Objective:

To assess the perceived reasons for delays in diagnosis and treatment among patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in Tanzania, highlighting the importance of these delays in improving patient outcomes.

Key Findings:

• Long diagnostic delays (median of 358 days) reported among cancer patients in Tanzania, impacting treatment outcomes.
• Sociodemographic factors such as low education and socioeconomic status are associated with delays, necessitating targeted interventions.
• Lack of awareness and financial constraints significantly contribute to delays in seeking care, indicating a need for public health education.
• Fear of cancer diagnosis and denial of symptoms lead to late presentation, highlighting the importance of mental health support.
• Healthcare system inefficiencies, including poor diagnostic facilities and referral processes, exacerbate delays, calling for systemic reforms.

Interpretation:

Delays in diagnosis and treatment of OPSCC in Tanzania are multifactorial, involving patient-level, system-level, and professional factors that hinder timely healthcare access, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address these issues.

Limitations:

• Study focused on newly diagnosed patients, potentially excluding those with previous treatment experiences, which may affect the generalizability of findings.
• Findings may not be generalizable to all regions of Tanzania due to the specific study setting, and potential biases in patient self-reporting should be considered.

Conclusion:

Addressing the identified factors influencing delays is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates for OPSCC patients in Tanzania, with specific strategies needed to enhance awareness, financial support, and healthcare system efficiency.