Improving outcomes in early-stage breast cancer

Early-stage breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy that continues to cause a significant number of cancer-related deaths each year. Current evidence points to suboptimal care in patients with early-stage breast cancer, especially with regard to physician use of guideline-recommended care. Such appropriate treatment regimens as breast-conserving therapy and adjuvant therapy (including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy) are underutilized in this patient population. Critical steps toward optimizing the appropriate treatment of early-stage breast cancer and providing the most significant benefits for patients include increasing awareness of potential barriers and developing strategies to overcome them. Improved communication, increased proactive behavior in terms of emerging data, and promotion of clinical trial participation may additionally improve outcomes in this patient population. This review incorporates pertinent oncology literature in a comprehensive overview of early-stage breast cancer treatment, including a review of existing guidelines, race and age disparities, and communication strategies for oncologists. The focus is on appropriate, evidence-based treatment of this patient population.