Contemporary Review of the Management and Treatment of Young Breast Cancer Patients.

Approximately 11% of all new breast cancer cases annually are diagnosed in young women, and this continues to be the leading cause of death in women age 20 to 49. Young, premenopausal breast cancer patients present with more advanced stages and with a higher proportion of aggressive subtypes such as triple negative and HER2-enriched tumors. Recently, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the age threshold to initiate screening mammograms to age 40 to aid in earlier detection. Young age at diagnosis increases the likelihood for a pathogenic mutation, and genetic testing is recommended for all patients age 50 and younger. This population is often underrepresented in landmark clinical trials, and data is extrapolated for the treatment of young women with breast cancer. Despite there being no survival benefit to more extensive surgical treatments, such as mastectomy or contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, many patients opt against breast conservation. Young patients with breast cancer face issues related to treatment toxicities, potential overtreatment of their disease, mental health, sexual health, and fertility preservation. This unique population requires a multidisciplinary care team of physicians, surgeons, genetic counselors, fertility specialists, mental health professionals, physical therapists, and dieticians to provide individualized, comprehensive care. Our aim is to (1) provide a narrative review of retrospective studies, relevant society guidelines, and clinical trials focused on the contemporary treatment and management of YBC patients and (2) discuss important nuances in their care as a guide for members of their multidisciplinary treatment team.

Demographics and Clinical Decision Making in Patients with Germline Moderate Penetrance Non-BRCA Mutations in Breast Cancer Related Genes.

BACKGROUND: Management of pathogenic variants in high penetrance genes related to breast cancer (BC), such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are well established. However, moderate penetrance mutations are understudied. We aim to compare risk reduction decision-making patterns in patients with a moderate penetrance BC-related genetic mutations, without a prior BC diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Female patients aged ≥ 18 years who tested positive for a BRCA1/2, high penetrance, or moderate penetrance mutation related to BC between 1996 and 2023 without a concurrent or prior BC diagnosis were retrospectively identified from a single academic center's database. Groups were stratified by mutation type: BRCA1/2 mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2), high penetrance mutations (HPM; CDH1, PALB2, PTEN, STK11, TP53), or moderate penetrance mutations (MPM; ATM, BARD1, CHEK2, NF1, RAD51C, RAD51D). Demographics and clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS: A total of 528 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 66% (n = 350) having a BRCA1/2 mutation, 8% (n = 44) having HPM, and 25% (n = 134) having MPM; the median follow-up was 56.0 months. In our cohort, 20.9% of patients with BRCA mutations, 9.1% with HPM, and 7.5% with MPM chose to undergo risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM). Within the moderate penetrance cohort, patients who chose to undergo RRM were younger at the time of genetic testing (39.4 vs. 47.5 years, p = 0.03) and had a higher number of family members with BC (2 vs. 1, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide insights into the demographic characteristics and family history of patients with moderate penetrance mutations and those who pursue risk-reducing surgery.

Breast Cancer Screening and Prophylactic Mastectomy for High-Risk Women in Romania.

Breast cancer remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality within oncology. Risk factors, encompassing genetic and environmental influences, significantly contribute to its prevalence. While germline mutations, notably within the BRCA genes, are commonly associated with heightened breast cancer risk, a spectrum of other variants exists among affected individuals. Diagnosis relies on imaging techniques, biopsies, biomarkers, and genetic testing, facilitating personalised risk assessment through specific scoring systems. Breast cancer screening programs employing mammography and other imaging modalities play a crucial role in early detection and management, leading to improved outcomes for affected individuals. Regular screening enables the identification of suspicious lesions or abnormalities at earlier stages, facilitating timely intervention and potentially reducing mortality rates associated with breast cancer. Genetic mutations guide screening protocols, prophylactic interventions, treatment modalities, and patient prognosis. Prophylactic measures encompass a range of interventions, including chemoprevention, hormonal inhibition, oophorectomy, and mastectomy. Despite their efficacy in mitigating breast cancer incidence, these interventions carry potential side effects and psychological implications, necessitating comprehensive counselling tailored to individual cases.

