Where do delays occur? A systematic review of the barriers to early breast cancer diagnosis across South Africa's health system.
BMJ OpenSep 22, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOncology (Medical)
Yannis Reissis, Bethany Miller, Rocco Friebel et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined barriers to early breast cancer diagnosis in South Africa, where the 5-year survival rate is only 40%. The study analyzed 22 peer-reviewed articles involving 8,518 participants, revealing significant delays in diagnosis due to limited knowledge, inadequate healthcare access, and insufficient diagnostic capacity, with delays ranging from 28 days to over 12 months.
Key findings
- Limited breast cancer knowledge and poor healthcare access were identified as major barriers.
- Delays in diagnosis ranged from 28 days to over 12 months due to inadequate diagnostic capacity.
- Rural patients faced challenges accessing surgical and oncology services, often requiring travel for treatment.
- One-stop clinics were linked to shorter diagnostic intervals.
Why it matters
Understanding the barriers to early breast cancer diagnosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Addressing these issues can lead to earlier detection and treatment, ultimately enhancing survival rates in a population with significant healthcare challenges.