Diagnosis Delay of Breast Cancer in Malaysian Women
Author Information
Author(s): Norsa'adah Bachok, Rampal Krishna G, Rahmah Mohd A, Naing Nyi N, Biswal Biswa M
Primary Institution: Universiti Sains Malaysia
Hypothesis
What are the factors associated with delayed diagnosis of breast cancer in Malaysian women?
Conclusion
Delays in consultation and diagnosis are serious problems in Malaysia, influenced by complex interactions between many factors.
Supporting Evidence
- 72.6% of respondents experienced diagnosis delay of more than 3 months.
- 45.5% of cases had a diagnosis delay of more than 6 months.
- Factors associated with diagnosis delay included the use of alternative therapy and palpable axillary lymph nodes.
Takeaway
This study found that many women in Malaysia wait too long to see a doctor after noticing breast cancer symptoms, which can make the disease worse.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study with face-to-face interviews using standardized questionnaires at five medical centers.
Potential Biases
Information bias from relying on patients' recall of events leading to their diagnosis.
Limitations
Selection bias due to only including patients who had already been diagnosed and potential recall bias in reporting symptoms.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 47.9 years, mostly Malay ethnicity, married housewives with a median family income of RM1500.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Confidence Interval
1.06, 2.94
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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