NCDB analysis of optimal time interval between breast cancer diagnosis and primary breast surgery

Although longer times from breast cancer diagnosis to primary surgery have been associated with worse survival outcomes, the specific time point after which it is disadvantageous to have surgery is unknown. Analysis of the National Cancer Database found that among females 18 years or older with stage I to III ductal or lobular breast cancer who underwent surgery as the first course of treatment, surgery within 8 weeks from diagnosis was associated with the best survival outcomes.Time to surgery of greater than 8 weeks may partly be associated with disadvantageous social determinants of health, like uninsured or Medicaid status and low neighborhood household income.