Treatment seeking behaviour of cancer patients in south-western Punjab

The present study was conducted in south-western region of Punjab during 2017-2018. Two districts-i.e. Bathinda and Sri Muktsar Sahib were randomly selected. The cancer patients (160) were personally interviewed for the study. A majority of male victims (67.8%) were aware about the symptoms and signs which usually proceed as warning signs of the disease before they got clinically diagnosed with the disease as compared to their female counter parts (45.1%). The study found significant gender differences-regarding stage of cancer amongst cancer victims at middle and late stage of cancer. The percentage of-females seeking treatment from oncologist was marginally less than their male counterparts. The study found significant association between prevalence of cancer amongst cancer victims with no family history of this disease . The NGOs, religious bodies and philanthropists can contribute significantly towards-treatment, management and rehabilitation of cancer victims.