Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women in India, with a rising incidence and high mortality rate largely attributed to delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. These delays are influenced by a complex interplay of patient-related, socio-cultural, and system-level factors.
Objective: This scoping review aims to systematically explore the extent, causes, and consequences of diagnostic and treatment delays in breast cancer cases in India, and to identify potential interventions for minimizing these delays.
Methods: Following the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review framework and adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The search strategy included keywords and Boolean operators relevant to breast cancer, delay, diagnosis, treatment, and India. Studies published in English between 2000 and 2024 were screened. A total of 2,150 records were identified; after screening and eligibility assessment, 37 studies were included in the final review. Key variables such as study design, location, sample size, type of delay, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed.
Results: The findings reveal that both patient-related delays (e.g., lack of awareness, cultural stigma, fear, financial constraints) and system-related delays (e.g., limited healthcare accessibility, referral inefficiencies, diagnostic wait times) significantly contribute to late-stage diagnosis. Most delays were noted at the patient presentation stage, with urban-rural disparities also influencing outcomes.
Conclusion: Diagnostic and treatment delays in breast cancer care continue to be a significant public health concern in India. This review highlights the urgent need for community-based education programs, strengthened referral systems, and healthcare infrastructure improvements. Policymakers and healthcare providers must work together to implement targeted strategies that promote early detection and timely management of breast cancer in India.