Disaggregating the Asian-American Breast Cancer Population: Disparities in Reconstruction Rates

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer (BC) incidence has been increasing among Asian-Americans (AsAms); recent data suggest these patients are less likely to undergo postmastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR) compared to non-Asian women. Historically, AsAm BC patients are reported in aggregate, masking heterogeneity within this population. We aim to identify patterns of postmastectomy reconstruction among disaggregated AsAm BC patients at our institution.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for BC patients who underwent mastectomy between 2017 and 2021. Patient demographic and clinical information was collected including self-reported race/ethnicity and reconstruction at time of mastectomy. Self-identified Asian patients were disaggregated into East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and 'Asian Other.' We examined rates of reconstruction between the different races and the disaggregated Asian subgroups. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to examine patient factors associated with PMBR.

RESULTS

Six hundred and five patients met inclusion criteria. Forty seven percent of patients identified as Asian, 36% of which as East Asian. Forty four percent of all patients underwent PMBR. Southeast Asian and South Asian women were least likely to undergo reconstruction, while Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women were most likely to pursue PMBR (P = 0.020). On multivariable analysis, Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black women were more likely to undergo reconstruction compared to Asian women. Other factors associated with reconstruction were coverage with private insurance and diagnosis of noninvasive disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of PMBR are lower among AsAms than non-Asian patients and vary between Asian ethnic subgroups. Further investigation is needed to identify patterns of reconstruction among the disaggregated AsAm population to address disparities.

A Tale of Two Hospitals: Effect of Access to Care Through a Safety Net Hospital on Adjuvant Therapy, Imaging Compliance and 5-Year Survival Rates Compared to the University Hospital Served by the Same Breast Cancer Clinical Teams

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To compare rates of guideline-concordant care, imaging surveillance, recurrence and survival outcomes between a safety-net (SNH) and tertiary-care University Hospital (UH) served by the same breast cancer clinical teams.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

647 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer treated in affiliated SNH and UH between 11.1.2014 and 3.31.2017 were reviewed. Patient demographics, completion of guideline-concordant adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapy were recorded. Two multivariable logistic regression models were performed to investigate the effect of hospital and race on cancer stage. Kaplan-Meier log-rank and Cox-regression were used to analyze five-year recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between hospitals and races, (p < 0.05 significant).

RESULTS

Patients in SNH were younger (mean SNH 53.2 vs UH 57.9, p < 0.001) and had higher rates of cT3/T4 disease (SNH 19% vs UH 5.5%, p < 0.001). Patients in the UH had higher rates of bilateral mastectomy (SNH 17.6% vs UH 40.1% p < 0.001) while there was no difference in the positive surgical margin rate (SNH 5.0% vs UH 7.6%, p = 0.20), completion of adjuvant radiation (SNH 96.9% vs UH 98.7%, p = 0.2) and endocrine therapy (SNH 60.8% vs UH 66.2%, p = 0.20). SNH patients were less compliant with mammography surveillance (SNH 64.1% vs UH 75.1%, p = 0.02) and adjuvant chemotherapy (SNH 79.1% vs UH 96.3%, p < 0.01). RFS was lower in the SNH (SNH 54 months vs UH 57 months, HR 1.90, 95% CI: 1.18-3.94, p = 0.01) while OS was not significantly different (SNH 90.5% vs UH 94.2%, HR 1.78, 95% CI: 0.97-3.26, p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

In patients experiencing health care disparities, having access to guideline-concordant care through SNH resulted in non-inferior OS to those in tertiary-care UH.

Oncologic Safety of One-Stage Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction in Breast Cancer Patients With Positive Sentinel Lymph Nodes: A Single-Center Retrospective Study Using Propensity Score Matching

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the oncologic safety of one-stage implant-based breast reconstruction (OIBR) following mastectomy in breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs).

