How breast cancer patients choose a treatment method

This paper discusses two treatment options for early stage breast cancer--modified radical mastectomy and lumpectomy plus radiation therapy--and examines the reasons why women choose one method of treatment over the other. In examining how women make their treatment decision, the paper reviews the literature regarding how psychological, emotional and psychosocial factors play a role in determining a method of treatment. It also discusses coping methods during breast cancer treatment, why women choose to undergo breast reconstruction and to whom they look for information when making health decisions.