CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE TEMPO DE DIAGNÓSTICO, TRATAMENTO E SOBREVIDA EM PACIENTES COM CÂNCER DE MAMA: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women in the world. It is an important public health problem due mainly to its late diagnosis and high mortality. The objective was to perform a review of the literature, looking for studies that correlate the time elapsed between the diagnosis of breast cancer and the beginning of chemotherapy treatment. A bibliographic survey was carried out in the databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), PubMed, International Literature in Health Sciences (MEDLINE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Library Information System WHO (WHOLIS). The terms “breast cancer” AND “time of diagnosis” were used. The time of diagnosis and start of treatment are essential factors for a longer survival of patients with breast cancer. Rapid treatment contributes to better living conditions and lower costs for the health system.