Identifying women at risk for delayed presentation of breast cancer: a cross-sectional study in Estonia

摘要: Survival from breast cancer remains lower in Estonia than most other European countries. More advanced stage and larger tumors that have impact on survival may be a result of delay seeking help for symptoms. The aim this study was to identify determinants delayed presentation among patients Estonia. population included women with primary diagnosed 2008–2010. All data were collected using structured personal interviews carried out by trained nurses the hospital setting. Only self-discovered symptoms analysis. Patient measured as time elapsing symptom self-discovery first medical consultation. effect different factors likelihood prolonged (>90 days) evaluated logistic regression. Among 703 eligible patients, median patient 16 days (interquartile range 5–54 days). Seventeen percent had their consultation more three months after self-detection In multivariate analysis, risk significantly associated age 65 years over (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.23–4.20), current smoking 2.09, 1.21–3.61), painless lump or pain 1.84, 1.08–3.16), no history mammograms 1.83, 1.13–2.95), having received information during past year 1.77, 1.05–2.99), previous benign problems 1.65, 1.01–2.67). Non-significant increase seen education. This provides evidence Eastern Europe are similar those observed Western results suggest educational messages general should at increasing awareness “non-lump” encouraging all ages present timely manner. Women such smokers could identified care