as tuberculosis occurred in 85% of lung cancer cases. Mean time to treatment initiation was 7 days.
Conclusion: Significant diagnostic delays contribute to late-stage cancer presentation. Improved awareness, early referral, and diagnostic access are essential to enhance outcomes