Abstract

VAZQUEZ-JUAREZ, Daniela; GONZALEZ-SANCHEZ, David G.; ANDRADE-MORENO, Raúl A.  and  VILLARREAL-GARZA, Cynthia. Perception of healthcare system delays and referral pathways for breast cancer care in Mexico: a Physicians’ survey. Gac. mex. oncol. [online]. 2023, vol.22, n.3, pp.114-121.  Epub Sep 29, 2023. ISSN 2565-005X.  https://doi.org/10.24875/j.gamo.230001071.

This study explored the perception of Mexican physicians on delays and referral pathways (RPs) in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer (BC). An anonymous online survey was conducted among physicians in Mexico. Sociodemographic data, affiliate institution, perceived delays and barriers to care, knowledge about RPs, and action plan for BC suspicion or diagnosis were collected and analyzed. In total, 785 physicians completed the survey. 87 (18%) and 11 (2%) healthcare providers from the public and private sectors, respectively, estimated delays > 90 days. 179 (36%) participants from the public and 328 (66%) from the private sector were unaware of standardized RPs for BC. Lack of knowledge about RPs was associated with perceiving greater delays in care (p < 0.001). Despite not perceiving delays in BC care, an important proportion of participants lacked knowledge about institutional RPs for BC care and did not follow a common RP. The development and implementation of national strategies aimed at strengthening health services and reducing delays in BC care should be a national priority.

Keywords : Breast cancer; Delays; Referral pathways; Physician perception; Mexico; Barriers to care.