Evaluation of Socio-demographic Factors for Non-compliance to Treatment in Locally Advanced Cases of Cancer Cervix in a Rural Medical College Hospital in India

INTRODUCTION: Carcinoma cervix is a leading cause of cancer in India. However, majority of the patients face a problem of not being able to complete the treatment. AIM: This study was an attempt to find out the important causes of this non-compliance to treatment in a rural Medical College Hospital where majority of the cancer cases are of cervical cancer. RESULTS: Out of 144 patients studied over 2 years 88 cases could not complete the treatment. The study revealed that due old age 58.33% cases were defaulters, having many children at home meant a burden to 76.92% cases and 63.89% cases had a problem of not been able to travel a far distance of more than 100 km from home to hospital for treatment. CONCLUSION: These were the important factors of non-compliance and suggested more important than the issues of literacy and poor socio-economic status.