Barriers to Breast Cancer Care for Women Presenting at District and Regional-Level Hospitals in Ghana: Findings From the African Breast Cancer-Disparities in Outcomes Ghana Study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) aims to improve breast cancer (BC) survival through early stage at diagnosis, prompt diagnostic evaluation, and appropriate multimodality treatment. Care pathway analysis helps to evaluate delay and dropouts through this process. Little is known about the BC care pathway of women first presenting at lower level of health systems in Africa.

Methods

Between March 2023 and February 2024, we prospectively recruited 243 women age ≥18 years in eight (six district, one regional and teaching) hospitals who, owing to breast symptoms, were referred for breast biopsy in the Oti and Volta regions of Ghana. We determined the percentages of biopsy uptake (study paid if needed), histology results receipt, survival, and treatment initia

SUBMITTER: Narh CT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12614833 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature