Breast Cancer Docs Don't Talk Rebuilding

Most general surgeons do not discuss reconstruction with breast cancer patients before treatment, according to a new study.

The analysis found that only one in three patients have such discussions.

Researchers from the University of Michigan talked to 1,178 women who had undergone breast cancer surgery. Women with early stage disease who are not likely to need post-mastectomy radiation were considered eligible for reconstruction at the time of surgery.

However, the researchers found only 33 percent of patients had a general surgeon discuss breast reconstruction with them during the decision-making process.

Surgeons were significantly more likely to have this discussion with younger, more educated patients. Patients who discussed reconstruction with their surgeon were more willing to consider having a mastectomy and were more than 4 times likely to undergo the surgery.

The findings suggest that discussing reconstruction will impact women's decisions regarding initial surgery for their breast cancer, the authors said.

The study was published in the Feb. 1, 2008, issue of CANCER.