Decision-making for bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy for an increased lifetime breast cancer risk: A qualitative metasynthesis.

OBJECTIVE: Previvor is a term applied to a person with an identified, elevated lifetime cancer risk but without an actual cancer diagnosis. Previvorship entails the selection of risk management strategies. For women with a genetic mutation that increases their predisposition for a breast cancer diagnosis, bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (BRRM) is the most effective prevention strategy. However, BRRM can change a woman's breast appearance and function. The purpose of this qualitative metasynthesis (QMS) was to better understand the decision-making process for BRRM among previvors. METHODS: A theory-generating QMS approach was used to analyze and synthesize qualitative findings. Research reports were considered for inclusion if: (1) women over 18 years of age possessed a genetic mutation increasing lifetime breast cancer risk or a strong family history of breast cancer; (2) the sample was considering, or had completed, BRRM; (3) the results reported qualitative findings. Exclusion criteria were male gender, personal history of breast cancer, and research reports which did not separate findings based on cancer diagnosis and/or risk-reduction surgery. RESULTS: A theory and corresponding model emerged, comprised of seven themes addressing the decision-making process for or against BRRM. While some factors to decision-making were decisive for surgery, others were more indefinite and contributed to women changing, processing, or suspending their decision-making for a period of time. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the decision previvors make about BRRM, physical and psychosocial well-being should be considered and promoted through shared decision-making in the clinical setting.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in a rural population: A single-institution experience.

Background: The incidence of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) for unilateral breast cancer (UBC) has continued to increase, despite an absent survival benefit except in populations at highest risk for developing contralateral breast cancer (CBC). CPM rates may be higher in rural populations but causes remain unclear. A study performed at our institution previously found that 21.8 % of patients with UBC underwent CPM from 2000 to 2009. This study aimed to evaluate the CPM trend at a single institution serving a rural population and identify the CPM rate in average-risk patients. Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent mastectomies for UBC at our institution from 2017 to 2021 was performed. Analysis utilized frequencies and percentages, descriptive statistics, chi-square, and independent sample t-tests. Results: A total of 438 patients were included, of whom 64.4 % underwent bilateral mastectomy for UBC (CPM). Patients who underwent CPM were significantly younger, underwent genetic testing, had germline pathogenic variants, had a family history of breast cancer, had smaller tumors, underwent reconstruction, and had more wound infections. Of CPM patients, 50.4 % had no identifiable factors for increased risk of developing CBC. Conclusions: The rate of CPM in a rural population at a single institution increased from 21.8 % to 64.4 % over two decades, with an average-risk CPM rate of 50.4 %. Those that undergo CPM are more likely to undergo reconstruction and have more wound infections. Identifying characteristics of patients undergoing CPM in a rural population and the increased associated risks allows for a better understanding of this trend to guide conversations with patients. Key message: This study demonstrates that the rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy for unilateral breast cancers performed at a single institution serving a largely rural population has nearly tripled over the last two decades, with half of these patients having no factors that increase the risk for developing contralateral breast cancers. Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy was significantly associated with smaller tumors, younger age, genetic testing, germline pathogenic variants, family history of breast cancer, breast reconstruction, and increased wound infections.

Breast Reconstruction following Mastectomy for Breast Cancer or Prophylactic Mastectomy: Therapeutic Options and Results.

