abstract: Coordination of Breast Cancer Care Between Radiation Oncologists and Surgeons: A Survey Study

Coordination of Breast Cancer Care Between Radiation Oncologists and Surgeons: A Survey Study:

Purpose: 

To assess whether radiation oncologists and surgeons differ in their attitudes regarding the local management of breast cancer, and to examine coordination of care between these specialists.

Conclusions:

Despite the widespread availability of tumor boards, a substantial minority of radiation oncologists indicated other providers failed to include them in the breast cancer treatment decision-making process early enough. Earlier inclusion of radiation oncologists may influence patient decisions, and interventions to facilitate this should be considered.

High satisfaction rate ten years after bilateral prophylactic mastectomy - a longitudinal study

abstract:
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2010 Jun 29

Women from families with an increased risk for breast/ovarian cancer have undergone bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) since the early 1990s at the Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden.

Perceptions of BPM as reported by the first women who underwent the procedure have previously been evaluated on a short-term basis (1-3 years). The present study aims to evaluate the long-term (10 years) physical and psychological consequences of BPM in the same cohort of women. Some of the very first women to undergo BPM participated in the present interview study (n= 13). The semi-structured interviews focused on the women's long-term experiences related to BPM and immediate breast reconstruction.

Overall, the women were satisfied with their decision to undergo BPM and perceived a negligible remaining risk of getting breast cancer. For most women, the operation had not resulted in changes in family life or lifestyle (n= 8), although some described that the relationship with their spouse was affected (8/13), either in a negative (n= 5) or positive (n= 3) way. The cosmetic results were mainly positive (n= 10).

Recurrent counselling and support during the whole process of decision, treatment and follow up is recommended.

Surgeon Recommendations and Receipt of Mastectomy for Treatment of Breast Cancer

"These findings demonstrate the choice between BCS (breast conserving surgery) and mastectomy as initial treatment for breast cancer is a multifactorial decision with patient preference, surgical recommendation, and failure of BCS all playing an important role."