Factors Influencing Delayed Diagnosis in Oncology

Background: In Romania there is a discrepancy between cancer incidence (last place in Europe) and mortality rate (over the medium rate in Europe), possibly due to a higher number of late diagnosis. This study aims to determine associations between delayed cancer diagnosis and psychosocial characteristics (depression, coping style, social support). Methods: Cancer patients were administered a battery of tests for depression, anxiety, coping mechanism, social support, social status, medical and family history, and time between first symptoms and diagnosis. Results: Delayed presentation was positively correlated with female gender (p=0.031), rural area (p=0.033) and law stress levels (p=0.045), depression (p=0.02). positive reassessment (p=0.002) and low positive refocusing (p=0.006). Conclusion: Coping styles, depression and gender influence delayed diagnosis of cancer, this potentially contributing to a bad prognosis of oncology patients. Further longitudinal studies and screening procedures could contribute to a better understanding of individual contribution of these factors to delayed diagnosis.