ArticleCureus2024
Barriers to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: A Pilot Qualitative Study of Patient and Practitioner Perspectives in Rural India.
Article in Cureus, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers.
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Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed.
- Disability inclusion as a missing pillar of Africa's non-communicable disease response.BMJ global health · 2026Article
- From Mechanisms to Manifestations: A Scoping Review Exploring Cancer-Related Discrimination.Psycho-oncology · 2026Article
- Machine Learning for the Interpretation of Serum Protein and Immunofixation Electrophoresis in Multiple Myeloma: A Scoping Review.Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- Barriers and facilitators to cancer care in the Northeast region, India: A scoping review.The Indian journal of medical research · 2026Article
- Enhancing Rural Breast Cancer Screening Uptake: A Three-Arm Comparative Study of Outreach Strategies.International journal of breast cancer · 2026Article
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- Biomarker-Guided Imaging and AI-Augmented Diagnosis of Degenerative Joint Disease.Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Review
- Emerging Nanoparticle-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Cancer: Innovations and Challenges.Pharmaceutics · 2025Review
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
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Abstract
Introduction Cancer remains a critical global health issue, particularly in developing countries, where timely diagnosis and effective treatment are often hindered by numerous barriers. These obstacles exacerbate the cancer burden and contribute to disparities in care. This study explores the barriers to cancer diagnosis and treatment from the perspectives of patients and healthcare providers in rural India, aiming to inform targeted interventions and improve outcomes. Methods This qualitative study was conducted from April to May 2024 at a tertiary cancer hospital in rural Western Maharashtra, India. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with five cancer patients and four healthcare practitioners. Participants were selected through purposive sampling until information saturation was achieved. Interviews were conducted in local languages and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key barriers and themes. Results The study identified several major themes related to barriers to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Patients highlighted a lack of awareness and understanding of cancer, significant financial burdens, challenges in accessing healthcare facilities, and emotional distress. Healthcare practitioners noted systemic issues, including inadequate diagnostic capabilities, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and a shortage of specialized providers. Both groups emphasized the impact of cultural beliefs and stigma, as well as the limited support systems available to patients. Conclusion The findings highlight the complex interplay of factors contributing to delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment in rural India. Addressing these barriers requires multifaceted interventions, including increasing public awareness, improving healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing support systems for patients. Policy development should focus on these areas to reduce disparities and improve cancer care outcomes in resource-limited settings.
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