Abstract A003: Delays in diagnosis of AYA breast cancer and lack of breast health education

Abstract

Abstract INTRO) The average AYA breast cancer patient is diagnosed at a higher stage and has a higher mortality rate compared to their 40+ counterparts [1,2,3]. Ruddy et al. (2014) establish a higher prevalence of delayed diagnosis in AYA patients [4]. Delays in treatment of just 6 weeks have been linked to poorer 5-year survival rates [5]. In this study, we attempt to confirm the findings of Ruddy et al. and further define factors affecting delays in diagnosis. METHODS) We distributed an online survey via social media outlets to women diagnosed <40 years old in the USA. We interpreted 455 responses. RESULTS) Our findings determined that 70% of respondents (n=320) made extra efforts after detecting an abnormality and taking steps to obtain a diagnosis. This includes those with prompt and delayed diagnosis. 36% of survivors faced delays in diagnosis (defined by 8+ weeks duration from detection to diagnosis). 62% of survivors say that a physician never educated them on breast health prior to diagnosis. 54% have not heard of breast self-awareness (BSA) and 54% incorrectly defined breast self-exams (BSE), suggesting confusion in this distinction. DISCUSSION) These data confirm earlier findings that 1) women under 40 face a significant rate of delayed diagnosis; and 2) patient perceptions and medical provider perceptions contribute to these delays. We propose that earlier diagnosis of breast cancer in young women will initiate quicker treatment interventions which have been shown to increase 5-year survival rates and lower long-term mortality rates in the AYA breast cancer population [5,6]. CONCLUSION) Greater efforts should be made to educate young women on breast health, and the medical community should be made aware of these challenges so they can properly evaluate and assist young women to receive a prompt diagnosis. Citation Format: Missy Peters. Delays in diagnosis of AYA breast cancer and lack of breast health education [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A003.