Author/Authors :
Amirchaghmaghi, Maryam Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases Research Center - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran , Mosannen Mozafari, Pegah Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases Research Center - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran , Vazifeh Mostaan, Leila Cancer Research Center - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran , Fani Pakdel, Azar Cancer Research Center - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran , Zahed Anaraki, Siavash Cancer Research Center - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran , Ghazi, Ala Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases Research Center - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran , Eskandari, Ana General dentist, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract :
Introduction: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are among common cancers in the world and also in Iran.
Early diagnosis is the most important factor for improving survival in cancer patients. The aim of present
study is to evaluate the causes of patient delay in the diagnosis of HNCs at three cancer centers in
Mashhad city, Iran.
Methods: One hundred-forty three HNCs from three cancer centers were interviewed in Mashhad. Data
obtained by interview and from Medical documents, were entered into a questionnaire and analyzed using
Chi-Square, compare means and Correlation tests.
Findings: The study included 143 subjects with HNCs and a mean age of 51.5±18.3. 58% of the patients
were males. The mean patient delay was 161.8±380.1 days. 30.8% of the patients visited a physician
during the first month. Low education, lower income, addiction, and living in rural areas were related to
the patient delay.
Conclusion: The total time from patients’ first signs or symptoms to doctor visits is comparably high in
HNC patients. Public health education must be developed to decrease patient delay and so improve the
prognosis of oral cancer treatment.
