Pattern of Help Seeking Behaviour in Female Breast Cancer Patients
Journal Title: Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research - Year 2018, Vol 6, Issue 3
Abstract
Introduction: Incidence of breast cancer has been increasing in Kerala over the past decade and has overtaken cervical cancer. Early detection and treatment can completely cure breast cancer. Delay of more than 3 months results in poor prognosis. Nevertheless, delayed help seeking is seen among the majority of women who come to clinics. Patient delay can occur at three levels (delay due to not disclosing to another person, delay in consulting a doctor and delay in starting treatment). Objectives: To study the pattern of delay in help seeking behavior among female breast cancer patients and to find out reasons for delay. Methodology: Study was conducted in the female wards of Surgery and Radiotherapy Departments, in a tertiary care centre in South Kerala. 60 patients were interviewed and data collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The study was conducted in 60 patients who were diagnosed as breast cancer and were under treatment in a tertiary care centre in South Kerala. The mean age was 50.15 years (9.725). 73.3% were rural residents, 43.3% APL, 63.3% housewives, 83.3% married. 26.7% knew about screening, of which 56.2% knew mammogram and 81.2%, self-breast examination. Of the latter, 83.3% practiced it while others did not, due to ignorance. Lump was the commonest symptom detected, in 75%. 50% reported at early stage. 55.6% of those who sought help at first symptom reported to their husbands. 51.7% had delay of more than 3 months, 5.0%, less than 3 months and 43.3% had no delay. The median help seeking delay in disclosing to another person was 8.0 months (6.0-24.0), in consulting a doctor, 6.0 months (2.0-19.5) and in starting treatment, 1.5 months (1.0-3.0). Median total delay was 11.0 months (6.0-31.5). Conclusion: In spite of Kerala having high female literacy, the majority of women delayed due to ignorance and lack of awareness about disease itself and screening practices. Ironically, many who are aware do not take proper steps to detect breast cancer early. Programmes targeted at increasing the awareness among women are necessary so that they present early and have a better chance of survival.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Praveen P
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