Time to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer: Results from the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, 1991-1995

Objectives. This study examined times to diagnosis and treatment for medica lly underserved women screened for breast cancer. Methods. Intervals from first positive screening test to diagnosis to: init iation of treatment were determined for 1659 women 40 years and older diagn osed with breast cancer. Results. Women with abnormal mammograms had shorter diagnostic intervals th an women with abnormal clinical breast examinations and normal mammograms. U'onlen with selfreport breast symptoms bad shorter diagnostic intervals th an asymptomatic women. Diagnostic intervals were less than 60 days in 78% o f cases. Treatment intervals were generally 2 weeks or less. Conclusions. Most omen diagnosed with breast cancer were followed up in a t imely manner after screening. Further investigation is needed to identify a nd then address factors associated with longer diagnostic and treatment int ervals to maximize the benefits of early detection.