Experience of Initial Symptoms of Breast Cancer and Triggers for Action in Ethiopia

Abstract

Objective. This study assessed the initial experiences, symptoms, and actions of patients in Ethiopia ultimately determined to have breast cancer. Methods. 69 participants in a comprehensive breast cancer treatment program at the main national cancer hospital in Ethiopia were interviewed using mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches. Participants' narratives of their initial cancer experience were coded and analyzed for themes around their symptoms, time to seeking advice, triggers for action, and contextual factors. The assessment was approved by the Addis Ababa University Faculty of Medicine Institutional Review Board. Results. Nearly all women first noticed lumps, though few sought medical advice within the first year (average time to action: 1.5 years). Eventually, changes in their symptoms motivated most participants to seek advice. Most participants did not think the initial lump would be cancer, nor was a lump of any particular concern until symptoms changed. Conclusion. Given the frequency with which lumps are the first symptom noticed, raising awareness among participants that lumps should trigger medical consultation could contribute significantly to more rapid medical advice-seeking among women in Ethiopia. Primary care sites should be trained and equipped to offer evaluation of lumps so that women can be referred appropriately for assessment if needed.

Appraisal of Breast Cancer Symptoms by Iranian Women: Entangled Cognitive, Emotional and Socio-Cultural Responses

“…Consistent with other studies, while women who attributed the symptoms to minor conditions, ignored symptoms without any emotional response (de Nooijer et al, 2001;Dye et al, 2012), nearly all women who perceive the seriousness of the various forms of fear and concern (Adam and Soutar, 2003;Lu et al, 2010;O'Mahony et al, 2011). In this study, not only understanding the seriousness of the symptoms caused negative psychological reactions, but also in some cases, fear of cancer led to hesitation in accepting the seriousness of the symptoms.…”

“…The absence of pain in patients who consider painful lump to be a symptom of cancer creates false confidence (Burgess et al, 2001). Several studies have shown that painless lump was attributed to not being serious and was more common in delayed presentations (Lam et al, 2009;Taib et al, 2011;Dye et al, 2012). Dye et al (2012) reported that changes in nature of symptoms (e.g.…”

“…Several studies have shown that painless lump was attributed to not being serious and was more common in delayed presentations (Lam et al, 2009;Taib et al, 2011;Dye et al, 2012). Dye et al (2012) reported that changes in nature of symptoms (e.g. pain, itching) motivated women in Ethiopia after several years delays to seek help (Dye et al, 2012).…”

“…Dye et al (2012) reported that changes in nature of symptoms (e.g. pain, itching) motivated women in Ethiopia after several years delays to seek help (Dye et al, 2012).…”

Knowledge of Breast Cancer and its Association with Preventive Practice among Malaysian School Teachers

“…Studies reported that self-awareness is more effective than BSE [32] and it appears that BSE training could provide an opportunity to increase women's knowledge about breast cancer in developing countries [33][34].…”