{
  "abstract": "Purpose\n\nDelayed diagnosis in rare cancers can lead to disease progression, limited treatment options, and psychological distress, resulting in poorer quality of life and disability. We explored healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of diagnostic delay in rare cancers and options for patient support.Materials and methods\n\nSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 HCPs involved in rare cancer care. Interview topics covered diagnostic challenges, causes of delays, consequences for patients, and support options. Data were analyzed thematically.Results\n\nThree main themes emerged: (1) Time, intuition, and a safety-net fill the gap when signs are present, but not obvious. HCPs balance clinical intuition with safety-netting to avoid mis-, under-, or overdiagnosis when symptoms are vague, (2) Balancing speed and care in a fast-paced, complex diagnostic phase. Once cancer is suspected, the trajectory accelerates, yet systemic delays persist, and (3) Striving for precision: the paradox of reaching a diagnosis. While HCPs pursue diagnostic clarity, uncertainty often causes patients more distress than the diagnosis.Conclusion\n\nHCPs manage the diagnostic trajectory of rare cancers through clinical judgment, safety-netting, and clear communication. As systemic delays and patient distress remain, early psychosocial support may help. Future research should define diagnostic delay, assess its impact, and identify support options.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (Integraal Kankercentrum Nederland), Utrecht, Netherlands.",
    "Department of General Practice and Nursing Science, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.",
    "Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.",
    "Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.",
    "Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands."
  ],
  "article_type": "research article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 7,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Femke Krause"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Liza A Hoveling"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Rosalie Wilbrink"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Denise Abbel"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Kristel M van Asselt"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2
      ],
      "name": "Filip de Vos"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0,
        3,
        4
      ],
      "name": "Saskia F A Duijts"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/dz1w1zfnap1ye.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1945741",
  "fulltext_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13749395",
  "id": "dz1w1zfnap1ye",
  "issns": [
    "1664-1078"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/43011747",
  "language": "eng",
  "licence": "CC-BY",
  "licence_label": "CC BY",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "openalex",
      "2714|Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7221118701",
  "pdf_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13749395?pdf=render",
  "pmcid": "PMC13749395",
  "pmid": "43011747",
  "published": "2026-10-09",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/dz1w1zfnap1ye.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-11-12T15:25:13Z",
      "native_id": "MED:43011747",
      "source": "europepmc",
      "url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/43011747"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "openalex:2714|Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills",
      "subfield": "general"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Healthcare professionals' perspectives on diagnostic delay in rare cancers and options for patient support: a qualitative interview study.",
  "title_text": "Healthcare professionals' perspectives on diagnostic delay in rare cancers and options for patient support: a qualitative interview study.",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-13T15:20:22Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/dz1w1zfnap1ye",
  "venue": "Frontiers in psychology",
  "versions": []
}