Aim: This study investigates the time from diagnosis to chemotherapy initiation in breast cancer patients, comparing those under 50 years old to those over 50. The goal is to identify treatment delays and assess the influence of age on the timeliness of chemotherapy.
Methodology: Data from the Statewide Cancer Indicator Platform (SCIP) was analysed, focusing on the interval between diagnosis and chemotherapy initiation, along with multidisciplinary presentation. The study included Gippsland residents diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 who received care within the region’s health services.
Results: A total of 133 patients met the inclusion criteria, divided into two age groups: under 50 and over 50. The median age was 45 years in the younger cohort and 68 years in the older cohort. The younger group accessed health services more quickly, with a median time to multidisciplinary meeting of 27.5 days compared to 35 days for the older group. The median time to chemotherapy initiation was 21 days for patients under 50, while it was significantly longer for those over 50, at 40 days.
Conclusion: The study reveals substantial delays in multidisciplinary care and chemotherapy initiation for older breast cancer patients in Gippsland. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address age-related disparities in cancer treatment