Optimized process quality in certified breast centers through adherence to stringent diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms effects of structural as well as socio-demographic factors on start of therapy.

Patients with an in-house diagnosis of breast cancer are treated more quickly than those whose diagnosis was confirmed in an external institution. We identified factors such as increased age, greater distance to the hospital as well as increased distress to prolong the time until start of oncological treatment. Intensified patient care should be offered to these subgroups.