(1) Importance of problem: Breast cancer accounted for 685,000 deaths globally in 2020, and half of all cases occur in women with no specific risk factor besides gender and age group. During the last four decades, we have seen a 40% reduction in age-standardized breast cancer mortality and have also witnessed a reduction in the medium age at diagnosis, which in turn means that the number of mastectomies performed for younger women increased, raising the need for adequate breast reconstructive surgery. Advances in oncological treatment have made it possible to limit the extent of what represents radical surgery for breast cancer, yet in the past decade, we have seen a marked trend toward mastectomies in breast-conserving surgery-eligible patients. Prophylactic mastectomies have also registered an upward trend. This trend together with new uses for breast reconstruction like chest feminization in transgender patients has increased the need for breast reconstruction surgery. (2) Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the types of reconstructive procedures, their indications, their limitations, their functional results, and their safety profiles when used during the integrated treatment plan of the oncologic patient. (3) Methods: We conducted an extensive literature review of the main reconstructive techniques, especially the autologous procedures; summarized the findings; and presented a few cases from our own experience for exemplification of the usage of breast reconstruction in oncologic patients. (4) Conclusions: Breast reconstruction has become a necessary step in the treatment of most breast cancers, and many reconstructive techniques are now routinely practiced. Microsurgical techniques are considered the "gold standard", but they are not accessible to all services, from a technical or financial point of view, so pediculated flaps remain the safe and reliable option, along with alloplastic procedures, to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Trends of incidence and mortality in metaplastic breast cancer and the effect of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: A population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) is considered rare and aggressive. We examined the epidemiology of and prognostic factors for MBC and investigated the effect of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), because neither had been thoroughly examined previously. METHODS: We obtained data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-18(2000-2018) for epidemiological and survival analysis. RESULTS: The age-adjusted incidence per 100,000 persons of MBC increased significantly from 0.12 to 0.35 [annual percent change (APC):2.95%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.73-4.19]. The incidence-based mortality increased from 0.01 to 0.12 (APC: 5.01%, 95% CI: 2.50-7.58). The incidence of MBC patients who underwent CPM significantly increased from 0.003 to 0.039 with an APC of 10.96% (95%CI, 7.26-14.78). Older patients and those with higher T classification were less likely to receive CPM. The multivariate Cox model showed that CPM was not an independent predictor of good prognosis for both overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) (pre-propensity score matching (PSM): OS: P = 0.331; BCSS: P = 0.462. post-PSM: OS: P = 0.916; BCSS: P = 0.967). Subgroup analysis showed that CPM still did not provide a survival benefit to any risk groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that the incidence and incidence-based mortality of MBC have increased over the past decades. Although the number of MBC patients who underwent CPM has significantly increased recently, CPM did not confer a survival benefit compared with unilateral mastectomy, indicating that the decision to undergo CPM should be considered carefully.

Patient-reported outcomes in bilateral prophylactic mastectomy with breast reconstruction: A narrative review.

In women at high risk of developing breast cancer, bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) 1 significantly reduces the risk; simultaneously, breast reconstruction preserves body integrity. Given the complex and personal nature of such surgical procedures, patient assessment of satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 2 is essential in evaluation of surgical outcomes. With this review, we aim to organize the current knowledge on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) 3 in bilateral prophylactic surgery. Literature search was conducted using the databases Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science to address the following questions, which can help clinicians and women undergoing the procedures navigate their healthcare decision-making process: How does BPM with reconstruction influence cancer-related distress? How does the surgery impact patient satisfaction and HRQoL? How do preoperative PROs differ from postoperative outcomes? Does the type of BPM and the type of reconstruction impact patient satisfaction and HRQoL? Furthermore, we summarize available patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) 4 that can be administered to women undergoing BPM with reconstruction. In addition, we discuss possible future directions for PRO research in prophylactic breast surgery.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: Weighing the risks of delayed chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with unilateral breast cancer opt for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) at the time of therapeutic mastectomy (immediate CPM) or following completion of adjuvant therapy. Studies show that immediate CPM increases the risk of surgical complications related to unilateral mastectomy (UM) alone, which may lead to delays in adjuvant therapy initiation. However, it is unclear if these complications cause clinically significant delays in initiating adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with breast cancer who underwent immediate CPM versus UM alone at Columbia University Medical Center from January 2000 to December 2020. Patient demographic and oncologic characteristics; complications; and timing of adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or hormonal therapy relative to therapeutic mastectomy were collected. RESULTS: In this study, 239 UM alone patients were propensity score matched to 239 immediate CPM patients. No significant difference in complication rates was found between the index and contralateral breasts in CPM patients. A similar percentage of CPM and UM patients experienced postoperative complications (19% vs. 17%, p = 0.64). No significant difference in time to adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy was found between CPM patients with complications and all CPM patients or all UM patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of clear guidance for clinical decision-making regarding timing of CPM relative to adjuvant therapy. Our study suggests that immediate CPM does not significantly increase the risks of postoperative complications or complication-related delays in the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy. This information may help patients and providers to plan, select, and schedule breast cancer treatment options.

