HOW FAST
Looks IN
REAL LIFE
HOW FAST
Looks IN
REAL LIFE
WHERE WE STARTED
Defiant started with breast cancer because the delays there are among the worst in healthcare. The model we built to fix that now covers the most common cancers — whatever your diagnosis, the waiting is the part we end.
118 days
National median from first symptom to cancer diagnosis — about four months.
Gitlin et al., JMCSP 2023
vs
9.4 DAYS
Average number of days waiting for answers in Defiant’s Boston breast cancer pilot.
Defiant breast cancer pilot 2026
PATIENT STORIES
What our patients would have waited — and what actually happened.
Every story here is real. Names and photos have been changed to protect our patients' privacy.
It’s maddening that it takes so long to get a diagnostic mammogram. If not for you, I would have waited another 10 days… that’s not okay.
Maya
54 · breast cancer
Would have waited · 10+ more days
A flagged mammogram, then a diagnostic mammogram booked out — with no one moving it forward.
What happened · 4 Days
Diagnostic imaging expedited and the next steps lined up the same week.
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They found 3 masses in my breast. I don’t think I have ever cried so much in my life… but Defiant was there for every step.
Allison
72 · breast cancer
Would have waited · 10+ more days
Three masses found, and the long limbo before anyone could say what came next.
What happened · 4 Days
A team beside her through imaging, biopsy, and the plan that followed.
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I was so impressed by Dr. Palmer’s person-centered approach. I truly felt that she put my needs first and advocated for me well.
Priya
35 · breast cancer
Would have waited · 10+ more days
Handed a single referral, with no sense of whether it was the right fit.
What happened · 4 Days
Matched to an oncologist who put her needs first and advocated for her.
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When facing a possible frightening diagnosis, it’s difficult to wait weeks to be seen… I’m grateful that I found you.
Shavon
57 · breast cancer
Would have waited · 10+ more days
Facing a frightening possibility with the first appointment weeks away.
What happened · 4 Days
Seen quickly, with one team holding the thread from the first call.
FROM THE CARE TEAM
What our doctors say
Speed isn’t about rushing. It’s about removing every wait that was never helping the patient in the first place.
Defiant care team
Dr. Payal Srinivasa
When someone is newly diagnosed, the kindest thing you can give them is a plan — and the second is your phone number.
Defiant care team
Dr. Christina Palmer
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CLARITY
Every cancer diagnosis deserves answers in days, not months — with the right plan, the right doctors, and Dana-Farber behind every step.
Talk to our teamStarts
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Every cancer diagnosis deserves answers in days, not months — backed by Dana-Farber's clinical intelligence. Defiant is how you get there.
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