OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to describe the demographic profile and determine the cause of delayed consultation among breast cancer patients seen at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Breast Center. The differences between these delayed consultations compared with those who consulted promptly, in terms of clinical, demographic, knowledge and cultural factors were determined.

METHODS: A survey of all female patients with breast cancer seen at the Breast Center of the VSMMC from September 2007 to February 2008, analyzing demographic, clinical, knowledge and cultural factors was conducted. Statistical analysis was done using chi square to determine factors significantly associated with delayed consultation.

RESULTS: Sixty-six (65.4%) out of 101 subjects had consulted late. Most of the delays were due to financial constraints. Delayed consultation was significantly associated with patient's low educational attainment up to elementary level only, and the patient's negative perceptions regarding the cause and possible cure of their cancer. During this time period, most breast cancer patients consulted late for their condition, primarily because of financial reasons.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study showed that financial factors, and inadequate education were major causes of delayed consultations. Inappropriate cultural beliefs may have also contributed to this delay. Modification of current advocacies in the community served by VSMMC is needed to address this problem. Financial support through the community, in whatever form, may be significant in decreasing the incidence of delayed consultation for breast cancer.