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Published on: May 17, 2024
Patient-Reported Outcomes After Choice for Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy
E Shelley Hwang1, Tracie D Locklear2, Christel N Rushing2
1E. Shelley Hwang, Tracie D. Locklear, Christel N. Rushing, Greg Samsa, Amy P. Abernethy, Terry Hyslop, Duke University and Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC; and Dunya M. Atisha, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. shelley.hwang@duke.edu.
Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) may improve breast satisfaction and psychosocial well-being in breast cancer patients. However, the clinical significance of these quality-of-life improvements remains uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) rates are increasing despite limited evidence of improved quality of life (QOL).
- Patient-reported outcomes are crucial for understanding the impact of surgical decisions on QOL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if QOL differs between breast cancer patients who undergo CPM and those who do not.
- To analyze the association between CPM and patient-reported outcomes using validated tools.
Main Methods:
- A survey administered to 7,619 women with a history of breast cancer surgery.
- Utilized the BREAST-Q tool to assess QOL across four domains.
- Employed descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis to evaluate CPM's impact.
Main Results:
- Women undergoing CPM were younger.
- CPM was associated with higher breast satisfaction and psychosocial well-being.
- No significant differences in physical or emotional well-being were found between groups in multivariable analysis.
Conclusions:
- CPM choice correlates with improved breast satisfaction and psychosocial well-being.
- The clinical meaningfulness of these QOL improvements requires further consideration.
- Patient-reported outcomes are vital for counseling women considering CPM.
