ArticleInternational journal of environmental research and public health2025
Improving Access to Radiotherapy Services in Gauteng: Quantitative Analysis of Key Time Intervals from Diagnosis to Treatment.
Article in International journal of environmental research and public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Impact of health system interventions to improve access to external beam radiotherapy: a scoping review.Frontiers in oncology · 2026Review
- Improving Access to Radiotherapy in Gauteng: A Framework for Equitable Cancer Care.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2025Article
- A qualitative study of patient experiences: socioeconomic barriers to radiotherapy access in Gauteng, South Africa.Ecancermedicalscience · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundTimely access to radiotherapy is crucial for optimal cancer treatment outcomes, as delays in receiving treatment can lead to disease progression and decreased chances of survival. Healthcare systems need to prioritise efficient scheduling and coordination of radiotherapy services to ensure patients receive timely care. This study aims to quantitatively analyse the key time intervals in the cancer care continuum, specifically from diagnosis to the start of radiotherapy treatment in Gauteng.
methodsData from 800 patients treated between January and December 2023 were analysed using a retrospective analysis of patient records from the two public radiotherapy centres in Gauteng Province, one in Johannesburg and the other in Pretoria, focusing on key time intervals in the cancer care continuum. The durations from diagnosis to the commencement of radiotherapy were analysed.
resultsThe mean duration of the first consultation was 8.32 months, highlighting significant delays in accessing specialised care. This finding is further supported by the average time until a Computed Tomography (CT) simulation, which was 13.38 months, highlighting a considerable delay in treatment planning.
conclusionThis study highlights systemic delays in the Gauteng radiotherapy pathway, highlighting the need for optimisation of referral processes, resource constraints, and strategies to improve cancer care.
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