Factors Contributing to Delay in Imaging Diagnosis of Breast Cancer: A Study Between Rural and Urban Areas of Pakistan

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Published: 2026-04-15
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61919/kddkgr68
Keywords:
breast cancer, diagnostic delay, imaging access, rural health, Pakistan, ultrasound, mammography.

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Ruqia Imran
BS in Medical Imaging and Ultrasonography, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Muqadas Shahbaz
BS in Medical Imaging and Ultrasonography, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Shahzada Khurram Syed
Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Services, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Sadaf Abdul Qadir
Master of Science in Medical Imaging Technology, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Kashaf Javed
BS in Medical Imaging and Ultrasonography, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Rimsha Kanwal
BS in Medical Imaging and Ultrasonography, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Ahmed Bilal
BS in Medical Imaging and Ultrasonography, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Sami-Ullah
BS in Medical Imaging and Ultrasonography, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally, with delayed diagnosis contributing significantly to poor outcomes in low-resource settings such as Pakistan. Imaging-related delays represent a critical yet understudied component of the diagnostic pathway. Objective: To identify factors associated with delay in imaging-related diagnostic evaluation of breast cancer and to compare these factors between rural and urban populations in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 100 adult women with biopsy-confirmed breast cancer recruited from hospitals in Lahore and a rural catchment population. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and imaging reports. The primary outcome was biopsy delay attributable to imaging-related factors. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests and logistic regression, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) reported. Results: The mean age was 43.8 ± 16.2 years, with 48% rural and 52% urban participants. Overall, 26% experienced imaging-related biopsy delay. Rural residence was significantly associated with delay (54.2% vs 0%, p < 0.001). Travel for imaging increased the likelihood of delay (46.4% vs 18.1%; OR = 3.93, 95% CI: 1.49–10.33; p = 0.008). Patient-related factors such as symptom misinterpretation (27%) and consultation with traditional healers (21%) were also common. Imaging modality and radiologic findings were not significantly associated with delay. Conclusion: Imaging-related diagnostic delay is primarily driven by geographic and access-related factors, particularly rural residence and travel burden. Improving access to diagnostic imaging and promoting early healthcare engagement are essential to reduce delays and improve breast cancer outcomes.

Article Details

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 7 (2026)

Section

Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

1.
Ruqia Imran, Muqadas Shahbaz, Shahzada Khurram Syed, Sadaf Abdul Qadir, Kashaf Javed, Rimsha Kanwal, et al. Factors Contributing to Delay in Imaging Diagnosis of Breast Cancer: A Study Between Rural and Urban Areas of Pakistan. JHWCR [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 15 [cited 2026 Apr. 16];4(7):1-13. Available from: https://jhwcr.com/index.php/jhwcr/article/view/1468

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