Background: Delays in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment significantly impact patient outcomes. Understanding the determinants of system-related and patient-related delays is crucial for improving cancer care pathways. Objectives: To identify and analyse the sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, and awareness factors associated with system and patient delays in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital involving 95 breast cancer patients. Participants were interviewed using a comprehensive questionnaire assessing sociodemographic factors, barriers and facilitators to care, clinical characteristics, and psychological factors. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant associations. Results: Illiteracy (OR = 5.20, p = 0.007) and housewife status (p = 0.036) were significant predictors of patient delay. Major barriers included financial constraints (67.4%), fear of excessive treatment (40%), discomfort with male doctors (67.4%), and transportation challenges (66.3%). Healthcare provider recommendations (58.9%), female doctors (61.1%), and spousal support (62.1%) were key facilitators. Multivariate analysis revealed that the first point of care (p = 0.009), emotional distress (p = 0.041), and personal shyness (p = 0.007) significantly influenced delays. Homeopathy use was associated with delay (p = 0.010), while early breast self-examination practice was protective (p = 0.000). Conclusions: Delays in breast cancer care are multifactorial, stemming from sociodemographic disparities, cultural beliefs, psychological factors, and system-level challenges. Interventions addressing health literacy, gender-sensitive care, financial assistance, and family/workplace support are essential for reducing delays and improving treatment outcomes.
Singh, P. , Agrawal, R. and Gupta, S. (2026). Determinants of System and Patient Delays in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: A Multi-Level Observational Analysis in a Tertiary Care Setting. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 27(7), 2681-2688. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.7.2681
MLA
Singh, P. , , Agrawal, R. , and Gupta, S. . "Determinants of System and Patient Delays in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: A Multi-Level Observational Analysis in a Tertiary Care Setting", Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 27, 7, 2026, 2681-2688. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.7.2681
HARVARD
Singh, P., Agrawal, R., Gupta, S. (2026). 'Determinants of System and Patient Delays in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: A Multi-Level Observational Analysis in a Tertiary Care Setting', Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 27(7), pp. 2681-2688. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.7.2681
CHICAGO
P. Singh , R. Agrawal and S. Gupta, "Determinants of System and Patient Delays in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: A Multi-Level Observational Analysis in a Tertiary Care Setting," Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 27 7 (2026): 2681-2688, doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.7.2681
VANCOUVER
Singh, P., Agrawal, R., Gupta, S. Determinants of System and Patient Delays in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: A Multi-Level Observational Analysis in a Tertiary Care Setting. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 2026; 27(7): 2681-2688. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.7.2681
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