What could be the reasons of late diagnosis of breast cancer in Tunisia?

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Published Nov 14, 2018
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Vol. 96 No. 10 (2018): Issue Oct 2018

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L Ben Fatma
I Belaid
N Said
S Gahbiche
M Hochlef
I Chabchoub
F Ezzairi
S Ben Ahmed

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage in Tunisia with long delay in time to consultation and to diagnosis. The aim of the study was to identify explanatory factors to delayed diagnosis.
Methods: A case control analytical was performed from January 2013 to December 2014 in the department of Medical Oncology in FarhatHachedUniveristy Hospital.Patients with the diagnosis of ductal breast carcinoma were included in the study.Characteristics of a first group of 200 women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (G1)were compared to a second group of 200 patients with early stage (G2).
Results: Median delay in consultation and mean tumor size were significantly more important in group G1 (p<0,001).A low level of schooling, a rural origin, poor socio-economic conditions and no encouragement by the patient relatives do not allow an early diagnosis.Misinterpretation of clinical breast signs was the only explanatory factor related to the system. In multivariate study, a low level of schooling(adjusted OR=2.72; CI 95% [1,65-4,49]), no encouragement by the patient’s relatives(adjusted OR=7.86; CI 95% [4,24-14,57])and more than three dependants(adjusted OR=2.49; CI 95% [1,58-3,93]) were the independent factors that could explain the delay in diagnosis.
Conclusion: Our study confirm the inverse relationship between socio-economic and scholar level and disease stage. Health education campaigns particularly among women with a low schooling level and of rural origin could reduce time for consultation. Promoting continuing medical education could avoid diagnostic errors.

Keywords:

Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast; delayed diagnosis, Tunisia

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