Patient-driven decisions and perceptions of the 'safest possible choice': insights from patient-provider conversations about how some breast cancer patients choose contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Observe patient-clinician communication to gain insight about the reasons underlying the choice of patients with unilateral breast cancer to undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), despite lack of survival benefit, risk of harms, and cautions expressed by surgical guidelines and clinicians. METHODS & MEASURES: WORDS is a prospective study that explored patient-clinician communication and patient decision making. Participants recorded clinical visits through a downloadable mobile application. We analyzed 44 recordings from 22 patients: 9 who chose CPM, 8 who considered CPM but decided against it, and 5 who never considered CPM. We used abductive analysis combined with constructivist grounded theory methods. RESULTS: Decisions to undergo CPM are patient-driven and motivated by perceptions that CPM is the most aggressive, and therefore safest, treatment option available. These decisions are shaped not primarily by the content of conversations with clinicians, but by the history of cancer in patients' families, their own first-hand experiences with cancers among loved ones, fear for their children, and anxiety about cancer recurrence. CONCLUSION: The perception that CPM is the safest, most aggressive option strongly influences patients, despite scientific evidence to the contrary. Future efforts to address high CPM rates should focus on patient-driven decision making and cancer-related fears.

Trends in utilization of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy among different age, racial and ethnic groups.

Background: The use of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) has increased over the last two decades with variations in the frequency of reconstruction. The objective of this cohort study is to elucidate the use of CPM and reconstruction among underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and women over 65 years. Methods: Women over 18 years, diagnosed with stages I to III breast cancer who underwent mastectomy from 2004-2017 were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and grouped into CPM vs. non-CPM. Multivariable analyses were used to examine the associations between CPM and reconstruction with sociodemographic and clinical factors. Results: A total of 571,649 patients were identified. Patients who underwent CPM were under 50 years (45.9%), White (88.4%) and with private insurance (73.5%). On multivariable analysis, women over 65 years [odds ratio (OR): 0.18, P<0.001], non-White (Black, OR: 0.56, P<0.001) and without private insurance (uninsured, OR: 0.50, P<0.001) had decreased odds of CPM. Women over 65 years (OR: 0.11, P<0.001), non-White (Asian/Pacific Islander, OR: 0.58, P<0.001) and without private insurance (Medicaid, OR: 0.41, P<0.001) had decreased odds of reconstruction. Conclusions: Non-White women and women over the age of 65 years were less likely to have CPM or reconstruction than their White counterparts from 2004 to 2017. Research is needed to understand factors impacting decision-making.

Association of Moderate-Risk Breast Cancer Genes with Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and Bilateral Disease.

BACKGROUND: The impact of ATM, CHEK2, and PALB2, the three most prevalent moderate-risk breast cancer genes, on surgical decision making is not well known. METHODS: Our retrospective study included patients with resectable non-metastatic breast cancer who underwent multigene panel testing between July 2014 and January 2020 with at least one genetic alteration (pathogenic or variant of uncertain significance [VUS] in ATM [n = 49], CHEK [n = 57], or PALB2 [n = 27]). Our objectives were to determine the rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) and the rate of bilateral breast cancer. Univariable analyses (UVA) and multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed to identify factors associated with CPM and bilateral breast cancer. RESULTS: The rate of CPM was 39% (n = 49/127), with 54% (n = 25/46) of patients with a pathogenic mutation and 30% (n = 24/81) of patients with a VUS choosing CPM. On MVA, premenopausal status (odds ratio [OR] 3.46) and a pathogenic alteration (OR 3.01) were associated with increased use of CPM. Bilateral disease was noted in 16% (n = 22/138). Patients with pathogenic mutations had a 22% (n = 11/51) incidence of bilateral breast cancer, while patients with VUS had a 13% (n = 11/87) incidence, although this was not statistically significant on UVA or MVA. On MVA, premenopausal status was associated with a decreased risk of bilateral disease (OR 0.33, p = 0.022). During follow-up, a breast cancer event occurred in 16% (n = 22/138). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified a high rate of CPM among those with ATM, CHEK2, and PALB2 alterations, including VUS. Further studies are needed to clarify reasons for CPM among patients with moderate-risk alterations.

