EXPLORING BARRIERS TO TIMELY BREAST CANCER CARE : IMPLICATIONS FOR AFFORDABLE AND PATIENT - CENTERED HEALTH SYSTEMS
Author(s)
Sujatha Kuppusamy, PhD1, Jayasutha Jayram, Sr., PhD1, Elakiya Shanmugam, B. Pharmacy2.
1Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India, 2Student, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research(DU), Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
1Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India, 2Student, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research(DU), Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, particularly in developing countries such as India. Delayed diagnosis and inadequate healthcare utilization are major challenges influenced by emotional, socioeconomic, and accessibility-related barriers. In the context of the future of health innovation emphasizing affordability and accessibility, this study aimed to assess health-seeking behaviour among women with breast cancer and identify factors affecting timely medical consultation and healthcare utilization.
METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 female breast cancer patients at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU) from March 2022 to September 2022 was conducted. Data were collected using Cancer Awareness Measure Plus (CAM PLUS) and Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (B-CAM) questionnaires. Information regarding patient demographics, awareness, health-seeking behaviour, delayed presentation, and barriers to healthcare utilization was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA in SPSS version 23
RESULTS: Most participants demonstrated average health-seeking behaviour, while 56.07% sought healthcare immediately after noticing symptoms. Major barriers identified included fear of cancer diagnosis, treatment-related anxiety, embarrassment, lack of emotional support, financial burden, and transportation difficulties. Limited awareness regarding breast cancer symptoms also contributed to delayed healthcare utilization. Educational status and monthly income showed significant association with timely healthcare-seeking behaviour, highlighting the impact of affordability and accessibility on early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Emotional, financial, and accessibility-related barriers continue to delay healthcare utilization among women with breast cancer. Strengthening future health innovations through affordable healthcare services, accessible screening facilities, awareness initiatives, and community-based psychological support programs may improve early healthcare-seeking behaviour and enhance breast cancer outcomes in resource-limited settings
METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 female breast cancer patients at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU) from March 2022 to September 2022 was conducted. Data were collected using Cancer Awareness Measure Plus (CAM PLUS) and Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (B-CAM) questionnaires. Information regarding patient demographics, awareness, health-seeking behaviour, delayed presentation, and barriers to healthcare utilization was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA in SPSS version 23
RESULTS: Most participants demonstrated average health-seeking behaviour, while 56.07% sought healthcare immediately after noticing symptoms. Major barriers identified included fear of cancer diagnosis, treatment-related anxiety, embarrassment, lack of emotional support, financial burden, and transportation difficulties. Limited awareness regarding breast cancer symptoms also contributed to delayed healthcare utilization. Educational status and monthly income showed significant association with timely healthcare-seeking behaviour, highlighting the impact of affordability and accessibility on early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Emotional, financial, and accessibility-related barriers continue to delay healthcare utilization among women with breast cancer. Strengthening future health innovations through affordable healthcare services, accessible screening facilities, awareness initiatives, and community-based psychological support programs may improve early healthcare-seeking behaviour and enhance breast cancer outcomes in resource-limited settings
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-09, ISPOR Asia Pacific 2026, Bangkok, Thailand
Value in Health, Volume 55, Issue S1
Code
HSD11
Topic
Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, SDC: Oncology