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Current Breast Cancer Reports
Published in: Current Breast Cancer Reports 3/2018

01-09-2018 | Global Breast Cancer (BO Anderson and C Duggan, Section Editors)

Factors Contributing to Late-Stage Breast Cancer Presentation in sub-Saharan Africa

Authors: John R. Scheel, Sarah Anderson, Milena Foerster, Moses Galukande, Valerie McCormack

Published in: Current Breast Cancer Reports | Issue 3/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Late stage at breast cancer diagnosis is a major contributor to poor survival from breast cancer in many sub-Saharan African countries. Using Ugandan as an example, we discuss barriers along the journey to diagnosis and highlight areas where improvements are needed.

Recent Findings

In Uganda, the majority of breast cancer patients noticed symptoms of their cancer for at least 9 months prior to diagnosis, which is typical of many African countries. For most women, the health provider delay is extensive, owing to barriers related to cost, transport, stigma, provider knowledge, and difficult-to-navigate referral systems.

Summary

Downstaging efforts should focus on reducing health system delay and target low community awareness. Implementation research to strengthen women’s breast cancer knowledge, access to breast health services, and referral pathways provide clear opportunities for downstaging.
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Metadata
Title
Factors Contributing to Late-Stage Breast Cancer Presentation in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors
John R. Scheel
Sarah Anderson
Milena Foerster
Moses Galukande
Valerie McCormack
Publication date
01-09-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Breast Cancer Reports / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1943-4588
Electronic ISSN: 1943-4596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-018-0278-7

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