ArticlePloS one2022
Delayed diagnostic evaluation of symptomatic breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: A qualitative study of Tanzanian women.
Article in PloS one, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 23 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
23 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Experiences with diagnostic delay among underserved racial and ethnic patients: a systematic review of the qualitative literature.BMJ quality & safety · 2025Pooled it
- Psychosocial and cultural determinants of resilience among clinically stable breast cancer survivors post-chemotherapy in a tertiary care setting in Ghana.BMC women's health · 2026Article
- Factors associated with breast cancer screening among insured and uninsured women in Tanzania: an analysis of the Tanzania demographic and health survey 2022.Health economics review · 2026Article
- Breast Health Training Program for Traditional Healers: A Pathway to Early Breast Cancer Detection in Tanzania.Cancer reports (Hoboken, N.J.) · 2026Article
- Factors Associated With Breast Cancer Treatment Adherence in Tanzania.JCO global oncology · 2026Article
- 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
- Factors Contributing to Late Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study on the Patient's Perspective in Tanzania.BMC women's health · 2025Article
- Knowledge and practice of self-examination among breast cancer patients in Tanzania: A cross-sectional study.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- Factors associated with late diagnosis of breast cancer among women in Botswana.African journal of primary health care & family medicine · 2025Article
- Understanding delays in breast cancer diagnosis in Africa: Key insights and contributing factors.International journal of cancer · 2025Article
- Quality of life among non-metastatic breast cancer survivors in Botswana.Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice · 2025Article
- Treatment Patterns and Outcomes of Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer in Tanzania.JCO global oncology · 2025Article
- Experiences of cancer-related stigma in Africa: A scoping review.International journal of cancer · 2025Article
- Baseline Distress and Effectiveness of Survivor Video Narratives on Cancer-Associated Distress in Botswana: A Pilot Study.JCO global oncology · 2025Article
- Article
- Multifaceted barriers associated with clinical breast examination in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analytical approach.PloS one · 2025Article
- Treatment outcomes and the associated factors among breast cancer patients in Tanzania: a retrospective cohort study.Ecancermedicalscience · 2025Article
- Women's empowerment and its influence on the uptake of breast cancer screening in Tanzania: an analysis of 2022 Tanzania demographic health survey data.BMC women's health · 2024Article
- Facilitators and barriers to decision-making for hospital treatment among patients diagnosed with breast cancer in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A qualitative urban-based study.PLOS global public health · 2024Article
- Culturally-informed adaptation and psychometric properties of the Cataldo Cancer Stigma Scale in Northern Tanzania.Journal of psychosocial oncology · 2024Article
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10 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundWomen with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa are commonly diagnosed at advanced stages. In Tanzania, more than 80% of women are diagnosed with stage III or IV disease, and mortality rates are high. This study explored factors contributing to delayed diagnostic evaluation among women with breast cancer in Tanzania.
methodsA qualitative study was performed at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Twelve women with symptomatic pathologically proven breast cancer were recruited. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Swahili. Interviews explored the women's journey from symptom recognition to diagnosis, including the influence of breast cancer knowledge and pre-conceptions, health seeking behaviors, psychosocial factors, preference for alternative treatments, and the contribution of culture and norms. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and translated into English. Thematic analysis was facilitated by a cloud-based qualitative analysis software.
resultsAll women reported that their first breast symptom was a self-identified lump or swelling. Major themes for factors contributing to delayed diagnostic presentation of breast cancer included lack of basic knowledge and awareness of breast cancer and misconceptions about the disease. Participants faced barriers with their local primary healthcare providers, including symptom mismanagement and delayed referrals for diagnostic evaluation. Other barriers included financial hardships, fear and stigma of cancer, and use of traditional medicine. The advice and influence of family members and friends played key roles in healthcare-seeking behaviors, serving as both facilitators and barriers.
conclusionLack of basic knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, stigma, financial barriers, and local healthcare system barriers were common factors contributing to delayed diagnostic presentation of breast cancer. The influence of friends and family also played key roles as both facilitators and barriers. This information will inform the development of educational intervention strategies to address these barriers and improve earlier diagnosis of symptomatic breast cancer in Tanzania.
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