Objective: To examine factors influencing time from screening to final diagnosis among multicultural women with abnormal mammograms using the precede-proceed model. Methods: Staff of 58 clinics and a sample of 436 women served by these clinics were interviewed and their medical records examined. Results: Longer duration from screening to diagnosis was associated with speaking Spanish and having clinic staff make appointments. Ease of access to health care, provision of early morning screening services and higher levels of patient anxiety shortened the time to diagnosis. Conclusion: The precede-proceed model is useful in delineating personal and structural factors that affect timely diagnosis.