Breast cancer: delays, dilemmas, and delusions

Abstract

Two rather different papers in this week's issue of The Lancet address the impact of delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer. They reach opposite conclusions. Factors predicting delayed presentation of symptomatic breast cancer: a systematic reviewThe strength of the current evidence is inadequate to inform the development of specific strategies to shorten delays by patients or providers. Clarification of the findings of this review through a major programme of primary research is urgently required. Full-Text PDF Influence of delay on survival in patients with breast cancer: a systematic reviewDelays of 3–6 months are associated with lower survival. These effects cannot be accounted for by lead-time bias. Efforts should be made to keep delays by patients and providers to a minimum. Full-Text PDF Effect on survival of delays in referral of patients with breast-cancer symptoms: a retrospective analysisDelays by providers in diagnosis of 3 months or more do not seem to be associated with decreased survival in patients presenting with breast cancer. The drive for all women with possible breast cancer to be seen within 14 days will divert resources from other services and is not supported by this study. Full-Text PDF