Patient-Responsible Delay of Treatment in Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

We reviewed retrospectively some factors influencing the amount of elapsed time between the first symptom of cancer and the search for medical help in 123 patients with head and neck advanced cancer (T4), encountered at Jichi Medical School Hospital between 1974 and 1990.
Although 80% of the patients had consulted a doctor within 3 months after noticing the first symptom,50% of the patients had visited the medical school hospital within 3 months after the onset of symptoms, where treatment for cancer can be performed. We also analyzed the relation between the delay in seeking medical help and site of cancer, past history, family history, occupation, and area of residence. Patients with maxillary cancer sought help earlier than those with laryngeal and nasopharyngeal cancer. Patients who had a history of otolaryngeal disease and family history of cancer sought help earlier than the others.