METHODS

We collected clinical and pathological data from breast cancer patients with positive SLNs who underwent OIBR or not after mastectomy between January 2015 and December 2018. A total of 194 patients were included, with 130 patients undergoing mastectomy alone (MA) and 64 patients receiving OIBR after mastectomy. The clinical and pathological features, as well as the postoperative oncologic outcomes, of the 2 groups were retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to mitigate the effects of data bias and confounding factors.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 66 months for the OIBR group and 64 months for the MA group after PSM. The majority of reconstructive surgeries use an approach of prosthetic implantation (52.0%). This is followed by prosthetic implantation combined with a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap (32.0%), and acellular dermal matrix (ADM)-assisted implant placement (16.0%). During the follow-up period, a local recurrence was observed in 1 case, regional recurrence in 3 cases, and distant metastasis leading to death in 3 cases among the OIBR group patients. No significant difference was found between the OIBR and MA groups in disease-free survival (DFS) (P = .66), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (P = .91), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) (P = .44), and overall survival (OS) (P = .57).

CONCLUSION

OIBR is a safe option for breast cancer patients with positive SLNs and does not negatively impact cancer recurrence or overall survival.

Outcomes of complex oncoplastic breast surgery in older women. Analysis of data from the Age Gap cohort study

KEY WORDS

Breast cancer, mastectomy, breast conserving surgery, post-mastectomy reconstruction, older women, quality of life.

Surgical versus nonsurgical treatment selection patterns among Asian American patients with pelvic floor disorders: a matched cohort study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to determine if Asian racial identity was associated with the selection of surgical versus nonsurgical treatments for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Secondarily, we aimed to determine if there were other demographic or clinical characteristics associated with treatment selection patterns.

METHODS

This was a retrospective matched cohort study that examined new patient visits (NPVs) of Asian patients at an academic urogynecology practice in Chicago, IL, USA. We included NPVs with primary diagnoses of anal incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, or pelvic organ prolapse. We identified Asian patients with self-identified racial identity recorded in the electronic medical records. Every Asian patient was age matched to white patients in a 1:3 ratio. The primary outcome was surgical versus nonsurgical treatment selection for their primary PFD diagnosis. Comparison of demographic and clinical variables between the two groups and multivariate logistic regression models were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 53 Asian patients and 159 white patients were included in this analysis. Asian patients were less likely to be English speaking (92% vs 100%, p=0.004), endorse history of anxiety (17% vs 43%, p<0.001), and report history of any pelvic surgery (15% vs 34%, p=0.009) than white patients. When controlling for race, age, history of anxiety, depression, prior pelvic surgery, sexual activity, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory, Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory, and Urinary Distress Inventory scores, Asian racial identity (adjusted odds ratio 0.36 [95% CI 0.14-0.85]) was independently associated with decreased likelihood of choosing surgical treatments for PFDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Asian patients with PFDs were less likely than white patients to undergo surgical treatment for their PFDs despite similar demographic and clinical characteristics.

Beyond Physical Well-being: Exploring Demographic Variances in Psychosocial Well-being before Breast Reconstruction

A patient's preoperative satisfaction with their breasts and baseline psychosocial, sexual, and physical well-being are important considerations when planning breast reconstruction. We sought to elucidate variances in preoperative responses among patients undergoing postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

Methods

Preoperative BREAST-Q responses and demographic data, including race, generation, median household incomeinstitutional review board and body mass index (BMI) were collected from breast cancer patients scheduled for mastectomy. Associations between demographic group and survey response were analyzed by chi-square or independent t-tests.

Results

In total, 646 of 826 patients identified had complete data and were included in the final analysis. Patients in BMI group 1 (16-24.9) were more likely to report feeling "very satisfied" with how they looked unclothed compared with patients in other BMI groups (P = 0.031). Conversely, patients in groups 3 and 4 (35+), reported lower satisfaction (P = 0.037) and felt less attractive without clothes (P = 0.034). Asian women were less likely to feel attractive (P = 0.007), and Black patients were less likely to feel of equal worth to other women (P < 0.001). Finally, patients were less likely to report confidence in social settings if they were Black (P < 0.001), Asian (P < 0.001), from the millennial generation (P = 0.017), or living in zip codes with median household income less than $55,000 (P = 0.042).

