Descri̇pti̇ve characteri̇sti̇cs and di̇agnosti̇c process of pati̇ents di̇agnosed wi̇th breast cancer at an uni̇versi̇ty hospi̇tal

ABSTRACT Descriptive Characteristics And Diagnostic Process of Patients Diagnosed With Breast Cancer At An University Hospital Introduction And Aim The aim of the study is to identify the descriptive features, causes not to participate screening programs, stage at diagnosis and possible reasons of diagnosis and treatment delay in patients diagnosed with breast cancer at an university hospital. Materials and Metods This is a cross sectional descriptive study of breast cancer patients diagnosed with breast biopsy in the Department of Pathology in Adnan Menderes University Medical School between 01 January 2010-30 June 2013. The study population consisted of 282 patients out of 503, who accepted to participate. A questionnaire questioning the patients' demographic data, screening and diagnostic process was filled by face to face interview and consent form was signed. Results The mean age of the patients was 53.6±10.7 (28-78) years and 18.4% had a family history of breast cancer. Scanning behavior in the period before the diagnosis of patients examined 59.2% (n = 167) of breast self-examination of his, 56.4% (n = 159) revealed that clinical breast examination. 31.6% of patients (n = 89) had mammography screening purposes. Only 7.5% of patients with a doctor recommends screening had built. Of the total, 45.4% was diagnosed by clinical breast examination Of the patients, 62.4% initially admitted to state hospital and 70.2% preferred general surgery department. Average time for going to a doctor after the first symptoms appear was 8 weeks and the time elapsed from the date going to the doctor up to the beginning of the treatment was 3.5 weeks. 58.5% of the patients had diagnosed at an early stage. Housewives diagnosed significantly at later stages compared to others (p<0.004). Having breast cancer in first-degree relatives, having mamograms regularly, being at normal weight, living in urban areas increases the chance of getting diagnosed at early stage. Living in rural region, having lower income, being less educated, referring to the obstetrician initially was prolonging the diagnostic process. In addition to 25.2% of the patients treated were also used alternative treatments. Most commonly the use of nutrition support and nettle herbal medicines detected. Patients use complementary and alternative therapies in the diagnostic process was found to be due to the long duration of the delay. Conclusion According to our study the average time to diagnosis in our region is below the average in Turkey. In particular, significantly shorter delay time depends on the system has been identified. However, while the diagnosis is still not at the level of developed countries. In our study, the low rate was found in contact with family physicians. Strengthening of primary care patient-related delay in the diagnosis process is expected to reduce. Keywords: breast cancer, screening, diagnostic process