Breast cancer--patient choice of treatment: preliminary communication.

Forty patients who have undergone treatment for breast cancer (mastectomy or lumpectomy plus radiotherapy) were assessed, both preoperatively and at intervals up to one year following surgery, using tests of anxiety, depression, body satisfaction, marital adjustment, self-esteem, sociability and life change. The women were also interviewed to assess degree of concern about the disease, appearance and treatment. Wherever appropriate, patients were given a choice of treatment. Very little adverse psychosocial reaction has been found. It would appear that this is largely because most patients could opt for treatment which resulted in minimal disfigurement.