Conclusions

Breast cancer patients' feelings toward their natural breasts vary widely between demographic groups. Understanding baseline psychosocial factors in this population is key to informing preoperative discussions and interpreting postoperative satisfaction.

Factors Associated With Socioeconomic Disparities in Breast Reconstruction: Perspectives of Wisconsin Surgeons

INTRODUCTION

The objective is to expand our understanding of the factors associated with receipt of breast reconstruction for socioeconomically disadvantaged women within Wisconsin.

METHODS

A purposeful sample of general/breast and plastic surgeons were identified. One-on-one interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed in full (n = 15). Conventional content analysis was performed to identify themes.

RESULTS

Both general/breast and plastic surgeons perceived that general/breast surgeons served as gatekeepers to which patients are offered a referral for reconstruction. Given the additional recovery time, frequent clinic visits, and potential for complications associated with reconstruction, general/breast surgeons perceived that not all women prioritize it. Surgeons perceived this to be especially true for socioeconomically disadvantaged women. Surgeons identified time off work, travel for visits, and out-of-pocket costs as specific challenges to reconstruction experienced by socioeconomically disadvantaged women. Surgeons perceived that early education, incorporating financial considerations into discussions, and reducing travel burden may help to improve access to reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Wisconsin surgeons described factors they perceived contributed to lower rates of reconstruction for socioeconomically disadvantaged women and described ways to increase reconstruction access.

Racial Disparities in Breast Reconstruction at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

INTRODUCTION

Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is an important component of breast cancer care that improves the quality of life in breast cancer survivors. African American women are less likely to receive breast reconstruction than Caucasian women. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the reconstruction disparities we previously reported at a comprehensive cancer center by assessing breast reconstruction rates, patterns, and predictors by race.

METHODS

Data were obtained from women treated with definitive mastectomy between 2000 and 2012. Sociodemographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics were compared between African American and Caucasian women, and logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of reconstruction by race.

RESULTS

African American women had significantly larger proportions of public insurance, aggressive tumors, unilateral mastectomies, and modified radical mastectomies. African American women had a significantly lower reconstruction rate (35% vs. 49%, p < 0.01) and received a larger proportion of autologous reconstruction (13% vs. 7%, p < 0.01) compared to Caucasian women. The receipt of adjuvant radiation therapy was a significant predictor of breast reconstruction in Caucasian but not African American women.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified breast reconstruction disparities in rate and type of reconstruction. These disparities may be due to racial differences in sociodemographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics. The predictors of breast reconstruction varied by race, suggesting that the mechanisms underlying breast reconstruction may vary in African American women. Future research should take a target approach to examine the relative contributions of sociodemographic, tumor, and treatment determinants of the breast reconstruction disparities in African American women.

Perspectives of Wisconsin Providers on Factors Influencing Receipt of Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The objective is to determine perspectives of general surgeons, plastic surgeons, and cancer navigators on factors contributing to breast cancer patients' decision for post-mastectomy reconstruction, especially for women facing financial hardship.

METHODS

We mailed Wisconsin general and plastic surgeons who performed >5 breast cancer procedures annually a survey, including a postcard inviting cancer navigators to participate. Descriptive statistics summarize item responses. McNemar's chi-squared tests evaluated surgeons' perspectives of factors influencing reconstruction for all women compared to women facing financial hardship.

RESULTS

Respondents include 70 general surgeons, 18 plastic surgeons, and 9 navigators. Respondents perceived preference-related factors as important, including "does not want more surgery" (85% reported it important overall and 77% for financial hardship women) and "reconstructed breast is not important to her" (77% vs. 61%). Surgeons perceived logistical factors were more important for women facing financial hardship, including "capacity to be away from work or home responsibilities for recovery" (30% reported important overall and 60% for financial hardship women), "concerned about out-of-pocket costs" (26% vs. 57%), and "frequent visits to complete reconstruction too burdensome" (27% vs. 49%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate Wisconsin surgeons and cancer navigators perceive logistical concerns influence reconstruction decisions for women facing financial hardship.

