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How frequent is postmastectomy breast reconstructive surgery? A study linking two statewide databases.
1Connecticut Tumor Registry, Connecticut Department of Public Health, 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134-0308, USA. anthonypolednak@po.state.ct.us
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|June 23, 2001
Summary
Breast cancer reconstructive surgery rates increased from 9% to 16% between 1992 and 1996. Reconstruction was not linked to tumor size, race, or marital status, but decreased with patient age and poverty.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous studies on breast cancer reconstructive surgery frequency used limited data sources.
- Accurate population-based data are crucial for understanding reconstructive surgery trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the frequency of postmastectomy breast reconstructive surgery in a population-based cohort.
- To identify factors associated with reconstructive surgery uptake.
Main Methods:
- Linked a population-based cancer registry with a statewide hospital discharge database in Connecticut.
- Analyzed data from 4688 breast cancer patients diagnosed between 1992 and 1996.
Main Results:
- 12.5% of patients underwent reconstruction, with rates increasing from 9% in 1992 to 16% in 1996.
- Reconstruction rates were not associated with tumor size, race, or marital status.
- Reconstruction frequency declined with increasing patient age and census tract poverty rate.
Conclusions:
- Breast cancer reconstructive surgery rates have risen significantly in Connecticut.
- Age and socioeconomic status are key factors influencing reconstructive surgery decisions.
- Population-based data linkage provides a robust method for tracking surgical trends.