The causes of delayed diagnosis of cancer of the cervix in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Patients in Africa often present with advanced malignancy. Fifty patients with cancer of the cervix were interviewed to determine factors contributing to the late diagnosis of cancer. The average patient delay in seeking advice was 8.1 months. The main reason for this delay was failure to realize the abnormal nature of the symptoms. Delay on the part of health workers was 4.6 months. Traditional healers were not a significant cause of delay. Primary health care duties are the level at which population education and earlier medical diagnosis may be feasible.