Factors affecting choice of treatment for early-stage breast cancer in West Virginia: A 10-year experience from a rural tertiary care center

Abstract

Recent literature shows changing trends in use of breast conservation surgery (BCS), mastectomy, and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in women with early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). We analyzed factors associated with selection of these treatment modalities in a rural West Virginia tertiary care hospital. We conducted a 10-year analysis of women treated for ESBC at our institution from the institutional cancer registry. Variables were compared between patients choosing BCS versus mastectomy. In women who chose mastectomy, predictors for choice of CPM were also examined. Variables with P < 0.05 on univariate analysis were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to define independent predictors of treatment choice. The mastectomy rate increased from 18.0 per cent in 2006 to 40.2 per cent in 2013. On multivariate analysis, insurance status (P < 0.001), comorbidities (P = 0.001), and surgeon graduation after 1987-a surrogate for surgeon age-(P = 0.010) predicted receipt of mastectomy. Of those receiving mastectomy, 106 (25.1%) elected CPM. CPM rates increased from 8.0 per cent in 2006 to 45.0 per cent in 2013. Younger age at diagnosis (P < 0.001) and use of preoperative MRI (P = 0.012) independently predicted use of CPM versus unilateral mastectomy. Rates of mastectomy and CPM in ESBC have increased in West Virginia over time. Independent predictors of selecting mastectomy over BCS included insurance status, surgeon age, and associated comorbidities. Younger patients and patients receiving preoperative MRI were more likely to choose CPM. Awareness of these factors will aid in counseling women with ESBC and allow clinicians to address potential biases or disparities that may affect treatment choices. Further prospective study of these findings is warranted.