Methods
The objective of this experiment it so to gather PI and TDI of Childhood CNS tumors in Tamil Nadu, South India. Care for children with brain tumours requires not only diagnostic and treatment infrastructure but also supportive infrastructure for rehabilitation and social re-integration. According to the NITI Aayog’s SDG India Health Index 2020-21, which ranks the progress of achieving health outcomes, Tamil Nadu ranked as the third-best state in the country 28. It has also pioneered several new approaches to improve access to high-quality health services at an affordable price. Furthermore, the previous qualitative analysis did not cover cancer cases in Tamil Nadu. Based on these factors, Tamil Nadu was the ideal state to conduct this investigation and to pilot methods for early diagnosis.
Data for this retrospective study was collected via a questionnaire across eight large tertiary hospitals located in large cities in Tamil Nadu providing specialist paediatric cancer care. It consisted of 14 questions where doctors were asked to record the date of symptom onset, first presentation of healthcare, date of diagnosis, imaging and lastly the date of when a biopsy was conducted. Doctors were also asked to detail the referral pathway from the first healthcare professional seen by the patient for initial symptoms until diagnosis. Distance between the patients’ home and the hospital where they were diagnosed was recorded. Other questions asked include symptoms of the patient at onset and at the time of diagnosis. Data on tumour type, location and stage was also recorded.