Factors Associated with Delays in Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Scoping Review

Delayed breast cancer diagnosis in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) reduces the survival rates. This review identifies the causes of these delays to inform strategies for improving early detection.

This scoping review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework to explore the factors contributing to delayed breast cancer diagnosis in LMICs. Seven databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Embase, and Magiran, were searched for English and Persian studies published between January 2000 and September 2024. The search combined the keywords (e.g., "diagnostic delay," "missed diagnosis," "breast cancer," "late-stage," "barriers"), using Boolean operators. To focus on LMICs, we applied country filters, where available, and supplemented the search with manual screening of reference lists from the included studies.

The initial database search identified 5,313 records. After removing 1,036 duplicates, 4,277 studies were screened based on title, abstract, and country of origin. Of these, 4,217 were excluded for reasons including irrelevance to delayed breast cancer diagnosis, study design, population, setting (e.g., high-income countries), or publication date (outside 2000-2024). The remaining 60 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the narrative synthesis. Extracted data were organized and interpreted using the revised Penchansky framework (accessibility, availability, acceptability, affordability, accommodation, awareness). Additional themes included misdiagnosis, competing priorities, and personal factors.

Multiple modifiable factors contribute to diagnostic delays in LMICs. Addressing them can accelerate diagnosis, improve outcomes, and reduce harm. Targeted improvements in these areas offer significant potential to enhance breast cancer care and save lives in LMICs.