ArticlePloS one2019
Recognizing and appraising symptoms of breast cancer as a reason for delayed presentation in Ghanaian women: A qualitative study.
Article in PloS one, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 34 papers, 3 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
34 citing papers in PubMed, 3 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Socio-cultural beliefs and perceptions influencing diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer among women in Ghana: a systematic review.BMC women's health · 2024Pooled it
- What constitutes a palliative care need in people with serious illnesses across Africa? A mixed-methods systematic review of the concept and evidence.Palliative medicine · 2021Pooled it
- Psychosocial influences on help-seeking behaviour for cancer in low-income and lower middle-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review.BMJ global health · 2021Pooled it
- Impact of Distinct Molecular and Immunological Features of Breast Cancer on the Effectiveness of Therapies in Ghana.Breast cancer : basic and clinical research · 2026Review
- Factors Associated with Delays in Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Scoping Review.International journal of community based nursing and midwifery · 2026Review
- Understanding delays in breast cancer diagnosis in Africa: Key insights and contributing factors.International journal of cancer · 2025Article
- Barriers to Breast Cancer Care for Women Presenting at District and Regional-Level Hospitals in Ghana: Findings From the African Breast Cancer-Disparities in Outcomes Ghana Study.JCO global oncology · 2025Review
- Anticipated First Contact and Time to Seek Healthcare for Possible Breast Cancer Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Ghana.Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy · 2025Article
- Understanding the delays in diagnosis of breast cancer in India using blogs and YouTube videos.BMC public health · 2025Article
- Unmet need for breast cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Ghana: a secondary analysis of the 2022 demographic and health survey.BMC public health · 2025Article
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- A critical review and analysis of the context, current burden, and application of policy to improve cancer equity in Ghana.International journal for equity in health · 2023Review
- Medical pluralism, healthcare utilization and patient wellbeing: The case of Akan cancer patients in Ghana.International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being · 2023Article
- Role of EGFR and FASN in breast cancer progression.Journal of cell communication and signaling · 2023Review
- Expectations and barriers to the utilization of specialist palliative care services among persons living with cancer in Ghana: an exploratory qualitative study.Palliative care and social practice · 2023Article
- Breast cancer screening pathways in Ghana: applying an exploratory single case study methodology with cross-case analysis.Heliyon · 2022Article
- Trajectories to a cancer diagnosis: Why and when women seek help for breast symptoms in Vietnam.Health & social care in the community · 2022Article
- What influences cancer treatment service access in Ghana? A critical interpretive synthesis.BMJ open · 2022Review
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2 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundThe burden of late presentation is well established in women presenting with advanced breast cancer in Africa. This paper aims to explore the reasons for delayed presentation in Ghanaian women with breast cancer.
methodEleven (11) women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer were purposively sampled within three years of diagnosis at the palliative care clinic of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Participation was voluntary. Data was collected through in-depth interviews using a self-devised semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were conducted in "Twi" (local language), audio-tape recorded and covered the women's journey from symptom discovery to their intention to seek help. All audio-taped interviews were transcribed based on the meaning of the respondents' comments. The data was managed using Nvivo version 11 qualitative software. Data was analyzed concurrently with data collection applying the principles of thematic analysis. KEY
findingsAll the women delayed presentation due to overlapping reasons. Symptom appraisal among the women occurred in two main stages: individual understanding of breast symptom and interactive understanding of the breast symptom. These stages were based on cognitive, psycho-cultural and social factors. The five main themes generated from the data were: symptom experience, knowledge of breast cancer, role of social life and network, coping with a breast symptom and lastly intent to seeking health care. A conceptual model was developed to illustrate the relationships among the key factors and concepts emanated from this study.
conclusionRecognition and appraisal of breast cancer symptom in the eleven (11) Ghanaian women interviewed in this study was poor. For instance, a painless breast lump was considered not serious until a sensory symptom appears. This led women to experience appraisal and time point intervals. To minimize the incidence of late presentation of breast cancer cases in Ghana, adequate educational intervention should be provided for Ghanaian women and their social network, and other stakeholders.
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