Factors Contributing to Delayed Diagnosis and Use of Complementary Therapies in Breast Cancer Patients in Asia: a Systematic Literature Review

Background: Breast cancer and the high use of complementary therapies that are often not based on medical evidence. Delayed diagnosis is influenced by various factors such as low public knowledge, stigma is one of the leading causes of women's deaths around the world, including in Indonesia. The high morbidity and mortality rates are not only due to the high incidence, but also due to delayed diagnosis, limited access to health services, socio-cultural factors, and delays in referrals from primary health facilities. Methods: This study uses the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method by examining 11 relevant research articles in the period 2017–2025. The analysis was carried out based on the PRISMA criteria by filtering literature from various databases, including PubMed. The selected articles met the inclusion criteria, namely discussing delayed diagnosis or the use of complementary therapies in breast cancer patients. Results: The synthesis showed that the delay in diagnosis was largely influenced by the patient's internal factors (knowledge, perception, trust, and fear), as well as external factors (family support, socio-economic conditions, health care system, and culture). The use of complementary therapies is generally related to the belief in effectiveness, availability, lower prices, and the influence of the social environment. Conclusion: delayed diagnosis and use of complementary therapies in breast cancer patients is an important issue that needs serious attention. Health education strategies, increased early detection, strengthening referral systems, and integrating evidence-based complementary therapies are needed to improve the quality of services and safety of breast cancer patients.