FATORES ASSOCIADOS AO TEMPO ATÉ O INÍCIO DO TRATAMENTO DO CÂNCER INFANTOJUVENIL: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA E BIBLIOMÉTRICA

Abstract

Knowledge about the delay in the treatment of childhood and adolescent cancer is of extreme importance due to its serious consequences. Cancer is the leading cause of mortality from disease in children and adolescents worldwide. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of this disease are crucial factors to improve outcomes and survival rates in this population. Thus, by understanding the main factors contributing to the time delay until treatment, it is posible to identify gaps in care and implement effective strategies to reduce them. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and a bibliometric review of the literature to identify the main factors associated with time to treatment initiation in childhood and adolescent cancer. Methodology: The systematic review will involve the search and selection of relevant studies that address the factors associated with time to treatment initiation in childhood cancer. The bibliometric review will analyze the scientific production in the area, identifying trends and patterns of research. Results: A total of 9,008 articles were found in the searched databases. However, only 10 of these articles were used for the reviews, indicating a careful selection focused on the most relevant studies to the theme. A high prevalence of publications on early cancer treatment in children in Asia was found, as well as the factors influencing time to treatment. The most prevalent reasons were family income, low parental education, use of alternative treatments, type of cancer and limited access to the health system. Conclusion: It is essential to identify and address these barriers to ensure equitable access to treatment and improve outcomes for children with childhood and adolescent cancer.