The odds of survival for women with early breast cancer decreases by almost 10 percent for every 30-day delay in surgery beyond the first 30 days after diagnosis, according to a new study. As compared to having surgery within 30 days of diagnosis, the overall fatality hazard increased by 9 percent and 10 percent, respectively, for every additional 30 days delayed.

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According to Med Page Today, about 13 to 16 percent of the women with stage I breast cancer had lower survival odds with each 30-day delay. The percentage of people who die of breast cancer increases by 26 percent with every 60-day delay in surgery, according to Richard J. Bleicher, MD of Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, and co-authors reported online in JAMA Oncology.

"I would say the sooner, the better, if I were to ask whether all women should have surgery within 30 days of diagnosis, we must be open to the fact that the workup itself needs to be complete and it can take time so it needs to start early. There are also options which patients may wish to investigate, like second opinions with plastic surgeons for reconstruction." Bleicher added.

Women, who did not receive the first dose of additional chemotherapy, had a 34 percent lower survival odds increasing and 53 percent among women in the third stage of breast cancer until 91 days or more delayed in surgery, reported by Mariana S. Chavez-MacGregor, MD of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and co-authors of the journal.

According on Nseep news, collectively the two studies solidify evidence that delaying therapy for early breast cancer decreases the odds of survival. More studies is needed to identify the factors associated with delays and also to develop strategies to deal with these delays, based on Eric P. Winer, MD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and co-authors wrote.

"We can't be so assured of where the case lies when skip out on this critical evidence and opportunities of surgery. Also, to emanate personal hardships for patients as they navigate a ever-growing aspect of this complicated breast cancer care," according to Winer, Adrienne G. Waks, MD, and Tari A. King, M, also a part of Dana-Farber.

TagsBreast Cancer Awareness, Breast Cancer Treatment, Fight Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy, Chase Cancer Center