Exploring delays in primary gynecologic and breast cancer diagnosis after emergency department presentation.

Diagnostic delays after emergency department (ED) presentation vary widely across gynecologic and breast cancers, revealing vulnerabilities in the transition from acute care to definitive diagnosis. This retrospective cohort study examines the timing of diagnosis after patient workup at the ED. The findings demonstrate that diagnostic timeliness depends on more than recognizing disease in the ED; follow-up, referral, testing, and system coordination also matter. Improving cancer diagnostic excellence therefore requires attention to the entire diagnostic pathway.