The Effect of Age on Delays in Treatment of Ca Mammae in Patients Who Take Alternative Medication in Surakarta City

Abstract

The study explores the impact of age on treatment delays for breast cancer (Ca mammae) in patients using alternative therapies in Surakarta City, 2024. It addresses significant delays in seeking conventional medical care, with a focus on patients who have opted for alternative treatments such as herbal remedies, spiritual therapy, and traditional therapies. Despite the known effectiveness of conventional treatment, many patients in Surakarta present at advanced stages (stage III/IV), which increases the risk of poor outcomes. This study finds that older patients (>50 years) and those with low levels of knowledge about breast cancer experience the most significant delays in treatment. Furthermore, the type of alternative treatment used is strongly associated with delay in diagnosis, with spiritual therapies contributing the most to late-stage diagnoses. The findings suggest that social and cultural factors, such as familial or community pressures, also play a key role in treatment decisions. This research highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to increase awareness of the importance of early detection and to reduce the reliance on non-scientific alternative therapies. The study concludes that a combination of age, knowledge, and socio-cultural factors significantly influences the delays in breast cancer treatment in Surakarta.