Delay of Help Seeking Behavior for Symptomatic Breast Cancer Patients: A Concept Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose is to clarify the concept “delay of help seeking behavior” for breast cancer patients with the concept analysis strategy proposed by Rogers (2000).

Method: Four databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Ichushi Web) were used. Search terms were“breast cancer”, “help seeking behavior”, “delay”. DIPEX Japan was added to our data analysis. As a result of the research, thirty resources were chosen and used for this analysis.

Results: Two attributes of the concept “delay of help seeking behavior” were identified; 1) time, 2) decision making process. Three antecedents were identified; 1) individual factor, 2) medical environment, 3) social culture. Two consequences were identified; 1) reduction of the survival rate, 2) load of medical staffs and patients in medical treatment. From the study, the delay of help seeking behavior of breast cancer patient is defined as the phenomena which have negative influences on the load of medical staffs and patients in medical treatment and survival due to the extension of the objective time during the decision-making process for help-seeking include subjective time.

Conclusion: The definition of “delay of help seeking behavior in breast cancer patients” is useful for construction of effective nursing care which compresences medical professionals and patients point of view.