BACKGROUND: Current recommendations for surgical management of early-stage breast cancer include breast-conserving surgery with postoperative irradiation. However, studies show that mastectomy is still being used by women with early-stage breast cancer. METHODS: Review of the medical literature published between 2000 and 2010 to determine the factors associated with the decision of patients for surgical treatment in early-stage breast cancer. RESULTS: The following patient characteristics affect the surgical decision-making process in early-stage breast cancer: age, socioeconomic factors, geographic area in which the patient lives, proximity to a radiation therapy center, testing for BRCA gene, breast imaging, and decision aids. CONCLUSIONS: Of increasing importance in the decision making about treatment of women with early-stage breast cancer are the woman's perception of having a surgical choice and the influence of that choice on postoperative quality of life.
BACKGROUND: Current recommendations for surgical management of early-stage breast cancer include breast-conserving surgery with postoperative irradiation. However, studies show that mastectomy is still being used by women with early-stage breast cancer. METHODS: Review of the medical literature published between 2000 and 2010 to determine the factors associated with the decision of patients for surgical treatment in early-stage breast cancer. RESULTS: The following patient characteristics affect the surgical decision-making process in early-stage breast cancer: age, socioeconomic factors, geographic area in which the patient lives, proximity to a radiation therapy center, testing for BRCA gene, breast imaging, and decision aids. CONCLUSIONS: Of increasing importance in the decision making about treatment of women with early-stage breast cancer are the woman's perception of having a surgical choice and the influence of that choice on postoperative quality of life.
Authors: Marlies S Reimers; Charla C Engels; Peter J K Kuppen; Cornelis J H van de Velde; Gerrit J Liefers Journal: Nat Rev Clin Oncol Date: 2014-06-24 Impact factor: 66.675
Authors: Kathryn A Martinez; Yun Li; Ken Resnicow; John J Graff; Ann S Hamilton; Sarah T Hawley Journal: Med Decis Making Date: 2014-12-22 Impact factor: 2.583