2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.01A.05 Analysis of Diagnostic Delay and Its Impact on Survival in Lung Cancer Cases. Results from the Spanish Thoracic Tumor Registry

EP.01A.05 Analysis of Diagnostic Delay and Its Impact on Survival in Lung Cancer Cases. Results from the Spanish Thoracic Tumor Registry

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The document details a study analyzing diagnostic delays in lung cancer cases and their effects on survival, based on data from the Spanish Thoracic Tumor Registry. Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates, and reducing diagnostic delays in primary care is a key strategy. Delays can be influenced by factors such as late symptom onset, nonspecific symptoms, low awareness of lung cancer risks, and poor healthcare access.<br /><br />**Objective:** The study aimed to analyze the extent of diagnostic delays, identify characteristics associated with longer delays, and explore potential links between delay duration and survival rates.<br /><br />**Methods:** Conducted as a cross-sectional study, using data from 22,755 lung cancer cases from the registry. The study examined the first date of consultation for symptoms and the diagnosis date.<br /><br />**Key Findings:**<br />- Diagnostic delays in Spain are relatively short.<br />- Factors associated with longer delays include older age, tobacco use history, and early-stage diagnosis.<br />- Interestingly, longer delays were linked to improved survival, possibly due to slow-growing tumors or early-stage cancers.<br />- Survival rates were 59.34% at one year and 23.64% at five years post-diagnosis.<br /><br />**Risk Factors:**<br />- Diagnostic delays were more likely in older patients, never smokers, and those diagnosed at earlier stages (0-I-II).<br />- Mortality risk was higher among men, older individuals, patients in advanced stages (III-IV), and smokers.<br />- Longer diagnostic delays served as a protective factor against mortality.<br /><br />The study underscores the complexity of factors involved in diagnostic delays and their nuanced impact on survival, suggesting that while prompt diagnosis is critical, patient characteristics and tumor growth rates also play significant roles.

Asset Subtitle

Cristina Candal-Pedreira

Meta Tag

Speaker Cristina Candal-Pedreira

Topic Risk Factors, Risk Reduction & Tobacco Control

Keywords

lung cancer

diagnostic delays

survival rates

Spanish Thoracic Tumor Registry

early detection

primary care

risk factors

cross-sectional study

tumor growth

mortality