Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving survival among children with cancer. In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), delays are common and may be influenced by fragmented referral pathways and diagnostic limitations. This study analyzed the diagnostic and treatment continuum among children with suspected cancer, including diagnostic and treatment intervals, referral pathways, and early clinical outcomes.
Methods
A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted using Indonesian Pediatric Cancer Registry data at Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. Children aged U
, Kruskal–Wallis, and Chi‐square tests.
Results
Among 865 children, 764 (88.3%) had a confirmed diagnosis, while 101 (11.7%) remained without diagnostic confirmation. Early losses included death before diagnosis (9.7%), death before treatment (19.5%), and upfront abandonment (8.2%). Referral pathways differed significantly in diagnostic interval (
p
Conclusion
Substantial diagnostic and treatment interval burdens during pre‐diagnosis and treatment losses were observed. Shorter referral intervals did not necessarily translate into favorable early outcomes, highlighting the need for coordinated referral systems with effective triage, early multidisciplinary involvement, and flexibility to initiate pre‐emptive treatment.