Delay in diagnosing female breast cancer

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The prognosis of breast cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. In the absence of a National Screening Program, breast self examination (BSE) and increased awareness could reduce the delay in breast cancer diagnosis. Our objective was to evaluate the mode of detection, delay before diagnosis, the stage of tumor at presentation and practice of BSE in patients with breast cancer. METHOD: A retrospective analytical study was done at University Surgical Unit, North Colombo Teaching Hospital. Patients diagnosed as having breast cancer in a surgical clinic of the University Surgical Unit, from 2000 to 2010 January were assessed. The data was taken from breast cancer registry of the unit. RESULTS: 134 patients with mean age of 52 years were assessed.90(67%) patients were above 50 years. 46% of patients were between 50-60 age group. 75% of patients had found a breast lump accidentally. 23 (20.8%) patients found the lump on palpation due to pain in the breast. 13 (9.7%) patients were found to have performed breast self examination (BSE). All patients who did BSE had early breast cancer and attended clinic within 2 months of detection of lump or onset of symptoms. 58% had delay of more than 3 months before attending clinics. 72 (53.7%) patients had breast lumps 3-5 cm in diameter. 68 (50.7%) patients had locally advanced breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Patients with breast cancer seek medical care late.