Challenges to Early Detection of Brain Tumors in LMICs: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While early diagnosis of brain tumors is essential for improving prognoses, several challenges prevent early diagnosis of these illnesses in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this systematic review is to identify and evaluate the barriers and challenges to early detection of brain tumors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), as well as to propose potential solutions. METHOD: A thorough search of the literature was carried out with the aid of multiple databases, including Google Scholar, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus. Studies focusing on the early detection of brain tumors in low- and middle-income countries met the inclusion criteria for this review. Articles were screened independently by two reviewers. National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia plan (NSOAP) framework was used to extract relevant data and develop themes. Microsoft Excel was then used to arrange and analyze these themes. RESULTS: Out of 21 articles included in the final analysis, notable challenges to early detection of brain tumors included healthcare providers' lack of awareness of early signs and symptoms of brain tumors (21%), limited diagnostic facilities (38%), misdiagnosis by healthcare providers (33%) and financial constraints (46%). Potential strategies for addressing these barriers and challenges include educating healthcare providers on early warning signs (50%), improving the early referral system (25%) and establishing local clinical guidelines (19%). CONCLUSION: Significant barriers to early detection persist in LMICs. Collaboration between stakeholders, legislators, health ministries, and governmental organizations is essential for developing and implementing focused interventions, such as establishment of referral pathways and specialized centers, adapting guidelines to local cultural contexts and raising public and professional awareness.