Reasons for Delay in Fungating Breast Cancer Presentation at a Tertiary Care Facility of Pakistan

Abstract

Background and objective: Breast cancer is a treatable disease resulting in complete cure. Late presentation is not uncommon in third world countries. The factors leading to delay in reporting to the hospital must be studied. The objective of this research was to identify the factors responsible for late presentation of fungating breast cancer patients at a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan.Methods: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at Jinnah hospital Lahore from January 2020 to December 2022. A total of 56 respondents were selected through non-probability purposive sampling technique. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered, data were gathered after taking informed consent and data confidentiality was ensured. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The stage 1 and 2 carcinoma breast patients are excluded from the study. The sample size was calculated by using WHO calculator.Results: A total of 56 cases of fungating breast growths were included in the present study carried out for a period of two years. Among 56 cases the mean age of patients was 45+9 years. The study found that the reasons leading for the delay in seeking treatment were poor socioeconomic status, belief in traditional faith healers, cultural myths, reliance on alternative medicine, fear of medical procedures, resistance from family members, and lack of accessibility.Conclusion: The delayed presentation of breast cancer leading to fungating growth is a significant concern that needs to be addressed. By identifying the reasons for delayed presentation, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop targeted interventions to improve early detection and prompt treatment, eventually improving the prognosis and quality of life of breast cancer patients.Key Words: delayed presentation, fungating breast cancer, reasons, tertiary care facility.