Socio-demographic Disparities and Delays in diagnosis and treatment of Cancer Cases: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cancer is a major public health problem in India and many patients experience delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. These delays are often influenced by socio demographic factors social barriers and health system related issues which can lead to advanced stage presentation and poorer outcomes. Understanding these factors is essential for improving timely access to cancer care and reducing inequalities.

This study is an observational prospective cross sectional study conducted among adult cancer patients attending the oncology outpatient department of Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital and Research Centre Kasturba Medical College Manipal. Eligible patients above 18 years of age will be recruited after obtaining informed consent. Data will be collected once during the outpatient visit using a structured questionnaire to capture socio demographic details health seeking behaviour and perceived barriers to care. Clinical information including cancer diagnosis stage and treatment initiation dates will be obtained from hospital records wherever available.

The study aims to assess the association between socio demographic factors and stage at diagnosis to identify factors contributing to delays in cancer treatment and to examine disparities in access to cancer care and treatment intent. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence on key social and system level barriers affecting timely cancer care and to support recommendations for reducing delays and improving equitable access to cancer services.