In his doctoral dissertation, Shivaraj Nallur Somanna determined the time taken by cancer patients from self-identification of symptoms to consulting a doctor, receiving a diagnosis and treatment, and their reasons for the delay. The study revealed the average time from symptom recognition to first consultation was 60 days for breast and oral cancers and 80 days for cervical cancer, with total delays to treatment ranging from 123 to 154 days. Older age, illiteracy, rural residence, financial dependence, and low awareness were key contributors, while fear, stigma, and cost were common self reported reasons for postponing care. Cervical cancer patients also had notably poorer quality of life scores. The study highlights the need for improved awareness, earlier detection, and stronger patient support systems to reduce delays and enhance outcomes.
The doctoral dissertation of M.Sc. (Statistics) Shivaraj Nallur Somanna in the field of epidemiology titled Time Span between Symptoms and Treatment of Cancer Patients and their Quality of Life in South India will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Social Sciences on 28 May 2026.
The opponent will be Professor Aleyamma Mathew from the Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, India. The custos will be Professor Janne Pitkäniemi from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University.