Immediate breast reconstruction uptake in older women with primary breast cancer: systematic review

BACKGROUND

Postmastectomy immediate breast reconstruction (PMIBR) may improve the quality of life of patients with breast cancer, of whom older women (aged 65 years or more) are a growing proportion. This study aimed to assess PMIBR in older women with regard to underlying impediments (if any).

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed were searched by two independent researchers up to June 2022. Eligible studies compared PMIBR rates between younger and older women with invasive primary breast cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies (2012-2020) including 466 134 women were appraised, of whom two-thirds (313 298) were younger and one-third (152 836) older. Only 10.0 per cent of older women underwent PMIBR in contrast to 45.0 per cent of younger women. Two studies explored factors affecting uptake of PMIBR in older women; surgeon-associated (usual practice), patient-associated (socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and co-morbidities), and system-associated (insurance status and hospital location) factors were identified.

CONCLUSION

Uptake of PMIBR in older women is low with definable (and some correctable) barriers.

Barriers to breast reconstruction for socioeconomically disadvantaged women

PURPOSE

Socioeconomic disparities in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction exist. Key informants have suggested that finding providers who accept Medicaid insurance and longer travel time to a plastic surgeon are important barriers. Our objective was to assess the relationship between these factors and reconstruction for socioeconomically disadvantaged women in Wisconsin.

METHODS

We identified women < 75 years of age with stage 0-III breast cancer who underwent mastectomy using the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System. Women in the most disadvantaged state-based tertile of the Area Deprivation Index were included (n = 1809). Geocoding determined turn-by-turn drive time from women's address to the nearest accredited Commission on Cancer or National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Multivariable logistic regression determined the relationship between reconstruction, Medicaid, and travel time, controlling for patient factors known to impact reconstruction. Average adjusted predicted probabilities of receiving reconstruction were calculated.

RESULTS

Most patients had early-stage breast cancer (51% stage 0/I) and 15.2% had Medicaid. 37% of women underwent reconstruction. Socioeconomically disadvantaged women with Medicaid (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.46-0.84) and longer travel times (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.99-1.0) were less likely to receive reconstruction. Patients with the lowest predicted probability of reconstruction were those with Medicaid who lived furthest from a plastic surgeon.

CONCLUSION

Among socioeconomically disadvantaged women, Medicaid and travel remained associated with lower rates of reconstruction. Further work will explore opportunities to improve access to reconstruction for women with Medicaid. This is particularly challenging as it may require socioeconomically disadvantaged women to travel further to receive care.

An Analysis of Racial Diversity in the Breast Reconstruction and Aesthetic Surgery Literature

Background:

Racial disparities in the visual representation of patients in the plastic surgery literature can contribute to health inequities. This study evaluates racial diversity in photographs published in the aesthetic and breast reconstruction literature.

Methods:

A photogrammetric analysis of plastic surgery journals from the USA, Canada, and Europe was performed. Color photographs depicting human skin, pertaining to breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery in 2000, 2010, and 2020, were categorized as White (1–3) or non-White (4–6) based on the Fitzpatrick scale.

Results:

All journals demonstrated significantly more White skin images than non-White for all procedures (P < 0.05) except blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty. Blepharoplasty was the only procedure with more non-White images (P = 0.02). When examining USA journals, significant differences were not found in blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, and male chest surgery. European journals published a greater proportion of non-White images than USA journals (P < 0.0001). There was a decreasing rate of change in diversity with 15.5% of images being non-White in 2000, 32.7% in 2010, and 40.7% in 2020 (P < 0.01). Percentage of non-White images varied by geographical region and ranged from 3.6% in Oceania to 93.5% in Asia (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Diversity of patient populations depicted in plastic surgery literature has increased over the past two decades. Despite this improvement, the racial diversity seen in photographs published in the literature does not adequately reflect this demographic for aesthetic and breast procedures. Equitable visual representation may promote cultural competency and improve care for the populations we serve.

Breaking Barriers to Breast Reconstruction among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Patients at a Large Safety-net Hospital

Socioeconomic disparities remain prevalent among those who undergo breast reconstruction. At our institution, patients must meet certain criteria to become eligible for breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of socioeconomic factors on breast reconstruction eligibility, enrollment, choice, and completion at our large safety-net institution.

