If a woman develops symptoms that don't coincide with her preconceived ideas of the symptoms of breast cancer, she will likely delay getting medical attention, according to researchers at St. Thomas' Hospital in London, England.

Researchers suggest that more information may need to be given to women that covers a broader scope of the possible symptoms of breast cancer.

Researchers surveyed 46 women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, dividing them into two groups: one group had sought treatment within 2 weeks of finding a symptom of breast cancer and the other group had delayed getting medical advice for more than 3 months.

The women who delayed seeking treatment had more ambiguous symptoms that they did not recognize as potentially linked to breast cancer such as an inverted nipple or puckering of breast tissue, the researchers reported in the British Journal of General Practice. . These women were also more reluctant to put their health above their job or household responsibilities.

But the women in the group that delayed tended to monitor their symptoms, and sought medical attention when their symptoms worsened.

"This challenges the traditional view that many women who delay presentation must be 'in denial' about their situation,'' the authors conclude.

Other Sources: British Journal of General Practice