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Waiting time for breast cancer surgery in Quebec
1Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Que. nmayo@po-box.mcgill.ca
Summary
Waiting times for breast cancer surgery in Quebec increased significantly between 1992 and 1998, with over 13% of women waiting longer than 90 days for treatment. This trend highlights potential issues in healthcare access and resource allocation for breast cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Optimal timing for breast cancer treatment remains debated, despite emphasis on early detection.
- Early treatment initiation is crucial for improving patient outcomes in breast cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the time interval from diagnosis to surgery for breast cancer patients in Quebec.
- To investigate how age, pattern of care, and cancer stage influence these waiting times.
Main Methods:
- Utilized physician fee-for-service claims and hospital admission records for Quebec women diagnosed and treated between 1992-1998.
- Calculated waiting time as days between the first diagnostic procedure and surgical intervention.
Main Results:
- Median waiting time for breast cancer surgery increased from 29 days in 1992 to 42 days in 1998 (37% relative increase).
- Waiting times escalated with increased diagnostic procedures, rising from 24 days (1 procedure) to 72 days (4 procedures).
- Advanced cancer stages (regional, disseminated) had shorter median waiting times (24-28 days) compared to earlier stages (carcinoma in situ: 53 days).
Conclusions:
- A substantial increase in waiting times for breast cancer surgery occurred in Quebec from 1992 to 1998.
- Potential contributing factors include rising demand, resource limitations, and evolving care patterns.
- These findings underscore the need to address systemic factors affecting timely cancer treatment.