Stalled at the intersection: insurance status and disparities in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction

PURPOSE

Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR) is an important component of breast cancer treatment, but disparities relative to insurance status persist despite legislation targeting the issue. We aimed to study this relationship in a large health system combining a safety-net hospital and a private academic center.

METHODS

Data were collected on all patients who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer from 2011 to 2019 in a private academic center and an adjacent public safety-net hospital served by the same surgical teams. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the effect of insurance status on PMBR, controlling for covariates that included socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical factors.

RESULTS

Of 1554 patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer, 753 (48.5%) underwent PMBR, of which 592 (79.9%) were privately insured, 50 (6.7%) Medicare, 68 (9.2%) Medicaid, and 31 (4.2%) uninsured. Multivariable logistic regression showed a significantly higher likelihood of not undergoing PMBR for uninsured (OR 6.0, 95% CI 3.7-9.8; p < 0.0001), Medicare (OR 1.9, (95% CI 1.2-3.0; p = 0.006), and Medicaid (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.3; p = 0.04) patients compared with privately insured patients. Age, stage, race and ethnicity, and hospital type confounded this relationship.

CONCLUSION

Patients without health insurance have dramatically reduced access to PMBR compared to those with private insurance. Expanding access to this important procedure is essential to achieve greater health equity for breast cancer patients.

Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction Patterns at an Urban Academic Hospital and the Impact of Surgeon Gender

Background

Postmastectomy breast reconstruction is an essential element of multidisciplinary breast cancer care but may be underutilized.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed mastectomy patients (2018–2021) at an urban hospital. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, and a mixed-effects logistic regression model was constructed to determine patient-level factors (age, race, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking status, insurance, type of surgery) and provider-level factors (breast surgeon gender, participation in multidisciplinary breast clinic) that influence reconstruction.

Results

Overall, 167 patients underwent mastectomy. The reconstruction rate was 35%. In multivariable analysis, increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–0.99) and Medicaid insurance (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.06–0.53) relative to private insurance were negative predictors, whereas bilateral mastectomy was a positive predictor (OR 7.07; 95% CI 2.95–17.9) of reconstruction. After adjustment for patent age, race, insurance, and type of surgery, female breast surgeons had 3.7 times greater odds of operating on patients who had reconstruction than males (95% CI 1.20–11.42).

Conclusion

Both patient- and provider-level factors have an impact on postmastectomy reconstruction. Female breast surgeons had nearly four times the odds of caring for patients who underwent reconstruction, suggesting that a more standardized process for plastic surgery referral is needed.

Influencers of Immediate Postmastectomy Reconstruction: A National Cancer Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

The literature examining decision-making related to treatment and reconstruction for women with breast cancer has established that patient, clinical, and facility factors all play a role.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to use the National Cancer Database to determine how patient, clinical, and facility factors influence: (1) the receipt of immediate breast reconstruction; and (2) the type of immediate breast reconstruction received (implant-based, autologous, or a combination).

METHODS

A total of 638,772 female patients with breast cancers (Tis-T3, N0-N1, or M0) who between 2004 and 2017 received immediate reconstruction following mastectomy were identified in the National Cancer Database. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied to identify characteristics associated with immediate breast reconstruction and type of reconstruction.

RESULTS

Immediate breast reconstruction was more frequently associated with patients of White race, younger age, with private insurance, with lesser comorbidities, who resided in zip codes with higher median incomes or higher rates of high-school graduation, in urban areas, with Tis to T2 disease, or with involvement of <4 lymph nodes (all odds ratios [ORs] > 1.1). Negative predictors of immediate breast reconstruction were insurance status with Medicaid, Medicare, other government insurance, and none or unknown insurance (all ORs < 0.79). Implant-based reconstruction was associated with non-Black race, uninsured status, completion of higher education, undifferentiated disease, and stage T0 disease (all ORs > 1.10).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm some previous studies on what patient, clinical, and facility factors affect decision-making, but also raise new questions that relate to the impact of third-party payer on receipt and type of reconstruction postmastectomy for breast cancer.

