Abstract 34: Delay in Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer in Vietnam

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Delay in diagnosis and initiation of treatment from the first noticeable breast cancer symptoms are associated with poor outcome. Understanding the reasons and barriers why patients delay seeking medical care is critical to mitigate the problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where breast cancer incidence is increasing. Methods: In-person surveys were conducted in 462 incident breast cancer cases, aged 18-79, recruited from two major cancer hospitals in Northern Vietnam. Delay in diagnosis and treatment was defined as no delay (<3 months), moderate delay (3-8 months) and serious delay (≥9 months). Multivariable polynomial logistic regression was applied in data analyses. Results: More than one quarter patients (27.5%) experienced moderate delays, and close to one-fifth (18.8%) experienced serious delays. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for moderate and serious delays were 4.81 (2.62-8.85) and 3.46 (1.72-6.97) for financial and physical barriers and 2.43 (1.14-5.21) and 2.50 (1.04-6.00) for lack of proper knowledge, respectively. Moderate delay was positively associated with behavior/belief barriers (3.36 [1.17-9.57]). The associations of financial and physical barriers, psychological barriers, and lack of proper knowledge with moderate or serious delays appeared stronger among women living in rural areas. Lack of proper knowledge was significantly associated with delay among young women (<50 years old) and those with high incomes. However, tests for multiplicative interactions were not significant. Conclusion: Delay in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is common among Vietnamese women and is affected by financial and physical barriers, psychological barriers, and lack of proper knowledge. Proper policy needs to be developed accordingly to address this public health issue. Citation Format: Sang Nguyen, Quang Nguyen, Lan Nguyen, Anh Pham, Hung Luu, Huong Tran, Thuan Tran, Xiao-Ou Shu. Delay in Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer in Vietnam [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 34.