Determinants of Stage at Presentation in Breast Carcinoma: A Hospital-Based Study
Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Centre, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Corresponding Author: Ghosh K, Doctus Journal of Oncology.
Abstract
Stage at presentation is the strongest modifiable determinant of breast cancer survival in India. We analysed 618 consecutive newly diagnosed patients, recording the interval from first symptom to histological diagnosis and its determinants. Median delay was 5.8 months and 54% presented at stage III or IV. Delay was driven predominantly by the interval between first symptom and first medical contact rather than by any subsequent diagnostic step. Painless presentation and initial consultation outside allopathic care were the strongest correlates; education and distance were not significant once these were included. Interventions must address symptom interpretation, not only service availability.
Keywords
Breast Carcinoma; Stage at Presentation; Diagnostic Delay; Cancer Screening; Health Seeking; Oncology
How to Cite
Ghosh K and Roy N. “Determinants of Stage at Presentation in Breast Carcinoma: A Hospital-Based Study”. Doctus Journal of Oncology 1.2 (2026): 28-44.
Copyright and Licence
© 2026 Ghosh K. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution Licence, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.