Unveiling delays: understanding the diagnostic pathways of women with advanced cervical cancer

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Abstract
Purpose This qualitative inquiry delves into the diagnostic odyssey experienced by women diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer, seeking to elucidate the multifaceted factors influencing symptom recognition and access to healthcare services. Methods Semi structured interviews were conducted with 17 women diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer at a tertiary care hospital. The study employs Braun and Clarke thematic analysis, a structured approach to identifying, interpreting, and displaying themes that reflect participants’ experiences. Results Two overarching themes of significance emerged: (1) "Personal Attitude: from symptom recognition to seeking healthcare" encapsulating individual symptom perception and healthcare-seeking behavior, and (2)"Weaknesses of the health system: from access to referral," uncovering systemic obstacles impeding timely diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies including patient education, healthcare provider training, improved referral systems, and empathetic healthcare interactions, to mitigate diagnostic delays and improve outcomes. By applying a rigorous qualitative approach, our study contributes to a deeper understanding of diagnostic delays in cervical cancer and provides a framework for future research in similar contexts.

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