<p>Female breast cancer is one of the most critical cancer types found and consequential number of research is being carried on. The only way to survive from this disease is reported to be early detection. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in Nagaland and the most commonly diagnosed cancer in North eastern region of India, with worst survival rate and reportedly high rise of advanced stage at diagnosis. Therefore, the study attempted to determine the cause of the causal factors for such high proportion of advance stage at diagnosis. The study reported that majority of cases had late stage of disease and the factors associated include ignorance and negligence. The study also reported low level of awareness and very few practicing BSE. Furthermore, with increasing rates of breast cancer in the North east region, our findings reinforce the need of breast cancer programs with focus on recognition of the symptoms, as it is favoured with a better outcome, if detected early. As different sources of screening and detection becomes difficult for various reasons in India in different regions, therefore, efforts on risk factors education and BSE screening should be augmented for early detection.</p>
