[Delay for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Bogotá, Colombia]

Abstract

Objective: Establish provider delay for breast cancer and related factors.

Material and methods: 1,106 women with breast cancer were approached in health care institutions of Bogota, Colombia. According to the history of first consultation, we established diagnostic and treatment incidence rates, which were compared for different variables. A Cox hazard model was established.

Results: Median time from first consultation to diagnosis and start of treatment were 91 days (CI95%:82-97 days) and 137 days (CI95%:127-147 days) respectively. Diagnosis and treatment were faster in women with higher educational level, affiliated to the "special" social security, with better socioeconomic conditions and in screening-detected breast cancers.

Conclusion: Provider delay is excessive. There are clear inequities in access to services and a need of reducing the waiting times for women with a suspicion of breast cancer.