Study: Many With Breast Cancer Symptoms Wait Months Before Seeing Doctor

Many women with possible symptoms of breast cancer may be risking their lives by waiting months before seeking medical advice, according to British researchers.

A survey of 546 women from hospitals in London found that more than a third said they would wait seek medical advice -- some for two months or more -- after noticing changes in their breasts.

Just over half said they would seek medical advice immediately.

The researchers at Guy's, King's and St Thomas's Medical School in London say the findings were of concern because women who fail to seek early treatment for breast cancer risk spread of the disease and have a poorer chance of survival.

Reporting in the British Journal of Health Psychology, the researchers said that "a painless breast lump is the most frequently recognised symptom of breast cancer," some women may delay seeking help because they are not fully aware of other symptoms.

Very few knew that changes in breast shape and retraction of the nipple were also potential signs of breast cancer, the researchers said. Older women were particularly likely to delay seeing their doctor after noticing changes in their breasts.

"Do these delays matter?" asked Dr. Amanda Ramirez, who led the research. "The answer is emphatically yes."

Other Sources: British Journal of Health Psychology