Barriers to early diagnosis of cancer in children: a survey of pediatricians in Russia

Background. Despite scientific advances in recent decades, childhood cancer still has significant disparities in survival, partly due to late detection and misdiagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and barriers to early cancer diagnosis based on a survey of pediatricians in Russia. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional online survey was developed using a structured questionnaire containing the following sections: demographic data, knowledge about childhood cancer, and perceived barriers to early diagnosis of childhood cancer. The questionnaire was designed for pediatricians providing primary care. Results. A total of 597 responses were received: 236 (39.5 %) did not receive training in pediatric oncology in medical school, 489 (81.9 %) had never received training in pediatric oncology as part of postgraduate education or continuing medical education. A total of 216 (36.2 %) pediatricians had no training in pediatric oncology. Half (54.7 %) had never encountered primary cancer patients in their practice. Less than 50 % of the survey participants scored correctly on childhood cancer. The three most common barriers, according to pediatricians, were parents’ late presentation to medical care, the absence of pediatric oncologists in primary care facilities, and the lack of direct access to necessary diagnostic tests at the pediatrician level. Conclusion. This study demonstrated the limited training of pediatricians in pediatric oncology. It revealed their low awareness of childhood cancer. These results indicate an urgent need for targeted interventions to address the identified barriers to early cancer diagnosis in Russia. It is necessary to strengthen the healthcare system and medical education to accurately diagnose and effectively treat all children with cancer.