Delays in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer in the department of Meta, 2017–2023: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To describe the prevalence of the different delays in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer, to estimate its incidence in the Department of Meta (Colombia) in recent years, and to conduct an exploratory analysis of potential factors associated with these delays Material and methods: Cross-sectional study of newly reported cases of cervical cancer in the Epidemiological Surveillance System of the National Institute of Health of Colombia between 2017 and 2023. The proportion of cases in which delays in the care process were identified was described, as well as the annual incidence rate of cervical cancer based on population data. Results: A total of 824 cases were included. Delays of more than 60 days in the care process were observed in 56.9% of the cases. These delays were attributed to patients in 33.9% of cases due to lack of knowledge or geographic, cultural, or economic barriers; to health services in 36.2% of cases due to lack of timely care; and to insurers in 22.9% of cases due to administrative barriers. Conclusions: Delays in the care process are common in Meta. These delays particularly affect women over 40 years of age and those residing in rural areas. Analytic and qualitative studies are needed to further explore the underlying causes of these delays.