How many months would be a long time for a person to have a malignant tumor in their breast before removal?

Depends on...: How it is discovered. Many breast cancers are detected by mammography before they can be felt. As a general rule, it is always better to treat malignancies early rather than late; i don't totally understand your question.

Any: Why would you wait? There are four good reasons for delay. 1) a couple of weeks to get second (or more opinions) and to get your facts, 2) neoadjuvant therapy - where you are receiving chemo and/or femara, (letrozole) etc. To shrink the tumor - in that case you are not really "waiting", 3) if you have metastatic bc, 4) if you have a really important personal event - wedding, etc. It may be ok to delay 4 week.

Are you afraid: Is the reason for your delay fear? Breast cancer is one of the most curable cancers if treated early. If you are afraid, then you need to get your questions answered and possibly get a second opinion. If you do not feel your emotional needs are preventing you from moving forward with life saving treatment, then you can seek out a psychiatrist, psycologist or counselor to help.