Data were retrospectively analysed from 1449 women with breast cancer diagnosed in the Waikato region between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010. Of 1264 women undergoing primary surgery, 59.6% and 98.2% underwent surgery within 31 and 90 days of diagnosis, respectively. In comparison with New Zealand European women (mean 30.4 days), time to surgical treatment was significantly prolonged among Māori (mean 37.1 days, p=0.005) and Pacific women (mean 42.8 days, p=0.005). Māori women were more likely to experience delays longer than 31 (p=0.048) and 90 days (p=0.286) compared with New Zealand European women. In multivariate analysis, public sector treatment, ductal carcinoma in situ, mastectomy, higher co-morbidity score and earlier year of diagnosis were identified as factors predicting delays longer than 31 and 90 days. Inequities in delay between Māori and New Zealand European women were greatest for women aged <50 years and those aged >70 years.
