Barriers and Explanatory Mechanisms of Delays in the Patient and Diagnosis Intervals of Care for Breast Cancer in Mexico

Conclusion.Our findings support the relevance of strengthening early cancer diagnosis strategies, especially the improvement of quality of primary care and expedited referral routes to cancer services.Implications for Practice.This study's findings suggest that policy in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) should be directed toward reducing delays in diagnosis, before the implementation of mammography screening programs. The results suggest several factors susceptible to early diagnosis interventions. To reduce patient delays, the usually proposed intervention of awareness promotion could better work in LMIC contexts if the message goes beyond the advertising of screening mammography to encourage the recognition of potential cancer symptoms and sharing of symptoms with significant others. To reduce diagnosis delay, efforts should focus on strengthening the quality of public primary care services and improving referral routes to cancer care centers.
Source: The Oncologist - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Breast Cancer, Global Health and Cancer Source Type: research