Socioclinical profile of patients seeking treatment for cancer in a Teaching hospital in east Delhi, India

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of cancer in urban India is seeing a discernible increase due to lifestyle modifications and adverse environmental exposures. The pattern of cancer incidence varies from one region to another within a large country like India. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to understand the socioclinical profile of the patients attending a tertiary care hospital in east Delhi for the treatment of cancer. METHODS: Patients above the age of 18 years, who had been diagnosed with cancer, were recruited for our study and their socioclinical details were elicited. After 3 months they were reassessed and their treatment and side-effect profile were studied. RESULTS: Majority of our patients were diagnosed with cancers of the oral cavity and were married men in age group of 40–60 years, residing in the National Capital Region. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer were more likely to receive chemotherapy and suffer from side effects of treatment like nausea, anorexia, and loss of weight. CONCLUSION: Physicians need to be aware of these complications and should incorporate a proper counselling mechanism before treatment is started in such patients. Family physicians play a defining role in the palliative management since he remains a trusted face in his community and can provide professional and psychotherapeutic support.