The Role of Safety-Net Hospitals in Reducing Disparities in Breast Cancer Care

Advances in breast cancer screening and systemic therapies have been credited with profound improvements in breast cancer outcomes; indeed, 5-year relative survival rate approaches 91% in the USA (U.S. National Institutes of Health NCI. SEER Training Modules, Breast). While breast cancer mortality has been declining, oncologic outcomes have not improved equally among all races and ethnicities. Many factors have been implicated in breast cancer disparities; chief among them is limited access to care which contributes to lower rates of timely screening mammography and, once diagnosed with breast cancer, lower rates of receipt of guideline concordant care (Wu, Lund, Kimmick GG et al. in J Clin Oncol 30(2):142-150, 2012). Hospitals with a safety-net mission, such as the essential hospitals, historically have been dedicated to providing high-quality care to all populations and have eagerly embraced the role of caring for the most vulnerable and working to eliminate health disparities. In this article, we review landmark articles that have evaluated the role safety-net hospitals have played in providing equitable breast cancer care including to those patients who face significant social and economic challenges.

Is Medicaid Expansion Narrowing Gaps in Surgical Disparities for Low-Income Breast Cancer Patients?

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to understand the effect of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on patterns of surgical care among low-income breast cancer patients. Emerging literature suggests cancer patients in Medicaid expansion states are presenting with earlier stages of disease. However, less is known regarding the implications of Medicaid expansion on patterns of surgical care in low-income women.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We compared nonmetastatic 30-64-year-old uninsured or Medicaid-insured Ohio breast cancer patients diagnosed 4 years before and 4 years after the state's 2014 Medicaid expansion (study group); the control group was the privately insured. Time-to-surgery (TTS) was defined as days from diagnosis to surgery. Demographic and treatment variables before and after expansion were examined in multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

There was a 10.4% point increase in breast conservation therapy (BCT) in the study group (pre-ACA 26.3%, post-ACA 36.7%; p < 0.01) compared with a 5.8% point increase in the control group (pre-ACA 36.0%, post-ACA 41.8%; p < 0.01). Disparities in reconstruction narrowed between the study (pre-ACA 21.4%, post-ACA 34.5%; p < 0.01) and the control (37.0% pre-ACA, 44.1% post-ACA group p < 0.01) groups. There was no statistically significant change in mean TTS in the study group (pre-ACA 42.1 days, post-ACA 43.1 days p = 0.18) but there was an increase in TTS in the control group (pre-ACA 35.0 days, post ACA 37.0 days; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Medicaid expansion appears to have narrowed disparities in the utilization of BCT and reconstruction in low-income women. However, there was no improvement in surgical delay.

The Impact of a Single Dual-Trained Surgeon in the Management of Mastectomy and Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Oncoplastic breast surgery is typically performed using a two-surgeon, two-team approach. The authors present their experience with patients undergoing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction performed by a single, dual-trained breast surgical oncologist and plastic and reconstructive microsurgeon.

METHODS

Patients who underwent mastectomy and/or immediate reconstruction performed by the senior author between 2015 and 2019 were divided into single-surgeon or dual-surgeon cohorts, and matched by age, body mass index, reconstruction type, and cancer stage.

RESULTS

The authors included 158 patients in their analysis (single-surgeon, n = 45; dual-surgeon, n = 113). Single-surgeon patients underwent surgery 13.2 days earlier than single-surgeon patients (p < 0.01), and required significantly fewer preoperative (1.9 versus 3.4; p < 0.01) and postoperative visits (6.8 versus 10.7; p < 0.01). Operative duration was comparable (single-surgeon, 245 minutes; dual-surgeon, 245 minutes; p = 0.99). The authors found no significant difference in surgical-site infection, seroma, hematoma, abdominal donor-site healing, or flap and prosthesis loss between the groups. The authors did find that dual-surgeon patients had a significantly higher rate of mastectomy flap necrosis (20 percent versus 4 percent; p = 0.01), which held true on logistic regression when controlling for other variables. BREAST-Q data demonstrated that single-surgeon patients had significantly higher overall scores (p = 0.04), and were significantly more satisfied with their outcomes, surgeon, and the information provided (p = 0.03, p = 0.03, and p = 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The single-surgeon approach has the potential to decrease patient burden by requiring fewer preoperative and postoperative visits without compromising surgical outcomes or oncologic safety. Further investigation is warranted into the financial implications and patient outcomes.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Post-Mastectomy Patients in an Urban Safety-Net Hospital: How Do Safety-Net Hospital Breast Reconstruction Rates Compare to National Breast Reconstruction Rates?

