Table 2 Description of the history of diagnostic journey of cervical cancer patients
From: Estimates of delays in diagnosis of cervical cancer in Nepal
Characteristics | Number (n) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Type of earlier symptom | ||
Foul smelling PV discharge | 60 | 54.5 |
Lower abdominal pain | 25 | 22.7 |
Abnormal PV bleeding | 25 | 22.7 |
Chief complaints to consult HCP | ||
Foul smelling PV discharge | 19 | 17.3 |
Lower abdominal pain | 22 | 20.0 |
Abnormal PV bleeding | 69 | 62.7 |
Type of first contact health facilities | ||
SHP/HP/PHC | 20 | 18.2 |
Private medical shops | 37 | 33.6 |
Government Hospital | 19 | 17.3 |
Private hospitals | 34 | 30.9 |
Number of HFs contacted before being referred to cancer diagnostic center | ||
Single HF | 14 | 12.7 |
2-3 HFs | 76 | 69.1 |
>3 HFs | 20 | 18.2 |
Mean ± S.D. = 2.7 ± 1.07, range 1-6 | ||
Number of pre-referral consultations in different HFs | ||
≤ 3 | 19 | 17.3 |
>3 | 91 | 82.7 |
Mean ± S.D. = 4.77 ± 1.8, range 1-10 | ||
Cervical/per speculum examination in initial consultation | ||
Yes | 24 | 21.8 |
No | 86 | 78.2 |
Symptoms misinterpretation in initial consultation with HCP | ||
No | 11 | 10.0 |
Yes | 99 | 90.0 |
Number of visits in cancer diagnostic center till diagnosis | ||
≤ 2 visits | 55 | 50.0 |
>2 visits | 55 | 50.0 |
Mean ± S.D. = 2.65 ± 0.77, range 2-5 | ||
Stage of cervical cancer at diagnosis (FIGO) | ||
IB1 | 10 | 9.1 |
IB2 | 5 | 4.5 |
IIA | 6 | 5.5 |
IIB | 56 | 50.9 |
IIIA | 3 | 2.7 |
IIIB | 29 | 26.4 |
IVA | 1 | 0.9 |