[Patient related diagnostic delay in breast tumor. A prospective study]

In 209 patients referred with the diagnosis of tumour of the breast, the patient delay (PD) was registered together with the demographic and clinical conditions concerning the patient according to a meticulous questionnaire. In addition, the histological diagnosis and possible regional spread were registered. A total of 126 patients (60%) sought advice within one month of the commencement of symptoms. No statistically significant connection could be demonstrated between PD and age, marital status, education and occupational situation. No significant connection could be demonstrated between the size of the tumour, time of seeking advice and PD. A total of 115 patients (55%) had malignant tumours. The frequency of regional spread was found to be significantly greater in patients with PD longer than four weeks. Regular self-examination of the breast was undertaken by 92 (46%) of the patients and this was significantly more frequent in married or cohabiting patients, in patients with long education and in patients with employment outside the home. It did not prove possible to demonstrate briefer PD, lesser size of tumour and fewer cases of regional spread in patients who undertook self-examination of the breast but further research is required here.