BACKGROUND

Breast reconstruction (BR) has documented psychological benefits following mastectomy. Yet, racial/ethnic minority groups have lower reported rates of BR. We sought to evaluate the rate, type, and outcome of BR in a racially and ethnically diverse population within a safety-net hospital system.

METHODS

All patients who underwent mastectomy between October 2015 and July 2019 at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center were retrospectively examined. Rates and type of BR were analyzed according to patient characteristics (race/ethnicity, age, and body mass index), smoking status, cancer stage, and presence of diabetes mellitus. Breast reconstruction outcomes were also assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 259 patients that underwent mastectomy, 87 (33.6%) received BR. Immediate BR was performed in 79 (30.5%) patients and delayed BR in 8 (3.1%). Of the 79 patients with immediate BR, 58 (73.4%) received implant-based BR and 21 (26.5%) autologous tissue. The BR failure rate was 10%, all implant-based. Increasing age and smoking negatively impacted BR rates. Black (P =.331) and Hispanic (P =.132) ethnicity were not independent predictors of decreased breast reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the rate, type, and quality of BR in this integrated safety-net hospital within a diverse population are comparable to national rates. When made available, historically underrepresented minority patients of Black and Hispanic ethnicity utilize BR.

Surgical Services for Breast Cancer Patients in Australia, is There a Gap for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Women?

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women. When compared to other Australians, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women have a higher breast cancer mortality rate. This systematic literature review examined disparities in breast cancer surgical access and outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women.

METHODS

This systematic literature review, following the PRISMA guidelines, compared measures of breast cancer surgical care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.

RESULTS

The 13 included studies were largely state-based retrospective reviews of data collected prior to the year 2012. Eight studies reported more advanced breast cancer presentation among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women. Despite the increased distance to a multidisciplinary, specialist team, there were no disparities in seeing a surgeon, or in the time from diagnosis to surgical treatment. Two studies reported disparities in the receipt of surgery and two reported no variations. Three studies reported disparities in the receipt of mastectomy versus breast conserving surgery, whilst four studies reported no variations. No studies examined postoperative surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women present with more advanced breast cancer. There may be disparities in the receipt of surgery and the type of surgery. However, the metrics tested were not related to optimal care guidelines, and the databases utilised contain limited data on individual factors contributing to surgical care decisions. It is therefore difficult to determine whether the reported differences in the receipt of surgical care reflect disparate or appropriate care.

Improvement in Breast Reconstruction Disparities following Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act

BACKGROUND

 Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansion effective 1 January 2014 aimed to increase access to health care. We sought to determine the association of Medicaid expansion with disparities in utilization of breast reconstruction.

METHODS

Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and White (NHW) breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy +/- reconstruction between 2010 and 2017 were selected from the National Cancer Database. Annual trends for utilization of breast reconstruction by race, income, and education were evaluated by Medicaid expansion status using difference-in-differences regression analyses. Medicaid expansion was categorized by expansion date as early (2010-2013), 2014 (1/2014), late (after 1/2014), or no expansion.

RESULTS

Of 443,607 patients, 36.3% (n = 161,128) underwent reconstruction, 13.1% (n = 58,249) were NHB, 16.8% (n = 74,430) had median income < $40,227, and 17.1% (n = 75,718) were in the lowest education quartile. In non-expansion states, lower proportions of NHB patients underwent reconstruction than NHW patients in all years, with the smallest disparity (NHB% - NHW%) (- 6.4%) in 2017. Decreases in disparities between NHB and NHW patients were seen with the smallest difference observed in 2014 (- 2.5%) in early-expansion states, in 2017 (- 0.7%) in 1/2014 expansion states, and in 2017 (- 4.5%) in late-expansion states. Similar findings for convergence of reconstruction utilization rates for the lowest two education levels and lowest two income quartiles were found with Medicaid expansion, with no convergence seen in non-expansion states over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Some improvement in breast reconstruction disparities followed Medicaid expansion. Failure to improve parity without Medicaid expansion should be a consideration with any modifications to Medicaid access.

