Reducing Diagnostic Time for Childhood Cancer in Peru: A Hospital-Based Registry Analysis Four Years After the Implementation of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer

Background and Aims: Late detection is a critical factor related to high childhood cancer mortality in low- and middle-income countries. A previous study in Peru showed that DT (Diagnosis Time), the time interval between the onset of symptoms and the definitive diagnosis, was 107 days. A strategy with multiple interventions has been implemented to reduce DT as part of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. This study analyzes the reduction in the DT of childhood cancer in Peru in the last four years. Methods: Data of children and adolescents registered in the GICC hospital-based registry were retrospectively analyzed. Patients belonged to eleven hospitals nationwide. The association between clinical-demographic variables and DT was investigated. Other intervals analyzed were patient time (PT), medical time (MT), and treatment time (TT). Results: This study included 2,268 patients under the age of 20 registered between 2020 and 2023. The median DT was 26 days (IQR: 9–61), and the mean DT was 57 days (SD: 97.8; range: 0–962). Patients whose parents had lower educational levels, those aged 12 to 20 years, and those diagnosed with solid tumors had significantly longer DT. The median PT (time interval between the onset of symptoms until the first contact with a healthcare professional) was 19.5 days (IQR: 7-44), Early child education and primary educational level of parents was associated with longer PT. The median MT (time interval between the first contact with a healthcare professional and the definitive diagnosis) was 10 days (IQR:2-30). A comparative analysis of the data collected from 2012-2014, and the data collected in this study was made. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis showed a significant reduction in DT, mainly at the expense of MT between both periods (p<0.001), demonstrating the impact of the strategy on the interval that depends on healthcare professionals. The median TT (time interval between the definitive diagnosis of cancer until the start of treatment) was 8 days (IQR:1-19), with no significant reduction over time compared to the 2012–2014 period. Conclusions: Over the past four years, the early detection strategy has proven effective in reducing the DT of childhood cancer in Peru. This strategy should be incorporated into public policies to ensure its sustainability and the continuous improvement of outcomes. Supplementary Material File (reducing dt for cc in peru final version.docx) - Download - 604.71 KB Information & Authors Information Version history Peer review timeline Published Pediatric Blood & Cancer Version of Record20 Nov 2025Published Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Collection

Authors Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 464views 231downloads Citations Download citation Claudia Pascual, Liliana Vasquez, ESSY MARADIEGUE, et al. Reducing Diagnostic Time for Childhood Cancer in Peru: A Hospital-Based Registry Analysis Four Years After the Implementation of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Authorea. 15 May 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174728888.87936382/v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174728888.87936382/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.