Assessment of Delay in Treatment of Breast Cancer: Trend and Determinants

Abstract

Introduction: In developing countries, most breast cancer patients with advanced stage. Stage at diagnosis is the most important prognostic factor, but delay in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is not uncommon, especially in developing countries. This study was conducted to analyze the barriers in the early detection of cancers and to address the obstacles, which could be reciprocated in improvement.

Material and methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, located in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. All the patients of breast cancer who had presented first time in OPD, from 01.01.2025 till 31.03.2025, as well as those who have recently started treatment, were taken in this study, considering they were able to recall the details required, have been enrolled in this study. Data from the questionnaire were entered in Excel sheets and given proper codes for calculation. Frequencies and proportions were calculated, majorly in the form of mean or median values.

Results: A total of 41 patients has been enrolled. The median age of presentation for breast cancer was 50 years (range 31-67 years), 41.4% were illiterate, 63.4% belonged to rural areas, and 85.4% were financially dependent. The median time interval between noticing symptom first time and seeking first consultation (T1) was 30 days (10–60 days); first consultations to reaching tertiary cancer center (T2) 20 days (10–40 days); to make diagnosis was 7 days (4–9 days); from diagnosis to start treatment was 6 days (3–10 days) while overall median delay was 50 days (10–60 days).

xConclusion: There was insufficient knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, its risk factors, symptoms, treatment, or available healthcare facilities in close proximities, especially in rural areas that too delay in treatment of breast cancer patients. Cancer screening and awareness may lead to early presentation in the hospital for treatment.