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Time to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer: results from the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, 1991-1995.
Epidemiology and Health Services Research Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga. 30341, USA. lhc9@cdc.gov
OBJECTIVES: This study examined times to diagnosis and treatment for medically underserved women screened for breast cancer. METHODS: Intervals from first positive screening test to diagnosis to initiation of treatment were determined for 1659 women 40 years and older diagnosed with breast cancer. RESULTS: Women with abnormal mammograms had shorter diagnostic intervals than women with abnormal clinical breast examinations and normal mammograms. Women with self-reported breast symptoms had shorter diagnostic intervals than asymptomatic women. Diagnostic intervals were less than 60 days in 78% of cases. Treatment intervals were generally 2 weeks or less. CONCLUSIONS: Most women diagnosed with breast cancer were followed up in a timely manner after screening. Further investigation is needed to identify and then address factors associated with longer diagnostic and treatment intervals to maximize the benefits of early detection.
PMID: 10630153 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID: PMC1446126
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Cited by 2 PubMed Central articles
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Comprehensive diagnostic program for medically underserved women with abnormal breast screening evaluations in an urban population.
Palmieri FM, DePeri ER, Mincey BA, Smith JA, Wen LK, Chewar DM, Abaya R, Colon-Otero G, Perez EA.
Mayo Clin Proc. 2009 Apr; 84(4):317-22.
[Mayo Clin Proc. 2009]
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Sociocultural correlates of breast cancer knowledge and screening in urban African American women.
Lukwago SN, Kreuter MW, Holt CL, Steger-May K, Bucholtz DC, Skinner CS.
Am J Public Health. 2003 Aug; 93(8):1271-4.
[Am J Public Health. 2003]