Identifying women at risk for delayed presentation of breast cancer: a cross-sectional study in Estonia

Abstract

This study provides evidence that factors associated with delayed presentation of breast cancer in Eastern Europe are similar to those observed in Western countries. The results suggest that educational messages to general population should aim at increasing awareness of "non-lump" symptoms of breast cancer and encouraging women of all ages to present in a timely manner. Women at risk for delayed presentation such as smokers and women with no history of mammograms could be identified in the primary care setting.