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

Abstract

Cancer is reported to be the second-leading cause of death and disability in the world. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Tanzania. 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. The general objective of this study was to explore factors which contribute to delay in seeking referral for cancer treatment among breast cancer patients at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Muhimbili National Hospitals. Methods: This was a cross sectional study, done at the two tertiary hospitals; Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam. All 142 breast cancer patients who attended clinics at the tertiary hospitals during the study period were included. A questionnaire was used to interview the respondents. Delay was measured in terms of the time from the diagnosis to the time of seeking treatment at the tertiary hospitals. Cross tabulations were done and Chi-square was used to compare proportions with p ≤0.05considered to be significant, Tables were used to summarize the findings. Results: In total, 142 study participants were included with a mean age was 53 years and 82% were married, 30 employed. 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%) an receiving treatment at the traditional healers ORCI/MNH (14%). Martital status were signigicantly associated with delay in seeking health care (OR=0.35 and 95%CI (0.15 , 081). Conclusions: Cost, use of traditional healers and distance to tertiary hospitals were associated with breast cancer patient delay in seeking care. This study provides very imperative 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.