Avaliação do tempo entre a detecção e o tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama no hospital das clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Abstract

Background: The delay between detection and treatment of breast cancer can reduce the survival of patients. Methods: In this study we calculated the median time spent in each stage from detection to first surgical treatment in 513 patients with breast cancer treated at the Breast Unit of the Hospital das Clinicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2003 to 2007, by the Unified Health System. Factors potentially associated with longer intervals were analyzed (age, distance from residence to hospital type of detection, type of surgery, tumor size, axillary status, and stage of disease). Results: Delays were observed at various stages of this process, both related to the patient and to the health system. It is recommended that the time interval between the detection and surgical treatment of the disease should be no longer than 90 days. In this sample, the limit was exceeded in 483 patients (94.2 %). Conclusions: Efforts should be undertaken in order to reduce delays from detection to treatment of breast cancer in order to reduce morbidity and mortality related with the disease.