Using semi-Markov processes to study timeliness and tests used in the diagnostic evaluation of suspected breast cancer

R. A. Hubbard, J. Lange, Y. Zhang, B. A. Salim, J. R. Stroud, L. Y.T. Inoue

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Diagnostic evaluation of suspected breast cancer due to abnormal screening mammography results is common, creates anxiety for women and is costly for the healthcare system. Timely evaluation with minimal use of additional diagnostic testing is key to minimizing anxiety and cost. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian semi-Markov model that allows for flexible, semi-parametric specification of the sojourn time distributions and apply our model to an investigation of the process of diagnostic evaluation with mammography, ultrasound and biopsy following an abnormal screening mammogram. We also investigate risk factors associated with the sojourn time between diagnostic tests. By utilizing semi-Markov processes, we expand on prior work that described the timing of the first test received by providing additional information such as the mean time to resolution and proportion of women with unresolved mammograms after 90 days for women requiring different sequences of tests in order to reach a definitive diagnosis. Overall, we found that older women were more likely to have unresolved positive mammograms after 90 days. Differences in the timing of imaging evaluation and biopsy were generally on the order of days and thus did not represent clinically important differences in diagnostic delay.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4980-4993
Number of pages14
JournalStatistics in Medicine
Volume35
Issue number27
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 30 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cancer
  • mammography
  • multistate model
  • semi-Markov model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Statistics and Probability

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Using semi-Markov processes to study timeliness and tests used in the diagnostic evaluation of suspected breast cancer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this