Naslov
Delays in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer: a multinational analysis

Autori
Jassem, J. ; Ozmen, V. ; Bacanu, F. ; Drobniene, M. ; Eglitis, J. ; Lakshmaiah, K. C. ; Kahan, Z. ; Mardiak, J. ; Pieńkowski, T. ; Semiglazova, T. ; Stamatovic, L. ; Timcheva, C. ; Vasović, Suzana ; Vrbanec, Damir ; Zaborek, P.

Izvornik
European journal of public health (1101-1262) 24 (2014), 5; 761-767

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
breast cancer; diagnosis

Sažetak
Reducing treatment delay improves outcomes in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing patient- and system-related delays in commencing breast cancer treatment in different countries. METHODS: A total of 6588 female breast cancer patients from 12 countries were surveyed. Total delay time was determined as the sum of the patient- related delay time (time between onset of the first symptoms and the first medical visit) and system-related delay time (time between the first medical visit and the start of therapy). RESULTS: The average patient- related delay time and total delay time were 4.7 (range: 3.4-6.2) weeks and 14.4 (range: 11.5-29.4) weeks, respectively. Longer patient- related delay times were associated with distrust and disregard, and shorter patient- related delay times were associated with fear of breast cancer, practicing self-examination, higher education level, being employed, having support from friends and family and living in big cities. The average system-related delay time was 11.1 (range: 8.3-24.7) weeks. Cancer diagnosis made by an oncologist versus another physician, higher education level, older age, family history of female cancers and having a breast lump as the first cancer sign were associated with shorter system-related delay times. Longer patient-related delay times and higher levels of distrust and disregard were predictors of longer system-related delay times. CONCLUSIONS: The delay in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer remains a serious problem. Several psychological and behavioural patient attributes strongly determine both patient- related delay time and system-related delay time, but their strength is different in particular countries.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA