Factors Associated With Delay in Seeking Medical Care Among Breast Cancer Patients in Bangladesh

Background Breast cancer remains a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC's), including Bangladesh, where delayed healthcare-seeking contributes to late-stage diagnosis and poor outcomes. This study aimed to identify factors associated with delay in seeking medical care among breast cancer patients in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiotherapy, Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, from January to December 2024. A total of 206 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients aged ≥ 18 years were included. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, clinical features, presenting symptoms, healthcare-seeking behavior, and perceived causes of delay. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were performed. Crude odds ratios (CORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results The mean age of participants was 46 ± 11.0 years, and most patients were female (202, 98.0%). A breast lump was the presenting symptom in all patients. A large proportion of patients presented with advanced-stage disease, particularly Stage III (42.2%) and Stage IV (18.0%). Delay in seeking medical care was observed in 123 patients. The most common reported cause of delay was the use of traditional treatment/homeopathy (77.2%), followed by misinterpretation of symptoms as non-serious (24.4%). Cancer stage was significantly associated with delay in seeking medical care (p < 0.001). In the adjusted analysis, Stage IV disease was significantly associated with higher odds of delay [AOR = 10.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28-119, p = 0.039]. The strongest predictor of delay was first consultation with a homeopathy practitioner (AOR = 51.7, 95% CI: 19.7-163, p < 0.001). Socio-demographic factors, including age, residence, education, income, occupation, and smokeless tobacco use, were not significantly associated with delay. Conclusion Delay in seeking medical care among breast cancer patients in Bangladesh was mainly associated with initial consultation with homeopathy practitioners and advanced cancer stage, rather than socio-demographic factors. Strengthening public awareness, promoting early symptom recognition, improving referral pathways, and discouraging reliance on non-formal care pathways may help reduce delays in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.