Introduction: Lip and oral cavity cancer is the second most frequent cancer in India, accounting for more than 10% of the total cancer incidence in the country. Oral malignancies are frequently found and diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in dismal survival rates. The influence of healthcare-related factors in the diagnostic interval of oral cancer remains poorly understood.

Methods and material: This study followed the principles of the Aarhus statement for early cancer diagnosis research. Researchers non-selectively recruited 261 patients with histopathologically proven Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the oral cavity at the comprehensive Cancer Care Centre in Northern Kerala, India. They acquired information in direct patient interviews using validated instruments. They triangulated self-reported data with case notes, referral letters and biopsy results.

Results: The median (Interquartile range) diagnostic interval reported by the study participants (n = 261) was 36.00 (14.00–76.50) days. The proportion of participants having diagnostic intervals of more than 30 days was 57.9% (n = 151). The predictors of diagnostic interval include ‘Type of advice provided by the health care provider’, Number of healthcare providers consulted in the diagnostic journey, ‘Age of the participant’, ‘Monthly income’ and ‘Caste’.

Conclusion: Nearly three-fifths of the study participants had diagnostic intervals that exceeded the acceptable limit, highlighting the need to streamline the facilities and processes required for early diagnosis of oral cancer. Strengthening the health system at the primary level by incorporating referral guidelines and in-service training of primary care practitioners will reduce diagnostic intervals for oral cancer.