DefinePK

Abstract

 
Background: Breast cancer remains one of the foremost causes of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment significantly improve survival rates and reduce disease burden. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan, delayed presentation is common due to a complex interplay of cultural stigma, financial hardship, limited healthcare infrastructure, and inadequate awareness. Understanding these barriers is essential for designing effective strategies to promote early detection and reduce morbidity.
Objective: To evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with delayed presentation of breast cancer among female patients at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the surgical wards of JPMC, Karachi, from February 2024 to January 2025. A total of 286 female patients aged 18–60 years, with histopathologically confirmed breast cancer, were enrolled using consecutive sampling. Data were collected via structured in-person interviews, covering sociodemographic details, medical history, and potential delay-related factors. Delayed presentation was defined as a ≥3-month interval between symptom onset and first medical consultation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and chi-square tests were applied to assess associations.
Results: The mean age of participants was 46.57 ± 12.14 years, and the mean BMI was 25.95 ± 3.53. Among all patients, 96 (33.57%) experienced delayed presentation. Statistically significant associations were observed between delayed presentation and educational status (p=0.03), family history of breast cancer (p=0.01), menopausal status (p<0.001), and stage at diagnosis (p<0.001). Additionally, reported reasons for delay included visiting alternative healers (40.6%), misperception of non-serious symptoms (27.1%), financial constraints (25.0%), and limited access to healthcare (29.8%).
Conclusion: Delayed presentation of breast cancer was notably influenced by sociodemographic and cultural factors. Targeted awareness campaigns, improved access to healthcare, and community-based education are imperative to promote early diagnosis and reduce breast cancer-related mortality in resource-limited settings.