Prevalence and Risk Factors for Patient Delay Among Women With Breast Cancer in Rural India

Abstract

Delay in seeking health care by women with breast cancer increases mortality risk. This study was conducted in rural India to identify risk factors associated with patient delay. A total of 212 women with primary breast cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2012 were interviewed. Sociodemographic characteristics, time interval between seeking medical attention and appearance of symptoms, and reasons for delay were inquired. Patient delay was defined as more than 3 months between date of first symptoms and medical consultation. Logistic regression was applied to assess associations between potential risk factors and patient delay. Almost half the women with breast cancer experienced patient delay. Age more than 60 years (odds ratio = 4.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-18.0) was significantly associated with patient delay. Only 6.6% of patients had heard about breast self-examination. Significantly higher number of patients with delay presented with advanced clinical stage (P = .000). Health education programs should be introduced with specific strategies to shorten patient delay.

Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer and the Pathways of Care: A Mixed Methods Study from a Tertiary Cancer Centre in North East India

“…Patient level delay was found to be around one month in this study which is much lower than other studies from India and other Asian countries where PD ranged from 6-8 months with more than half reporting after 3 months of experiencing symptoms (Gangane et al, 2016;Pakseresht et al, 1970;Thakur et al, 2015). In Sub-Saharan African nations, presentation delay was even higher around 12-13 months (Galukande, 2014;Odongo, Makumbi, Kalungi, and Galukande, 2015).…”

“…Few studies from India have focused on the socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with PD (Gangane et al, 2016;Thakur et al, 2015). However, studies qualitatively exploring the reasons for delayed presentation in Indian context are rare.…”

Development and Validation of a Culturally-Tailored Breast Cancer Health Education Programme for Arab Women

“…6 Various studies have recognised the need for breast cancer health education programmes. [11][12][13][14][15] However, it is necessary to address barriers to breast cancer awareness and early detection in the context of the local population's presiding social and cultural beliefs. 9,10,16,17 Health education interventions therefore need to be culturally and linguistically tailored, while still portraying breast cancer as a treatable disease.…”

“…9,10,16,17 Health education interventions therefore need to be culturally and linguistically tailored, while still portraying breast cancer as a treatable disease. 14,[18][19][20] Learning strategies, activities and tools should also be aligned with the local cultural context. 21,22 In Bangladesh, China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran, health education campaigns have resulted in a significant positive impact on breast cancer awareness levels and early detection practices, with improved awareness, positive health beliefs and increased early detection activities and suitable follow-up practices after abnormal examination results.…”

Role of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Breast Cancer

“…It is estimated as one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide (11.9%) [2]. In India, breast cancer has overtaken cervical cancer and has become the most prevailing cancer among women [3]. The most frequent type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which affects the cells of the milk ducts.…”