A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Patient and health care delays in large (class T3-T4) oral, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal carcinomas
Authors: Atula Markus, Aro Katri, Irjala Heikki, Halme Elina, Jouppila-Mättö Anna, Koivunen Petri, Wilkman Tommy, Blomster Henry, Mäkitie Antti, Atula Timo
Publisher: WILEY
Publication year: 2023
Journal: Head and Neck
Journal acronym: HEAD NECK-J SCI SPEC
Volume: 45
Issue: 5
First page : 1215
Last page: 1225
Number of pages: 11
ISSN: 1043-3074
eISSN: 1097-0347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.27335
Web address : https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hed.27335
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20231003138546
Background Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. We investigated the lengths and factors associated with patient, primary health care (PHC), and specialist care (SC) delays in T3-T4 oral, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal cancer.
Methods A nationwide prospective questionnaire-based study (n = 203) with the 3-year long data collection period.
ResultsThe median patient, PHC and SC delays were 58, 13, and 43 days, respectively. Lower level of education, heavy alcohol use, hoarseness, difficulties breathing, and eventual palliative treatment associated with a longer patient delay. A lump on the neck or facial swelling associated with a shorter PHC delay. Conversely, if symptoms were treated as an infection, PHC delay was longer. The treatment modality and tumor site affected SC delay.
Conclusions Patient delay stands as the most notable factor contributing to delays before treatment. HNC symptom awareness thus remains especially important among HNC risk groups.
