Delay in diagnosis of breast cancer in a public oncologic hospital

Abstract

Study model: A prospective, observational, transversal study. Objective: To evaluate the main factors related to delayed diagnosis of breast cancer. Method: A structured questionnaire was performed at the first clinical consultation, evaluating factors related to delayed in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Results: 156 women were selected for the study, where the majority had low education (58.9%), aged between 40 and 69 years (73.1%), lack of knowledge about breast self-examination (55.8 %) and no regularity of mammography (52.6%). 72.4 % had tumor at advanced stage at diagnosis. There was an association between delayed diagnosis and age. The multiple regression model adjusted for by age, showed increase risk related to health system (OR= 3.08), education (OR=5.46) and adherence (OR=5.67) were associated with late clinical stage at diagnosis. Conclusion: The factors related to advanced stage at diagnosis are linked and multiples. It indicates the necessity to perform strategies related to increase the adherence to mammography