Breast cancer in Chile. Delays in its diagnosis.

Abstract

Objective. To characterize advanced breast cancers in the metropolitan south eastern health service in Santiago (SSMSO), years 1997 and 2007. Also, to evaluate whether regulated maximal delays in medical care for this cancer have been accomplished in 2007. Material and method. A retrospective study of all advanced stages III and IV (39 and 51 female patients) at SSMSO through a validated questionnaire and other documents was carried out. Personal characteristics, family background, gynecologic, obstetric antecedents, and both disease development and delays in health care were studied. Results. Personal and family variables were similar in 2007 and 1997 patients. A huge delay before first consultation was observed in some patients. Intervals among the different stages of patient management were achieved in 2007 as prescribed in the Guaranteed Health Care Regime of Chile (started in 2005) but with a great dispersion and without a reduction in mortality. Conclusions. The national breast cancer control program should focus on higher ages and advanced stages. Delays before a first consultation should be studied. The SSMSO shows the best sanitary results for breast cancer in the metropolitan region in spite of not having a mammographic screening program.