098 Physicians’ perspectives on cancer overdiagnosis in a lower-middle income country: a qualitative study

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Objectives While cancer diagnosis has seen remarkable advancements, it has also led to overdiagnosis. There remains a lack of consensus on how to address overdiagnosis systematically in clinical practice, especially in the low middle income countries where the drivers and potential solutions may be different to those of high-income countries. This study aims to explore the perceptions of cancer overdiagnosis among surgeons, pathologists, and oncologists to discover contributory factors and potential strategies for mitigating overdiagnosis in clinical practice in the context of a low- and middle-income country. Method A qualitative study using in-depth interviews among surgeons, oncologists, and pathologists working in both government and private sector hospitals located in Colombo, Sri Lanka will be carried out. The sample size will be determined by the thematic saturation. The semi-structured interview guide was developed by a team of experts, including public health experts, surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, and representatives of cancer patients and the general public. Interviews will be focused on understanding physicians’ perspectives on cancer overdiagnosis and the strategies to mitigate this problem. Data will be transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results To be analysed (we anticipate the results will be available to present by August 2025) Conclusions The findings of this study will be useful in making evidence-based recommendations to refine screening guidelines, guide resource allocation, prioritizing cost-effective interventions that align with the healthcare needs within a low middle income country setting.

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