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Life sciences · Journal article
Jaimc Journal of Allama Iqbal Medical College · September 14, 2026
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Background and Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among womenglobally, with developing countries like Pakistan facing significant challenges related to late diagnosis andhigh mortality rates. A large proportion of Pakistani women present with late-stage BC due to a lack ofawareness, cultural barriers, and healthcare accessibility issues. This study aimed to identify patient-relatedfactors contributing to delays in BC diagnosis among women in Lahore, Pakistan.Methods: A multi-centre comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at two hospitals in Lahore,including public and private healthcare facilities. Atotal of 208 female BC patients were enrolled using nonprobability convenience sampling from June 2023 to December 2023. Data were collected throughstructured interviews assessing socio-demographic factors, medical history, and healthcare-seekingbehaviors. Statistical analyses, including binary logistic regression, were performed to identify predictors ofdelayed diagnosis, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant.Results: The study found that 58.2% of participants experienced a delay in diagnosis of more than threemonths. Significant predictors of delayed diagnosis included a preference for alternative therapies(AOR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.17–5.29, p=0.018), fear of biopsy spreading cancer (AOR=5.99, 95% CI:2.70–13.32, p<0.001), and social stigma associated with cancer (AOR=3.67, 95% CI: 1.58–8.48, p=0.002).Additionally, lack of awareness regarding breast self-examinations and screening programs was prevalentamong delayed cases.Conclusion: Patient-related factors such as fear, misconceptions, and cultural stigma play a significant rolein delayed BC diagnosis in Pakistan. Targeted public health interventions, awareness campaigns, andculturally sensitive educational programs are critical to promoting early detection and improving BCoutcomes in developing countries.