Safety and aesthetic outcomes of SERASYNTHⓇ MESH BR for direct-to-implant breast reconstruction: A retrospective single center analysis of 32 consecutive cases.

Background: Bilateral mastectomy for both therapeutic and prophylactic reasons is becoming increasingly important. To achieve good results after mastectomy, synthetic meshes are often used as an alternative to acellular dermal matrices (ADMs). The aim of this study is to analyze the results of subcutaneous mastectomies and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using SERASYNTHⓇ MESH BR. Methods: In this work, data from mastectomies (n = 32) in 22 patients without prior radiation after breast reconstruction with SERASYNTHⓇ MESH BR from a single center were retrospectively analyzed with 1 year follow-up. Complications were categorized as serious (need for revision surgery) and minor events. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test in SPSS. Data were compared with the existing literature. Results: Major complications occurred in 15.6% (n = 5). Two out of five revisions were due to hematoma. In three cases, a seroma followed by other complications (e.g., infections, necrosis) necessitated revision. Minor complications occurred in 12.5% of cases. Due to the safety aspect, implants were replaced in each revision. There was no significant difference in complication rates between prophylactic and therapeutic mastectomies (p = 0.3815, SE = 0.171). There was no statistically significant difference in esthetic outcomes (p = 0.3846). Conclusion: The application of the absorbable polymer poly-p-dioxanone SERASYNTHⓇ MESH BR has complication rates comparable to those reported in the existing literature. Careful patient selection is paramount in order to limit the complication rate. SERASYNTHⓇ MESH BR can be considered a safe tool to achieve esthetic results in combination with direct-to-implant breast reconstruction.

Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Decision-Making: The Partners' Perspective.

BACKGROUND: The rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) continues to rise despite no improvement in survival, an increased risk of surgical complications, and negative effects on quality of life. This study explored the experiences of the partners of women who undergo CPM. METHODS: This study was part of an investigation into the factors motivating women with early-stage unilateral breast cancer and low genetic risk to opt for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). Participating women were asked for permission to invite their partners to take part in interviews. In-depth interviews with partners were conducted using a semi-structured topic guide. A thematic analysis of the data was performed RESULTS: Of 35 partners, all men, 15 agreed to be interviewed. Most perceived their role to be strong and logical. Some hoped their wives would choose a bilateral mastectomy. All felt strongly that the final decision was up to their partners. The partners often framed the decision for CPM as one of life or death. Thus, any aesthetic effects were unimportant by comparison. The male partners had difficulty grasping the physical and emotional changes inherent in mastectomy, which made communicating about sexuality and intimacy very challenging for the couples. In the early recovery period, some noted the stress of managing home life. CONCLUSIONS: The experiences of the male partners provide insight into how couples navigate complex treatment decision-making, both together and separately. There may be a benefit to including partners in pre- and post-surgical counseling to mitigate miscommunication regarding the expected oncologic and emotional outcomes related to CPM.

Preserving choice in breast cancer treatment: A different perspective on contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy is the removal of both breasts when only one is affected by cancer. Rates of this controversial cancer treatment have been increasing since the late 1990s, even among women who do not have the kind of family history or known genetic mutation that would put them at high-risk for another breast cancer. Citing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy's lack of oncologic benefit and increased risk of surgical complications, the American Society of Breast Surgeons discourages contralateral prophylactic mastectomy for average-risk women with unilateral cancer, as does most of the medical literature on this topic. Within this literature, desire for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy is often painted as the product of an emotional overreaction to a cancer diagnosis and misunderstanding of breast cancer risk. Drawing on the personal experience of a breast cancer survivor, as well as relevant medical literature on breast cancer screening and surgery, this article offers a different perspective on the ongoing popularity of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, one that focuses on practical experiences and logical deliberations about those experiences. Specifically, it calls attention to two features of the contralateral prophylactic mastectomy decision-making situation that have been inadequately covered in the medical literature: (1) the way that breast cancer screening after a breast cancer diagnosis can become a kind of radiological overtreatment, even for "average-risk" women; and (2) how desire for bodily symmetry after breast cancer, which can best be achieved through bilateral reconstruction or no reconstruction, drives interest in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. The goal of this article is not to suggest that all women who want contralateral prophylactic mastectomy should have the surgery. In some cases, it is not advisable. But many "average-risk" women with unilateral cancer have good reasons for wanting contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, and we believe their right to choose it should be protected.

