Abstract 52: Barriers to Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Tanzania: Patient Perspectives and Recommendations for Improvement

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Timely diagnosis is one of the core pillars of the World Health Organization’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative. This study explored the experiences of Tanzanian women in securing a breast cancer diagnosis and gathered their recommendations for enhancing the diagnostic process in a resource- constrained setting. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study involving 14 women who completed breast cancer treatment at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants to ensure cancer survivors who are active as patient advocates were also represented. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interview prompts focused on the participant’s experiences related to obtaining a breast cancer diagnosis. Data were analyzed using the Model of Pathways to Treatment framework alongside a rapid analysis approach to identify healthcare system strengths, barriers to diagnosis, and suggestions for improvement. Results: Participants had a median age of 50 years (range 40–60 years). All participants were cancer survivors, with 71% (10/14) being active patient advocates. Identified strengths within the health system included the availability of primary care and specialized cancer care services, some health insurance coverage, and social welfare support from various healthcare facilities. Barriers to timely diagnosis included financial and logistical constraints, insufficient resources in healthcare facilities and limited breast cancer knowledge among non-specialized healthcare providers. Participants also reported challenges in navigating the health system, complicated referral pathways, delays in receiving biopsy results and poor patient-provider communication. Recommendations for improvement included enhancing patient-provider communication, improving training for primary care providers, reducing costs for diagnosis, strengthening pathology services, and incorporating psychological support in breast cancer care. Conclusion: This study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Tanzania’s healthcare system for breast cancer diagnosis. By preserving the strengths while addressing existing challenges, access to breast cancer diagnostics could be improved. Initiatives aimed at improving breast cancer care should prioritize the implementation of patient suggestions, such as enhancing patient-provider communication and strengthening pathology services including lowering diagnostic costs. Citation Format: Zainab Illonga, Summaiya Haddadi, Kija Luhuti, Beatrice Mushi, Pendo Ibrahim, Msiba Selekwa, Godfrey Philipo, Ryan Fodero, Asteria Kimambo, Nanzoke Mvungi, Edda Vuhahula, Jaime Gilliland, Katherine Van Loon, Elia Mmbaga, Dianna Ng. Barriers to Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Tanzania: Patient Perspectives and Recommendations for Improvement [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 52.