A new review of studies from around the world finds that women with cervical cancer often wait more than two months before starting treatment. The average delay from diagnosis to the start of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation was about 71 days, which is longer than the recommended 30 to 60 days. This delay was even longer in upper-middle-income countries, where the average wait was nearly 95 days, compared to about 40 days in high-income countries.
The review combined data from many studies, including women who were newly diagnosed and waiting for their first treatment. It found that more than half of patients (59%) waited more than 30 days, and about a third (33%) waited more than 90 days. Among different treatment types, radiation therapy had the longest average delay at about 80 days.
It's important to note that this is a meta-analysis of observational studies, not a clinical trial. The results show a link between where a person lives and how long they wait, but they don't prove that these delays cause worse outcomes. The studies also varied widely, which makes the findings less precise.
The main takeaway is that many women face long waits for cervical cancer treatment, especially in certain regions. This highlights a need for health systems to improve access and reduce delays. If you or someone you know is waiting for cancer treatment, talk to your doctor about any concerns and what to expect.
