Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41694926›Full record

ArticleCureus2026

Facilitators and Barriers to Seeking Early Diagnosis and Treatment for Breast Cancer Among Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Pratibha Singh, Renu Agrawal

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
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

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
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

2 authors.

Pratibha SinghDepartment of Community Medicine, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra, IND.
Renu AgrawalDepartment of Community Medicine, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra, IND.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND

aimBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, where a substantial proportion of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in preventable morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers influencing early diagnosis and treatment to inform strategies that promote timely care. MATERIAL AND

methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from 2023 to 2025 in the Departments of Community Medicine and Radiotherapy at Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra. A total of 95 women aged ≥18 years registered for anti-cancer management were enrolled using consecutive sampling. Data were collected through a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and review of medical records. Factors influencing healthcare-seeking behavior were examined using the social ecological model and force field analysis. Statistical analysis included bivariate comparisons and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of delay.

resultsMost participants were middle-aged, married, housewives (75.8%), and from low-income households. Significant factors associated with delay included first point of care, primary barrier type, cultural/regional beliefs, and use of indigenous medicine (p<0.05). Major barriers were emotional distress (58.9%), lack of personal transport (66.3%), belief that symptoms would resolve (41.1%), social stigma (40%), and financial or administrative constraints. Facilitators included healthcare provider recommendations (58.9%), government awareness programs (65.3%), family support (62.1%), and preference for female doctors. Awareness of breast cancer screening and breast self-examination practices was significantly associated with reduced delay (p<0.01). Multivariate analysis identified illiteracy (OR: 5.2) and being a housewife (OR: 9.7) as independent predictors of delay.

conclusionDelays in breast cancer care are strongly influenced by educational status, gender roles, and socio-cultural beliefs. Enhancing women's autonomy, expanding awareness initiatives, and strengthening health system support are critical to promoting early diagnosis and improving outcomes.

Indexed as

barriers and facilitatorsbreast cancer care delaybreast self-examinationforce field analysishealth‑seeking behavior

Identifiers

PMID41694926
PMCPMC12894801

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LicenceCC BY
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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.