Delay in hospital presentation of breast cancer patients in Yenagoa, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Delay in patient presentation to health service facilities is a major cause of advanced disease in developing countries. The factors associated with delay are varied and knowledge about these issues would help to improve outcome.

Objective: To determine factors associated with delay in hospital presentation in breast cancer patients in the period from January 2020 to January 2022.

Design: Retrospective study using a standardized data form for capture of relevant information with definite exclusion criteria.

Setting: Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Subjects: Eighty-five patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

Results: A total of 85 patients were involved in the study. Overall delay in hospital presentation was 85.9%. 37 (43.5%) patients presented with stage IV breast cancer, 19 (22.4%) were seen with stage III disease. Patient associated factors accounted for 91.3% of delay and included treatment by traditional medical practitioners (25.9%), treatment by faith healers(11.8%), treatment by patent medicine shops(8.2%), lack of funds(14.1%), fear of the possible diagnosis of cancer and treatment involving surgery(14.1%), lack of appropriate information(10.6%) and disagreement with diagnosis earlier made in private hospitals(8.24%) while healthcare associated factors accounted for 8.12% of delay in hospital presentation and included wrong diagnosis (3.5%),wrong treatment (1.17%)and delayed histology report (3.5%).

Conclusion: Delay in hospital presentation of breast cancer patients is a major challenge in Bayelsa State Nigeria. The study shows a combination of patient and healthcare related factors as the causes. Increasing public awareness as well as legislation to stop non-hospital treatment are recommended.