Unravelling the predictors of late cancer presentation and diagnosis in Jordan: a cross-sectional study of patients with lung and colorectal cancers

Abstract

Objectives Late presentation or diagnosis of cancer results in a poor clinical prognosis, negatively affects treatment and subsequently lowers one’s chances of survival. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with late lung and colorectal cancer presentation and diagnosis in Jordan.

Design This correlational cross-sectional study was based on face-to-face interviews and medical chart reviews from a cancer registry database. A structured questionnaire based on a review of the literature was used.

Setting and participants The study participants were a representative sample of adult patients with colorectal or lung cancer who visited the outpatient clinics at King Hussein Cancer Center in Amman, Jordan, between January 2019 and December 2020, to get their first medical consultation.

Results 382 study participants were surveyed, with a response rate of 82.3%. Of these, 162 (42.2%) reported a late presentation and 92 (24.1%) reported a late diagnosis of cancer. The results of backward multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that female gender and not seeking a medical advice when feeling ill combined was associated with an almost three times increased likelihood of reporting a late presentation with cancer (adjusted OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.19 to 7.43). Not having health insurance and not seeking medical advice combined was also associated with late presentation (2.5, 95% CI 1.02 to 6.12). For lung cancer, Jordanians living in rural areas were 9.29 (95% CI 2.46 to 35.1) times more likely to report late diagnosis. Jordanians who did not screen for cancer in the past were 7.02 (95% CI 1.69 to 29.18) times more likely to report late diagnosis. For colorectal cancer, those having no previous knowledge about cancers or screening programmes had increased odds of reporting late diagnosis (2.30, 95% CI 1.06 to 4.97).

Conclusions This study highlights important factors associated with the late presentation and diagnosis of colorectal and lung cancers in Jordan. Investing in national screening and early detection programmes as well as public outreach and awareness campaigns will have a significant impact on early detection to improve treatment outcomes.