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90 days stands out as a critical threshold in recent global oncology data—including a major study published in the medical journal Breast Cancer Research—as well as in Swedish register data regarding surgical delays, sickness absence, and postoperative complications
Currently, breast cancer is one of the most pressing issues in public health. Millions of women worldwide suffer from this devastating disease.

Currently, no known method exists for preventing breast cancer. As a result, the focus in the fight against breast cancer is on early detection.

Early detection and timely treatment reduce the risk of premature death, extend patients’ lives, and aid in treatment advancements.
It is crucial to emphasize the urgency of early identification to reduce malignant spread (metastasis) and avoid less invasive therapeutic options, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes and patient survival.
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Multiple studies conducted in the United States and Europe examined the effects of delaying treatment, and even a three-month postponement was associated with an increased spread and growth of malignant tumors.

Research: 
Patients with delays of 3 to 6 months or more had 12% lower five-year survival than those with shorter delays, and those with delays of 3 months had 7% lower survival than those with shorter delays. 13 of 14 studies with unrestricted samples showed a significant adverse relation between longer delays and survival.
A rapidly growing lump may suggest cancer to doctors and patients, while a slow-growing lump could be less noticeable.

It seems logical that a tumor diagnosed at a more advanced stage would result in shorter survival times. However, several counterintuitive studies indicate that this is not necessarily the case, making this assumption dangerous.

Prolonged intervals of three months between diagnosis and the start of treatment will lead to disease progression, the necessity for more aggressive therapies, and a reduced lifespan, significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life.
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All 13 studies confirmed the same results.
The 13 informative studies showed clear results indicating that longer delays of three months were associated with more advanced stages and mortality.
Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10209974/

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Patient Delays and Stages of Diagnosis Among Breast Cancer Patients in Germany: A Population-Based Study

In general, delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer is divided into patient and provider delay (Facione, 1993).

Patient delay is defined as the period from the first onset of symptoms to the first medical consultation.

Provider delay covers the period from first consultation to definite diagnosis and treatment.
There is significant evidence that, among breast cancer cases, a patient delay of more than three months is associated with lower survival rates, a greater need for more invasive and aggressive treatments, and a lower quality of life.
Reference:
(Afzelius et al, 1994; Coates, 1999; Richards et al, 1999; Sainsbury et al, 1999).
Summary:

  • As breast cancer advances to later stages, treatment options become more limited.

  • At advanced stages, the cancer has spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes, making it difficult to target and eradicate the cancer cells.

  • Advanced stages require harsher therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

  • Delayed diagnosis reduces the likelihood of successful treatment and increases the risk of recurrence.

  • Delays in diagnosis and treatment result in a poorer prognosis for women with breast cancer.

  • We must take action to raise awareness and improve early detection. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.

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