Wait Times and Diagnostic Pathways among Women with Invasive Breast Cancer in a Population-Based Publicly Funded Cancer Centre, British Columbia, Canada.

Abstract

Abstract Rationale and background: The Fraser Valley Cancer Center serves a large geographic population of urban and rural areas. Selected data on wait times and diagnostic pathways are available for mammography screening programs in British Columbia (BC), but not for patients presenting with clinical abnormalities such as a palpable breast lump. Diagnostic pathways in BC are managed by primary care physicians and community surgeons. Anecdotal evidence from oncology services suggests large variation in wait times and pathways.Objective: To examine time intervals and pathways between the detection of a breast abnormality and formal assessment by medical or radiation oncology for adjuvant treatment.Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients with a new diagnosis of breast cancer first seen at the Fraser Valley Cancer Center in 2002, linked with demographic and other registry data. Data collected included type, location, date of investigations, surgical procedures, diagnosis, treatment and stage. Exclusion criteria were patients initially diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, patients with recurrent breast cancer, male breast cancer patients, patients diagnosed or previously treated outside BC. Microsoft Access and SAS 9.2 were used to enter and analyse data.Results: From a total of 513 women diagnosed in 2002 with invasive breast cancer, 422 women (82%), without metastases (age 30 to 97 yrs, median 59 yrs), presented with abnormal screen (45%), breast lump (47%) or other findings. These women had up to 7 different radiological breast investigations and up to 5 surgical interventions. About 5% had 5 or more breast investigations. Median time (days) from presentation to first surgery was 41 days and varied by location of first investigation. Time to surgery was highest among women who presented with abnormal screening mammogram (median 49 days). Median time from first surgery consultation to first surgery was lowest for women presenting with breast lumps (15 days).Conclusions: These data indicate wait times beyond national and international targets and identified wide variability and some inefficient, redundant or unnecessary steps. Recognition and analysis of abnormal pathways will guide changes in breast health service delivery. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3083.