Treatment delay of cancer patients in Indonesia: a reflection from a national referral hospital

BACKGROUND Cancer is a complex disease requiring multidisciplinary approach in establishing prompt diagnosis and treatment. Treatment timely manner crucial for the outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to provide information on treatment delay including patient provider delays its associated factors.
 METHODS patients were recruited conveniently outpatient clinic of Department Radiation Oncology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia between May August 2015. All asked fill questionnaire interviewed cross-sectional study. was explored categorized into delay. Patient could be happened before (patient-delay-1) or after (patient-delay-2) diagnosed with cancer. Provider due physician, system-diagnosis, system-treatment delays.
 RESULTS Among 294 patients, 86% had observed 153 43% them history alternative An older age (p = 0.047), lower educational level (p<0.001) Meanwhile, 214 delay, 9%, 36%, 80% experienced delays, respectively. types (p<0.001).
 CONCLUSIONS Most caused by either provider.