Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US and a leading cause of death in developed and developing countries. Cancer mortality is estimated to rise to 13.1 million deaths annually by 2030. This can be prevented by identifying and eliminating factors associated with delay in cancer diagnosis. Once a cancer is diagnosed, it is well-known that the earlier the stage, the better prognosis and outcome. Innovative techniques such as mammography and colonoscopy improve earlier diagnosis however, there are many factors affecting delay in cancer diagnosis—more than 80% of cancer patients present with non-specific symptoms. Poor public awareness of early cancer symptoms is a predominant reason for diagnosis delay.
Our goal is to identify any contributing factor resulting in a delay in cancer diagnosis. We also aim to have a better understanding of the effect of this delay on public health in various levels.
Delays in diagnosis can lead to later stage detection resulting in lower cure rates and worsening outcomes, prognosis, and survival. Qualitative and quantitative data can shed light on earlier diagnoses and the extent of the related public health problem.
Recent studies have shown different factors that can affect cancer diagnosis. A doctor’s delay can occur in making a diagnosis; however, delay in cancer diagnosis can occur at various levels. Patients may fail to recognize suspicious cancer symptoms or act on them. Primary care physicians may not detect suspicious cancer signs and symptoms early or the patient may be referred to the wrong specialty. A secondary caregiver may not be seen on time, or any required treatment or assessment may be achieved with delay. These effects are more complicated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of telemedicine in patients’ care. Cancer research is evolving with new discoveries in diagnosis and treatment. Thus, a better understanding of the delay in cancer diagnosis can improve preventive modalities resulting in a reduction in mortality and the economic burden of cancer, especially in high-risk populations.
A variety of article types can be included in this research topic such as Meta-analysis, Prospective and Retrospective reviews, Review articles, Systematic Reviews, Cohort studies, Opinions and commentaries, Perspective, Community Case Study, Hypothesis & Theory, Policy Brief, Brief Research Report, Case reports.
Different types of cancers including specific cancers’ diagnosis and outcomes can be discussed. Topics may include, but are by no means limited to:
• New methods in diagnosis
• Cancer Survival
• Prognosis of cancer
• Environmental effects causing cancer
• Clinical and translational studies
• Population-based science such as race and ethnicity disparities in cancer
• High-risk groups for cancer and delay in diagnosis
• Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care, including doctor delays and treatment delays
Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US and a leading cause of death in developed and developing countries. Cancer mortality is estimated to rise to 13.1 million deaths annually by 2030. This can be prevented by identifying and eliminating factors associated with delay in cancer diagnosis. Once a cancer is diagnosed, it is well-known that the earlier the stage, the better prognosis and outcome. Innovative techniques such as mammography and colonoscopy improve earlier diagnosis however, there are many factors affecting delay in cancer diagnosis—more than 80% of cancer patients present with non-specific symptoms. Poor public awareness of early cancer symptoms is a predominant reason for diagnosis delay.
Our goal is to identify any contributing factor resulting in a delay in cancer diagnosis. We also aim to have a better understanding of the effect of this delay on public health in various levels.
Delays in diagnosis can lead to later stage detection resulting in lower cure rates and worsening outcomes, prognosis, and survival. Qualitative and quantitative data can shed light on earlier diagnoses and the extent of the related public health problem.
Recent studies have shown different factors that can affect cancer diagnosis. A doctor’s delay can occur in making a diagnosis; however, delay in cancer diagnosis can occur at various levels. Patients may fail to recognize suspicious cancer symptoms or act on them. Primary care physicians may not detect suspicious cancer signs and symptoms early or the patient may be referred to the wrong specialty. A secondary caregiver may not be seen on time, or any required treatment or assessment may be achieved with delay. These effects are more complicated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of telemedicine in patients’ care. Cancer research is evolving with new discoveries in diagnosis and treatment. Thus, a better understanding of the delay in cancer diagnosis can improve preventive modalities resulting in a reduction in mortality and the economic burden of cancer, especially in high-risk populations.
A variety of article types can be included in this research topic such as Meta-analysis, Prospective and Retrospective reviews, Review articles, Systematic Reviews, Cohort studies, Opinions and commentaries, Perspective, Community Case Study, Hypothesis & Theory, Policy Brief, Brief Research Report, Case reports.
Different types of cancers including specific cancers’ diagnosis and outcomes can be discussed. Topics may include, but are by no means limited to:
• New methods in diagnosis
• Cancer Survival
• Prognosis of cancer
• Environmental effects causing cancer
• Clinical and translational studies
• Population-based science such as race and ethnicity disparities in cancer
• High-risk groups for cancer and delay in diagnosis
• Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care, including doctor delays and treatment delays
