“One important finding is that most patients reported that their surgeons recommended the less invasive treatment. Second, patients had substantial involvement in the decision-making process. More patient involvement, though, yielded more mastectomy, not less.”
“[Regardless of the severity of their illness or risk for recurrence, women who expressed great concerns about the recurrence of the disease or the effects of radiation were much more likely to have a breast removed.] By choosing mastectomy, ... some patients feel that they will avoid revisiting the disease and more treatment down the road. Surgeons are doing the right thing by helping patients decide about these complicated treatment issues.”
“The current policy assumes that the high rate of mastectomy, the more invasive treatment, is a result of two things: providers not following guidelines that favor breast-conserving therapy and patients not being involved in the treatment decision. What we find is the opposite: Surgeons are strongly promoting lumpectomy, and most women say they were involved in the decision.”
