Determinants of Patient Delay in Doctor Consultation in Oeso-gastric Cancers

Individual and Socio-economic Determinants of Patient Delay in Doctor Consultation in Oeso-gastric Cancers

This study evaluates the role of socioeconomic and individual factors in the onset of the first symptoms of cancer and the first consultation with a doctor (patient delay) in oeso-gastric cancer.

Reducing the time between the onset of the first symptoms of cancer and the first consultation with a doctor (patient delay) is essential to improve the vital prognosis and quality of life of patients. Recent data suggest that some sociocognitive and emotional determinants may explain patient delay from a complementary point of view. The main objective of this study is to assess whether, in oeso-gastric cancer, patient delay is linked to these sociocognitive and emotional factors, in addition to previously known factors.

We intend to include in this study 300 patients with a not yet treated oeso-gastric cancer diagnosed in one of 10 health centres in the North of France region. The collected data will be analysed to underline the differences between patients who consulted a doctor earlier versus those who consulted later with a cut off at 8 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age ≥ 18 years
• oesophageal, oeso-gastric junction or gastric cancer non treated cancer
• patient informed of his diagnosis
• speak fluent french

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of cancer
• psychological history
• patient under guardianship-
• fortuitous diagnosis of cancer