After reviewing this information, consider talking with a patient navigator.
The thought was that perhaps hurdles related to prior authorizations and navigating the health system might be the reason.
Optimal Wait Time Before Surgery
We lead busy lives.
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And not everyone feels quite ready to have surgery right after being diagnosed.
Let’s look at studies of overall survival as well as special groups.
Studies can also be skewed, as doctors may recommend surgery sooner for women who have more aggressive tumors.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Let’s look at time to surgery and survival rates in different groups of people.
All of the people had early stage (non-metastatic) breast cancer with surgery as their first treatment.
The conclusion was that although time is needed to discuss treatment options and prepare, earlier surgery is better.
The conclusion was the same as aboveearlier surgery (ideally within 30 days) is better.
Any breast lump needs to be explained.
Everyone is different when it comes to the level of anxiety experienced.
Those who are feeling anxious should probably consider having surgery earlier rather than later.
But once the incision(s) are healed, what is the optimal time to begin this treatment?
As with surgery, some people probably benefit more than others from pursuing adjuvant chemotherapy as soon as possible.
In general, however, the goal of treatment with MBC is different than early stage disease.
With MBC, the goal is often to use the least amount of treatment necessary to control the disease.
This can be more difficult some places than others.
With the larger cancer centers, you may have a coordinator who will assist you in setting up appointments.
In the community, you may need to do most of the legwork yourself.
Regardless, it’s important tobe your own advocate.
If you’re having difficulty, confirm to work with your insurance company.
With some procedures, prior authorization is needed before scheduling can take place.
There are many breast cancer organizations that can assist you as well as help you make decisions.
Talking to a social worker at your cancer center can be invaluable in learning about your options.
A large2019 studyinPLoS Onelooked at over 1.3 million people to see how time to initial treatment affected survival.
Surprisingly, uninsured people had faster times to initiation of treatment.
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