Socio-demographic factors, comorbidity and diagnostic delay among women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial or ovarian cancer: a nationwide survey in Denmark

TY - JOUR

T1 - Socio-demographic factors, comorbidity and diagnostic delay among women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial or ovarian cancer: a nationwide survey in Denmark

AU - Robinson, Kirstine Magtengaard

AU - Christensen, Karl Bang

AU - Ottesen, Bent Smedegaard

AU - Krasnik, Allan

PY - 2011/9

Y1 - 2011/9

N2 - This study investigates the association between socio-demographic factors, comorbidity and diagnostic delay among gynaecological cancer patients. A questionnaire was sent to 1052 women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial or ovarian cancer between October 2006 and December 2007 in Denmark. Long patient delays were associated with diagnosis with a greater risk of experiencing long delays among women diagnosed with cervical and endometrial cancer as opposed to ovarian cancer. The risk of experiencing long GP referral delays was associated with residential area, with a greater risk of long delays in rural vs. urban areas. Long gynaecologist appointment delays were associated with younger age, while long secondary care delays were associated with living in a capital area and having comorbidity. Long total delays were associated with diagnosis with greater risk of experiencing long delays among women diagnosed with cervical and endometrial cancer as opposed to ovarian cancer, and with working as opposed to being retired. In conclusion, this study found that socio-demographic factors and comorbidity play a role in the probability of experiencing long delays. If delays in diagnosis are to be reduced, there must be increased recognition of the significance of symptoms among patients and interventions aimed at ensuring timely care by specialists.

AB - This study investigates the association between socio-demographic factors, comorbidity and diagnostic delay among gynaecological cancer patients. A questionnaire was sent to 1052 women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial or ovarian cancer between October 2006 and December 2007 in Denmark. Long patient delays were associated with diagnosis with a greater risk of experiencing long delays among women diagnosed with cervical and endometrial cancer as opposed to ovarian cancer. The risk of experiencing long GP referral delays was associated with residential area, with a greater risk of long delays in rural vs. urban areas. Long gynaecologist appointment delays were associated with younger age, while long secondary care delays were associated with living in a capital area and having comorbidity. Long total delays were associated with diagnosis with greater risk of experiencing long delays among women diagnosed with cervical and endometrial cancer as opposed to ovarian cancer, and with working as opposed to being retired. In conclusion, this study found that socio-demographic factors and comorbidity play a role in the probability of experiencing long delays. If delays in diagnosis are to be reduced, there must be increased recognition of the significance of symptoms among patients and interventions aimed at ensuring timely care by specialists.

U2 - 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2011.01259.x

DO - 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2011.01259.x

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 21771126

SN - 0961-5423

VL - 20

SP - 653

EP - 661

JO - European Journal of Cancer Care

JF - European Journal of Cancer Care

IS - 5

ER -