Incidence of Cancer and Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in BRCA Mutation Carriers Undergoing Prophylactic Mastectomies.

INTRODUCTION: Breast surveillance in patients with BRCA mutations include mammography (MMG) and MRI. Patients may elect to undergo risk-reducing bilateral prophylactic mastectomies (BPM). Sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) are frequently performed and associated with increased morbidity. This study sought to determine the correlation between preoperative imaging and the final pathology and evaluate the role of SLNB in these high-risk patients. METHODS: A prospective database identified BRCA patients who underwent BPM between 2006 and 2022. Imaging, pathology, and operative reports were reviewed. RESULTS: 170 patients with BRCA 1/2 mutations were identified. 162 (95.3%) had imaging within one year of BPM. Of these, 28 (17.3%) patients had a MMG/ultrasound, 53 (32.7%) had an MRI, and 81 (50%) had both; 21/162 (13.0%) patients had abnormal imaging. Bilateral SLNB were performed in 31 (18.2%) patients, of which 7 had abnormal imaging; unilateral SLNB were performed in 4 (2.4%) patients, of which 3 had abnormal imaging. 11/170 (6.4%) patients had a malignancy and only one (9%) of these patients had imaging abnormalities. 1/170 (0.6%) patient had an invasive carcinoma requiring an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and 10/170 (5.9%) patients had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). 25/170 (14.7%) had ADH/ALH. Only 7/170 (4.1%) patients had imaging abnormalities and abnormal pathology. All SLNB and ALND performed demonstrated no metastatic disease. DISCUSSION: There is a high rate of discordance between preoperative imaging prior to surgery in BRCA patients undergoing prophylactic mastectomies and final pathology. This study does not support routine SLNB at the time of BPM.

Effect of rurality and travel distance on contralateral prophylactic mastectomy for unilateral breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Despite lack of survival benefit, demand for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) to treat unilateral breast cancer remains high. High uptake of CPM has been demonstrated in Midwestern rural women. Greater travel distance for surgical treatment is associated with CPM. Our objective was to examine the relationship between rurality and travel distance to surgery with CPM. METHODS: Women diagnosed with stages I-III unilateral breast cancer between 2007 and 2017 were identified using the National Cancer Database. Logistic regression was used to model likelihood of CPM based on rurality, proximity to metropolitan centers, and travel distance. A multinomial logistic regression model compared factors associated with CPM with reconstruction versus other surgical options. RESULTS: Both rurality (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.15 for non-metro/rural vs. metro) and travel distance (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.33-1.41 for those who traveled 50 + miles vs. < 30 miles) were independently associated with CPM. For women who traveled 30 + miles, odds of receiving CPM were highest for non-metro/rural women (OR 1.33 for 30-49 miles, OR 1.57 for 50 + miles; reference: metro women traveling < 30 miles). Non-metro/rural women who received reconstruction were more likely to undergo CPM regardless of travel distance (ORs 1.11-1.21). Both metro and metro-adjacent women who received reconstruction were more likely to undergo CPM only if they traveled 30 + miles (ORs 1.24-1.30). CONCLUSION: The impact of travel distance on likelihood of CPM varies by patient rurality and receipt of reconstruction. Further research is needed to understand how patient residence, travel burden, and geographic access to comprehensive cancer care services, including reconstruction, influence patient decisions regarding surgery.

Does a brief surgeon training in negotiation theory principles decrease rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy?

