Aspects Related to Delay in Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer in a Hospital in Pernambuco

Abstract

Introduction: The high mortality rate of breast cancer in Brazil is closely associated with the delay in the investigation of suspicious lesions and the lack of a timely therapy care. Objective: To investigate aspects related to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Method: An observational, epidemiological, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Originally 54 patients admitted for research at the Mastology Department of Pernambuco Cancer Hospital (Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco) were interviewed. Among them, 25 were positive for breast cancer, constituting the research’s universe. Results: The main age group was comprised of patients between 60 and 79 years old (48%). Most of them were diagnosed with advanced stage (72%), and at least three months after symptoms onset (64%). The diagnosis was confirmed in less than 30 days (88.9% of cases), but the beginning of treatment exceeded 60 days in 56.6% of cases. Conclusion: It was observed that there was a delay in diagnosis and treatment introduction, which is related to patient’s characteristics, health professionals and services as well.