Evidence map›Paper›PMID 34032802›Full record

ArticlePloS one2021

Identifying barriers to early presentation in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) in Northern Singapore: Qualitative study.

Ding Yi Ng, Lorraine Tudor Car, Marcus Jia Ming Ng, Junde Lu, Joelle Leung, Tiong Thye Goo, Clement Luck Khng Chia

Open access · goldAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
0.8field-weighted citation impact, top 25% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 11 citations in OpenAlex.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Bangkok declarations on cancer control in Asia.The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific · 2025
    Review
  4. Article
  5. Article
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors at 3 institutions in 2 countries.

Ding Yi NgLee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.ORCID 0000-0003-1024-0211
Lorraine Tudor CarLee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.ORCID 0000-0001-8414-7664
Marcus Jia Ming NgYong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
Junde LuLee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.ORCID 0000-0001-9502-2306
Joelle LeungDepartment of General Surgery, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
Tiong Thye GooDepartment of General Surgery, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.ORCID 0000-0002-9715-0974
Clement Luck Khng ChiaDepartment of General Surgery, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital · SGNanyang Technological University · SGNational University of Singapore · SG

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionBreast cancer is the leading cause of death in Singaporean women, with advanced stage rendering a poorer prognosis. This study aims to explore the barriers to early presentation, information needs and sources in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). MATERIALS &

methodsA convenience sample of patients who presented with locally advanced breast cancer to the Department of General Surgery in a teaching tertiary hospital were recruited for the study. We conducted semi-structured interviews face to face with the recruited patients. We recorded the interviews, transcribed them verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis.

resultsTwenty-three participants were recruited of which 12 were Chinese and 11 were Malay women. Mean age was 60 years (± 13 SD). The most common knowledge barrier resulting in delay was the misconception that a breast lump must be painful to be malignant. Other knowledge barriers include the lack of knowledge and misinformation from the internet or other social media platforms. Some perceived barriers include fear of diagnosis, fear of treatment and fear of imposing financial burden on family members. A significant proportion of participants were also not aware of a national breast screening programme.

conclusionsOur study has found that barriers to early presentation of women with locally advanced breast cancer remain similar and have persisted over the years despite targeted efforts. There is a need for a rethink of existing strategies and to develop new innovative ways to reach out to this group of patients.

Indexed as

AdultBreast NeoplasmsEarly Detection of CancerFearFemaleHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansMass ScreeningMiddle AgedNeoplasm Recurrence, LocalPatient Acceptance of Health CareSingapore

Identifiers

PMID34032802
PMCPMC8148318
OpenAlexW3164461552

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.