title: Breast cancer presentation in an urban health care Safety Net system.
abstract: We examined the Safety-Net referral process for breast diseases to identify factors contributing to delays within it. Each record was mapped to a time line beginning with first abnormality and concluding with definitive diagnosis/treatment. The median interval between first sign and definitive diagnosis/treatment was 93 days. Need for repeat imaging and missed visits prolonged the interval. System- and patient-specific factors were associated with delayed diagnosis/ treatment in breast patients referred through the Safety-Net specialty clinic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA.
authors.forename: Oluwadamilola M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Fayanju
authors.forename: Donna B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Jeffe
authors.forename: Jennifer R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Tappenden
authors.forename: Courtney E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Beers
authors.forename: Bettina F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Drake
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Margenthaler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri / Q000453:epidemiology; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration