Investigating Factors Associated with Delays in Referral, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Patients with Cancer in Reference Oncology Hospitals in West Azerbaijan Province

Mehranfar, Sahar; Parvishi, Atefeh; Heidari, Mohammad; Ravanyar, Leila

doi:https://doi.org/10.61186/hsm.4.4.304

Volume 4, Issue 4 (November 2025) Health Science Monitor 2025, 4(4): 304-309 | Back to browse issues page

‎ https://doi.org/10.61186/hsm.4.4.304

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Mehranfar S, Parvishi A, Heidari M, Ravanyar L. Investigating Factors Associated with Delays in Referral, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Patients with Cancer in Reference Oncology Hospitals in West Azerbaijan Province. Health Science Monitor 2025; 4 (4) :304-309
URL: http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-254-en.html

Investigating Factors Associated with Delays in Referral, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Patients with Cancer in Reference Oncology Hospitals in West Azerbaijan Province

Sahar Mehranfar ^*

, Atefeh Parvishi

, Mohammad Heidari

, Leila Ravanyar

Department of Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

Abstract: (63 Views)

Background Cancer is a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach to achieve timely diagnosis and treatment. Early initiation of treatment is essential for improving clinical outcomes. This study aimed to identify and analyze the factors associated with delays across the cancer care pathway in reference oncology hospitals in West Azerbaijan Province.
Methods This cross-sectional study included 74 parents of pediatric patients and 212 adult patients diagnosed with different types of cancer. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-person interviews after obtaining informed consent.
Results The main factors contributing to delays in initiating treatment were high treatment costs, poor perceived prognosis, fear of treatment, religious or superstitious beliefs, limited family support, preference for herbal or traditional remedies, and prolonged turnaround time for pathology reports.
Conclusion Improving public education regarding early cancer symptoms, strengthening communication and collaboration between healthcare providers and the health system, and ensuring patients receive adequate and comprehensible information may enhance timely care-seeking and support patients’ long-term adherence to treatment.

Keywords: Cancer, Delayed diagnosis, Early diagnosis, Neoplasms, Treatment delay

Full-Text [PDF 318 kb] (30 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research Article | Subject: Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Received: 2025/07/13 | Accepted: 2025/10/17 | Published: 2025/11/19

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