Study of Diagnostic Delay among Symptomatic Breast Cancer Patients in Northern India: A Mixed-Methods Analysis from a Dedicated Breast Cancer Centre

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Junior Resident, General Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India.

2 Integrated Breast Care Centre (IBCC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India.

3 Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India.

Abstract

Objective: We conducted this study to understand the factors that contribute to the delay in diagnosis of symptomatic breast cancer patients. Methodology: We did a prospective analytical study with both quantitative and qualitative components over 14 months. The total delay in diagnosis of breast cancer from first symptom onset was defined as diagnostic delay. Presentation delay was defined as the time duration between the first symptom and the first visit to a health care provider. Provider delay was defined as the time duration between the presentation to a health care provider and the final diagnosis. Three hundred female breast cancer patients with a diagnostic delay of at least 3 months were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: We found that more than 50% of patients with delayed presentation were between 30-50 years of age. Painless breast lump was the most common initial symptom. More than 70% of patients presented with locally advanced and metastatic disease. The patient-related delay was more common than provider delay. Breast cancer awareness (p = 0.040) and reasons for delay (p = 0.014) were found to significantly influence the delay. More than 70% of patients reported their symptoms to male members of their families. Conclusion: Breast cancer awareness is the single most important determinant influencing diagnostic delay among symptomatic patients.

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 23, Issue 3
March 2022
Pages 893-904

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 September 2021
  • Revise Date: 06 January 2022
  • Accept Date: 19 March 2022

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