Delay in Seeking Referral Treatment among Breast Cancer Patients at Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Muhimbili National Hospitals Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

摘要

The overall objective of this study was to explore factors associated with delay in seeking referral for cancer treatment among breast cancer patients. Delay in seeking treatment contributes in breast cancer patients' presentation at the tertiary hospitals when cancer is at an advanced stage and leads to poor prognosis. This study was a cross sectional study involved 142 breast cancer patients. About 41% of the study participants delayed for more than three months, 48% reported at the tertiary hospitals when cancer is at stage III. Main reasons for delay in seeking treatment were; cost (34%), distance to ORCI/MNH 15%, receiving treatment at the traditional healers (37%) and misinformation about treatment offered at ORCI/MNH (14%). This study provides very vital information which will assist the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to design strategies that will enable breast cancer patients to present early for treatment after being diagnosed.