It might sound obvious to many, but new research proves that patients who start treatment as soon as possible after breast cancer is diagnosed reduce the risk the cancer will spread and increase the chances for survival. Still, sometimes women delay treatment for a number of reasons, including cost and scheduling. But if treatment is delayed too long it can affect survival. Two studies have found that delaying surgery by 30 days and chemotherapy by 90 days can lead to worse survival. The studies were published online on Dec. 10, 2015 by JAMA Oncology. 

Dr. Jamie Wagner is a breast surgeon at The University of Kansas Hospital. In the video, she explains the research, the common reasons treatment might be delayed, how to move patients through the process faster and how nurse navigators help cancer patients and their doctors.