Developing a sustainable patient navigation model for breast cancer care in India: a survivor-led pilot project

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer among women in India. Despite significant advancements in treatment, the 5-year survival rate remains below 65%, with outcomes considerably worse in rural areas.1 The primary contributors to this poor prognosis include delayed diagnosis, secondary delays in treatment initiation, and high dropout rates during therapy. Importantly, the causes of these delays and discontinuation are not solely financial—they stem from fear of biopsy, anticipated side effects, loss of the breast, and general uncertainty regarding treatment.