Obstacles to health care during the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer

Abstract

Gastric cancer is a malignant neoplasm of high morbi-mortality. It ranks fifth in world prevalence. Objective: To describe the obstacles to health care during the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer. Methodology: PubMed, Lilacs, Ebsco, Science-direct, Ovid and google scholar were used to the review of literature that included the consultation of clinical trials, topic reviews and management guides related to gastric cancer and its barriers during diagnosis and treatment between 2009 and 2016. Results: 56 articles achieved the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The obstacles found are administrative, institutional, economic, cultural and knowledge of the patient and the physician about gastric cancer which could limit the access to medical care. Conclusion: In Colombia, the fragmentation and segmentation of the health system impose obstacles on the care of adults with gastric cancer, which cause disparities in health that impact on their survival.