article · Tanzania Medical Journal
This study investigated factors influencing advanced-stage breast cancer presentation among women at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. It found that 57.5% of patients presented late, defined as seeking care more than three months after symptom onset. While several socio-demographic factors were initially linked to delay, multivariate analysis identified not performing breast self-examination as the only significant independent predictor. Delayed presentation was strongly associated with advanced-stage disease. However, the research also highlighted that aggressive tumour biology, particularly the Luminal B subtype, contributes to advanced disease even in women who present in a timely manner, suggesting a need for improved diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Understanding why women present late for breast cancer diagnosis is crucial for improving outcomes. This research highlights the importance of health education, particularly regarding breast self-examination, and points to the need for better diagnostic tools to identify aggressive cancers early, regardless of presentation time.
This research provides insights for public health programmes aimed at reducing delayed breast cancer presentation, particularly through promoting breast self-examination. It also informs the development of improved diagnostic workups and tailored treatment pathways for aggressive tumour types. This is early-stage research informing public health policy and clinical practice guidelines.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
Background: Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy affecting women in Tanzania, with most patients presenting at an advanced stage. Delayed presentation is thought to be a key contributor, influenced by various socio-demographic and healthcare access factors. However, tumour biology may also play a role. Objective: This study aimed to determine the proportion of women presenting late with breast cancer, identify factors associated with delayed presentation, and assess the relationship between delay and advanced-stage diagnosis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 127 women with histologically confirmed breast cancer at Muhimbili National Hospital between January and December 2022. Data were collected through structured interviews and medical records to assess sociodemographic, clinical, and pathological variables. Delayed presentation was defined as seeking care more than three months after symptom onset. The study had approximately 75.8% power to detect the association between delayed presentation and late-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with delayed presentation (defined as presenting more than three months after symptom onset). Associations between delay, tumour characteristics, and stage at diagnosis were also assessed. Results: Of the 127 patients, 57.5% presented with delayed care. Factors significantly associated with delay in bivariate analysis included age ≥50 years (p=0.021), unemployment (p=0.046), lack of formal education (p=0.009), absence of health insurance (p=0.042), rural residence (p=0.015), reliance on motorized transport (p=0.021), and not performing breast self-examinations (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, only not practicing breast self-examination remained a significant independent predictor (OR=4.3, 95% CI: 1.6–11.2, p=0.003). Delayed presentation was significantly associated with advanced-stage disease (p=0.005). However, approximately one-third of timely presenters still had advanced disease, suggesting that aggressive tumour biology—particularly Luminal B subtype—also plays a role. Conclusion: Delayed presentation is common among women with breast cancer at MNH and is significantly associated with advanced-stage diagnosis. However, biological tumour aggressiveness also contributes to disease progression, underscoring the need for improved diagnostic workup and tailored treatment pathways.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.4314/zn8xg118
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
