A qualitative study of delay among women reporting symptoms of breast cancer

Delayed presentation of symptomatic breast cancer of three months or more is associated with lower survival rates from the disease, yet 20% to 30% of women wait at least three months before consulting their general practitioner (GP) with breast symptoms.

To explore the factors that influence GP consultation by women with breast cancer symptoms.

Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews.

Forty-six women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, selected from 185 women recruited to a larger study.

Interviews were conducted eight weeks after diagnosis of breast cancer, comparing two groups of women divided according to the extent of delay between onset of symptoms and seeking medical care. Fifteen women had sought advice from their GP within two weeks of symptom discovery ('non-delayers' and 31 had waited 12 weeks or more before seeing their doctor ('delayers').

Women with breast symptoms who presented promptly to GPs recognised the seriousness of the symptom they had discovered more quickly than delayers. Perception of seriousness was influenced by the nature of the initial symptom and how far it matched the individual's expectations of breast cancer as a painless breast lump. Other factors affecting help-seeking included attitudes to GP attendance, beliefs about the consequences of cancer treatment, and perceptions of other priorities taking precedence over personal health.

This analysis suggests that women need further information about the different types of breast cancer symptoms to assist symptom recognition, as well as encouragement to seek medical advice if a symptom is ambiguous. In addition, women may benefit from greater awareness of the benefits of early detection and reassurance about the improvements in quality of breast cancer care.