Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal malignancies are a common problem in the western countries and is on a rise in India. This study was conducted to evaluate the reasons for delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. METHODS This is a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Surgery Acharya Vinobha Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, for a period of 2 years with a sample size of 46 patients. RESULTS Delay in presentation was noted in 74% of patients. Among them ‘taking local treatment’ was considered to be the main cause of delay in treatment. There was delay in diagnosis in 8 % of patients. There was delay in initiation of treatment in 18 % of patients. CONCLUSIONS Most of the patients presented in advanced stages to the hospital because of taking local treatment, due to lack of awareness, belief in herbal and ayurvedic treatment, poor financial resources, and fear of surgery. The proper treatment was delayed or denied leading to poor overall outcome. KEY WORDS Delay, Presentation, Diagnosis, Treatment
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