A study of patients who appear with far advanced cancer at Yaounde General Hospital, Cameroon, Africa.

摘要: Background: This is a preliminary study to identify patients with cancer who appeared very advanced disease and report the common reasons for their delay. It was undertaken because numbers of such be increasing. Method: A convenience sample 20 were identified by oncologist (P.N.) as appearing late stage or not returning until stage. They interviewed psychologist (A.E.) determine: symptom onset; treatment sought; seeking consultation; beliefs, fears, level information about cancer; willingness treated. Results: The primary given waiting so long seek care were: inability pay medical (10); inadequate diagnosis general doctors leading time lost before coming (9); cultural factors, ignorance (9). More than one factor could in half patients. Conclusion: Understanding factors that influence delay important improving outcomes patients. Factors contribute developing countries appear largely paucity appropriate health care, coupled poor information, beliefs fears cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.