OBJECTIVES: Research findings point to the existence of delays in symptom recognition, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The present study aimed at identifying reasons for delay in breast cancer diagnosis in Greece. METHODS: A qualitative study was performed in December 2014, using a semi-structured interview guide. Recruitment was performed through a patients' organization. Women with a diagnosis of primary or secondary breast Ca after 2011, residing in Athens, and who had completed treatment were eligible for the study. The interviews were recorded with participants' written consent and were transcribed and content analyzed using a  model of patient and provider delay. RESULTS: