Diagnostic and therapeutic path of breast cancer: effectiveness appropriateness and costs – results from the DOCMa study

摘要

ObjectiveAn increase in breast cancer incidence has been documented in Italy and in other countries, and some women decide by themselves to undergo diagnostic examinations outside the official screening campaigns. The aim of this paper was to analyze – in terms of effectiveness, appropriate access, and related costs – the path spontaneously followed by a sample of Italian women for the early diagnosis of breast cancer.