Patient satisfaction with decision-making for breast cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Patient Decision-Making

Background:

• Concerns exist regarding the overuse of mastectomy for breast cancer, potentially leading to patient dissatisfaction.
• Inadequate information and hurried decision-making are implicated as reasons for inappropriate treatment selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient satisfaction with the decision-making process and treatment choice for breast cancer.
• To assess the impact of informed consent on patient outcomes following mastectomy versus breast conservation therapy.

Main Methods:

• Patients diagnosed with breast cancer received standardized information on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.
• Satisfaction surveys were administered six months post-treatment (mastectomy or breast conservation therapy).

Main Results:

• Most patients felt adequately informed and believed they made appropriate treatment choices, regardless of undergoing mastectomy or breast conservation.
• A notable percentage of mastectomy patients found the procedure disfiguring but still affirmed their treatment choice.
• Patients generally believed their chosen treatment offered the best chance for cure, even if contrary information was provided.

Conclusions:

• Breast cancer patients make appropriate therapeutic choices when provided with unhurried, supportive information and encouraged to seek consultations.
• Informed and supported decision-making is crucial for patient satisfaction in breast cancer treatment selection.