Objectives: To analyze factors associated with delayed initiation of breast cancer treatment at an oncology referral center in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais state, between 2010 and 2019.
Methods: This was a cohort study using data from the Hospital-based Cancer Registry. The probability of not starting treatment within 60 days, in accordance with Brazilian law, was estimated using Kaplan-Meier, method and its association with the factors studied was assessed using the Cox model, presenting hazard ratios (HR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).
Results: Among the 911 participants, the probability of delayed treatment initiation was 18.8% (95%CI 16.4;21.5). Those who underwent treatment at a health service other than the one where the cancer was diagnosed had a significantly higher risk (HR: 3.49; 95%CI 3.00;4.07).
Conclusion: Receiving a diagnosis and treatment at the same institution may help reduce waiting time to initiate cancer treatment.
Main results: The probability of study participants not initiating treatment within 60 days was 18.8%. Undergoing treatment at a healthcare service other than the one where the diagnosis was made was the main factor associated with delay.
Implications for services: Organizing healthcare services based on strategies that optimize referral flows and avoid transitions of care, can be crucial in reducing the time to initiation of breast cancer treatment.
Perspectives: It is essential to improve the workflows at the different stages of health care to ensure timely initiation of oncological treatment.
Objetivos: Determinar los retrasos en el inicio del tratamiento de cáncer de mama en un centro de referencia en oncología de Juiz de Fora, MG, entre 2010 y 2019.
Métodos: Se trata de una cohorte con datos del Registro Hospitalario de Cáncer. La probabilidad de no iniciar tratamiento dentro de los 60 días, según la legislación brasileña, fue estimada mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier, y su asociación con los factores estudiados mediante el modelo de Cox, con la presentación del Hazard Ratios (HR) y los respectivos intervalos de confianza de 95% (IC95%).
Resultados: Se evaluaron 911 participantes, la probabilidad de iniciar el tratamiento con retraso fue del 18,8% (IC95% 16,4;21,5). Quienes se sometieron a tratamiento en un servicio de salud distinto al que estableció el diagnóstico de cáncer tuvieron un riesgo significativamente mayor (HR: 3,49; IC95% 3,00;4,07).
Conclusión: La realización del diagnóstico y tratamiento en una misma institución puede contribuir a reducir el tiempo de espera para el inicio del tratamiento.