Breast cancer presentation in an urban health care Safety Net system

We examined the Safety-Net referral process for breast diseases to identify factors contributing to delays within it. Each record was mapped to a time line beginning with first abnormality and concluding with definitive diagnosis/treatment. The median interval between first sign and definitive diagnosis/treatment was 93 days. Need for repeat imaging and missed visits prolonged the interval. System- and patient-specific factors were associated with delayed diagnosis/ treatment in breast patients referred through the Safety-Net specialty clinic.