PURPOSE: Despite the lack of any oncologic benefit, contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) use among women with unilateral breast cancer is increasing. This patient-driven trend is influenced by fear of recurrence and desire for peace of mind. Traditional educational strategies have been ineffective in reducing CPM rates. Here we employ training in negotiation theory strategies for counseling and determine the effect on CPM rates. METHODS: In consecutive patients with unilateral breast cancer treated with mastectomy from 05/2017 to 12/2019, we examined CPM rates before and after a brief surgeon training in negotiation skills. This comprised a systematic framework for patient counseling utilizing early setting of the default option, leveraging social proof, and framing. RESULTS: Among 2144 patients, 925 (43%) were treated pre-training and 744 (35%) post-training. Those treated in the 6-month transition period were excluded (n = 475, 22%). Median patient age was 50 years; most patients had T1-T2 (72%), N0 (73%), and estrogen receptor-positive (80%) tumors of ductal histology (72%). The CPM rate was 47% pre-training versus 48% post-training, with an adjusted difference of -3.7% (95% CI -9.4 to 2.1, p = 0.2). In a standardized self-assessment survey, all 15 surgeons reported a high baseline use of negotiation skills and no significant change in conversational difficulty with the structured approach. CONCLUSION: Brief surgeon training did not affect self-reported use of negotiation skills or reduce CPM rates. The choice of CPM is a highly individual decision influenced by patient values and decision styles. Further research to identify effective strategies to minimize surgical overtreatment with CPM is needed.

Decision-making experiences of breast cancer patients related to contralateral prophylactic mastectomy-a systematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

PURPOSE: Currently, the choice of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) for breast cancer patients is variable and controversial. Breast cancer patients must make complex and rapid decisions based on the benefits and risks of CPM. Although there are many qualitative studies on the decision-making experiences of breast cancer patients, there is a lack of synthesis of these qualitative studies. Our study goals were to conduct a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on the decision-making experiences, real-life experiences, psychological feelings and needs of breast cancer patients in CPM decision-making, with the aim of providing information to support the development of CPM practice decisions. METHODS: Using a meta-ethnographic approach, qualitative research studies were analysed and synthesised using the method of "reciprocal translational analysis", and themes related to the decision-making experiences of breast cancer patients with respect to CPM were identified. RESULTS: Five hundred ninety-three documents were retrieved. This meta-synthesis ultimately collected 8 studies. Four themes were identified: (1) decision motivations for survival and body intention; (2) negative and vacillating decision emotions; (3) diverse but weak decision support; (4) short-term satisfaction but long-term unknown and differentiated decision effects. CONCLUSIONS: We found that although patients had different feelings about the effects of CPM in detail, most patients were satisfied with the short-term effects of CPM, but the long-term effects of CPM were still unknown. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) in May 2022 (Registration number: CRD42022334260).

Psychological distress and decision-making factors for prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in cancer-unaffected BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers.

OBJECTIVE: Women carrying a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant have an increased risk for breast cancer and may opt for risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy. In this study, we examine which demographic, psychosocial, and personality factors are associated with their decision to undergo risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy. METHODS: Cancer-unaffected women with a pathogenic variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2 were recruited before receiving their genetic test result and completed follow-up including decision to undergo mastectomy over 6-8 months after genetic test result disclosure. Anxiety, depression, breast cancer worry, personality and sociodemographic data were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 125 cancer-unaffected women were included in the analysis. Participants were found to have higher anxiety levels than the general female population regardless of mastectomy decision. Breast cancer worry was higher among women who opted for risk-reducing mastectomy and did not decrease over time. By contrast, women who did not opt for surgery experienced decreasing levels of breast cancer worry. Regression analysis found that women with a pathogenic variant in BRCA1, younger women and women with higher breast cancer worry were more likely to opt for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides valuable insights into the factors that influence women with a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant to undergo risk-reducing mastectomy. These findings may be helpful in understanding individual differences in decision-making concerning preventive options and show the need to address negative anticipatory feelings associated with carrying a pathogenic variant in a high breast cancer risk gene in clinical care.