Analysis of early diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer in Slovenia
- Mateja Kokalj Kokot 1,2, Spela Mirosevic 1, Nika Bric 3, Davorina Petek 1,4
- Mateja Kokalj Kokot 1,2, Spela Mirosevic 1, Nika Bric 3
- 1Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- 2Primary Healthcare Centre Grosuplje, Grosuplje, Slovenia.
- 3Sector for Oncology Epidemiology and Cancer Registry, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- 4Medical Centre Zdravje, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- 0Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Optimizing prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis in primary care significantly impacts 5-year survival. Accessible diagnostics and shorter intervals improve outcomes for this common male malignancy.
Area Of Science
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background
- Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading global male malignancy.
- Delayed diagnosis correlates with adverse patient outcomes.
- Optimizing the PCa diagnostic pathway is crucial.
Purpose Of The Study
- Evaluate doctor and primary care intervals in PCa diagnosis.
- Assess the impact of these intervals on patient survival.
- Identify opportunities to enhance the PCa diagnostic pathway within primary care.
Main Methods
- Retrospective cohort study design.
- Utilized anonymized primary care data from cancer patients.
- Incorporated data from the Slovenian Cancer Registry.
Main Results
- Median doctor interval was 0 days (IQR 0-6); median primary care interval was 5 days (IQR 0-58).
- Longer intervals associated with multiple comorbidities, limited GP access to diagnostics, and initial symptomatic presentation (dysuria, LUTS, abdominal pain).
- Reduced 5-year survival linked to limited primary care lab/ultrasound access and symptomatic presentation vs. elevated PSA detection.
Conclusions
- Primary care management of suspected PCa significantly affects 5-year survival.
- Enhanced access to laboratory and ultrasound diagnostics in primary care settings improves survival.
- PCa diagnosis is influenced by systemic factors beyond clinician skill, including diagnostic test and service availability.
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