Introduction:

in low- and middle-income countries, childhood cancer mortality remains high. The objective of this study is to assess Mexican pediatricians’ perceptions of the limitations and opportunities for obtaining timely diagnoses of solid tumors in primary care settings.

Material and methods:

a validated survey, administered online, consists of 20 questions about the limitations and opportunities for obtaining a timely diagnosis in children and adolescents with solid tumors.

Results:

194 pediatricians responded to the survey; the majority agreed on the factors considered significant in diagnostic delays. Specifically, 74-89% of participants agreed that low clinical suspicion, nonspecific signs and symptoms, and poor communication with adolescent patients were limiting clinical factors. 72-76% considered short consultation times, the lack of availability of imaging studies, the limited of social security coverage, and family problems limit timely diagnosis. In areas of opportunity, pediatricians agree that it is important to perform specific maneuvers (checking the red reflex, testicular palpation and search for abdominal masses) and to request imaging studies when specific clinical signs are detected.

Conclusions:

this study identifies the limitations that pediatricians perceive in the timely diagnosis of pediatric patients with solid tumors. The results can serve as a basis for implementing educational strategies for primary care physicians.

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