Causes of delay in diagnosis and treatment in turkish patients diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer and post-diagnosis experiences: a qualitative study

A significant proportion of women still present with advanced-stage breast cancer; this situation points to ongoing shortcomings in early diagnosis. This descriptive phenomenological study aimed to determine the reasons for delay in diagnosis and treatment and post-diagnostic experiences of Turkish women with breast cancer diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage 2B, Stage 3, and Stage 4). In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 21 patients who met the inclusion criteria using a semi-structured interview form. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step descriptive phenomenological method as the primary analytical framework, with thematic content analysis facilitated by MAXQDA 2020 Qualitative Data Analysis software. Thematic analysis of the data revealed six main themes: (1) Individual awareness of breast cancer, (2) Diagnosis process, (3) Post-diagnosis psychosocial status, (4) Health system evaluation, (5) Personal experiences and lifestyle, and (6) Treatment experience and its effects. Women diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer in Turkey face a range of challenges, including a lack of personal awareness, difficulties in the diagnostic process, and significant psychosocial distress after diagnosis. Key factors contributing to diagnostic delays were limited personal awareness, fear and denial, as well as health system-related barriers such as difficulty obtaining appointments and communication problems. Despite these challenges, participants demonstrated significant resilience through acceptance, positive reframing and spiritual coping mechanisms. These findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive, nurse-led interventions that address early detection barriers and provide holistic support after diagnosis.