RESUMEN
The main objective of the National Project for Research and Incidence of Childhood Leukemias is to reduce early mortality rates for these neoplasms in the vulnerable regions of Mexico. This project was conducted in the states of Oaxaca, Puebla, and Tlaxcala. A key strategy of the project is the implementation of an effective roadmap to ensure that leukemia patients are the target of maximum benefit of interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, clinicians, surveyors, and laboratories. This strategy guarantees the comprehensive management of diagnosis and follow-up samples of pediatric patients with leukemia, centralizing, managing, and analyzing the information collected. Additionally, it allows for a precise diagnosis and monitoring of the disease through immunophenotype and measurable residual disease (MRD) studies, enhancing research and supporting informed clinical decisions for the first time in these regions through a population-based study. This initiative has significantly improved the diagnostic capacity of leukemia in girls, boys, and adolescents in the regions of Oaxaca, Puebla, and Tlaxcala, providing comprehensive, high-quality care with full coverage in the region. Likewise, it has strengthened collaboration between health institutions, researchers, and professionals in the sector, which contributes to reducing the impact of the disease on the community.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The objective was to investigate factors associated with patient-related timing (PRT) to seek healthcare and health service-related timing (HSRT) to diagnose cancer and provide treatment to children without social security in Mexico. PROCEDURE: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 13 Ministry of Health hospitals in the states of Chihuahua, Jalisco, Mexico City, Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, State of Mexico, and Tlaxcala. Study participants were parents of recently diagnosed pediatric cancer patients (≤ 17 years of age). Three groups of factors were investigated: (1) patients (child and parent characteristics); (2) healthcare providers (HCPs) (first-contact HCP, institution, perceptions of barriers to healthcare, etc.); and (3) disease factors (cancer type/site, stage/risk at diagnosis). PRT and HSRT-associated factors were identified using multiple negative binomial regressions. RESULTS: The study included 265 children; 49% sought care when symptoms first appeared. The median PRT was seven days, and the median HSRT was 40 days. Parents' perceptions of long wait times for appointments were associated with longer PRT and HSRT. Residing in the lowest or highest socioeconomic regions and persistent or worsening symptoms increased the probability of longer PRT. Older patient age, HCP requests for imaging tests or prescription for steroids, a higher number of doctors consulted, having a urinary tract cancer, and having an advanced stage or high-risk cancer increased the probability of longer HSRT. CONCLUSION: Strategies to shorten lag time from symptom onset to diagnosis and treatment are urgently needed for childhood cancers in Mexico.
