Perceived barriers to timely diagnosis among Iranian women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer: a qualitative study

Timely diagnosis of breast cancer plays a vital role in improving treatment outcomes and increasing patient survival. However, contextual factors such as cultural beliefs, healthcare system structural limitations, and socioeconomic challenges can contribute to diagnostic delays. The qualitative study explores the barriers to timely diagnosis from the perspectives of Iranian women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth, semistructured interviews to explore perceived barriers to timely diagnosis among Iranian women with advanced breast cancer. Data analysis were performed using MAXQDA software, V.20.

15 Iranian women [mean age 50.6±9.4 (range 38-72)] years with breast cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Seven participants reported diagnostic delays that exceeded 7 months. Key factors contributing to perceived delays included poorly managed appointments and medical care, care not meeting patient expectations, deceptive marketing practices, cost of diagnostic procedures, lack of knowledge, fears, transcendent beliefs, competing priorities, insufficient support and diagnostic errors.

Understanding perceived barriers to timely diagnosis in women with advanced breast cancer is key to creating effective strategies that reduce preventable negative outcomes. Study findings have implications for patient education, healthcare quality, and enhancement of communication between providers and patients for delayed diagnosis prevention in respective treatment settings.