"Going Flat" After Mastectomy: Patient-Reported Outcomes by Online Survey

BACKGROUND

The Going Flat movement aims to increase awareness and acceptance of mastectomy alone as a viable option for patients. Little is known about motivations and satisfaction with surgical outcomes in this population.

METHODS

An online survey was administered to 931 women who had a history of uni- or bilateral mastectomy for treatment of breast cancer or elevated breast cancer risk without current breast mound reconstruction. Satisfaction with outcome and surgeon support for the patient experience were characterized using 5-level scaled scores.

RESULTS

Mastectomy alone was the first choice for 73.7% of the respondents. The top two reasons for going flat were desire for a faster recovery and avoidance of a foreign body placement. Overall, the mean scaled satisfaction score was 3.72 ± 1.17 out of 5. In the multivariable analysis, low level of surgeon support for the decision to go flat was the strongest predictor of a satisfaction score lower than 3 (odds ratio [OR], 3.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.59-5.72; p < 0.001). Dissatisfaction also was more likely among respondents reporting a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.76-4.27; p < 0.001) and those undergoing a unilateral procedure (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.29-3.09; p = 0.002). Greater satisfaction was associated with receiving adequate information about surgical options (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32-0.69; p < 0.0001) and having a surgeon with a specialized breast surgery practice (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.38-0.81; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients undergoing mastectomy alone are satisfied with their surgical outcome. Surgeons may optimize patient experience by recognizing and supporting a patient's decision to go flat.

Empowered Choices: African-American Women's Breast Reconstruction Decisions

Objectives: Breast reconstruction (BR) potentially can improve quality of life in postmastectomy breast cancer survivors (BCS); however, African-American women are less likely to undergo BR than Caucasian women. This qualitative study was undertaken to explore individual, sociocultural, and contextual factors influencing African-American women's BR decision-making processes and preferences. Methods: Postmastectomy African-American BCS with and without BR participated in semi-structured interviews. We adopted a grounded theory approach using the constant comparison method to understand the contexts and processes informing participants' BR decision-making. Results: Twenty-three women participated, of whom 17 elected BR and 6 did not. Whereas women's primary reasons for deciding for or against BR differed, our core category, "empowered choices ," describes both groups' decision-making as a process focused on empowering themselves physically and/or psychologically, through self-advocacy, informed and shared decision-making, and giving back/receiving communal and spiritual support from church and African-American survivor groups. Socioeconomic factors influenced women's access to BR. Women preferred autologous BR and expressed the need for greater culturally-matched resources and support to inform treatment and shared BR decision-making. Conclusions: Understanding and supporting African-American women's BR preferences and empowerment is essential to ensuring equal access, and culturally-relevant, high-quality, and informed patient-centered care.

National trends and predictors of mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate national trends in utilization, resource use, and predictors of immediate breast reconstruction (IR) after mastectomy.

METHODS

The 2005-2014 National Inpatient Sample database was used to identify adult women undergoing mastectomy. IR was defined as any reconstruction during the same inpatient stay. Multivariable regression models were utilized to identify factors associated with IR.

RESULTS

Of 729,340 patients undergoing mastectomy, 41.3% received IR. Rates of IR increased from 28.2% in 2005 to 58.2% in 2014 (NP-trend<0.001). Compared to mastectomy alone, IR was associated with increased length of stay (2.5 vs. 2.1 days, P < 0.001) and hospitalization costs ($17,628 vs. $8,643, P < 0.001), which increased over time (P < 0.001). Predictors of IR included younger age, fewer comorbidities, White race, private insurance, top income quartile, teaching hospital designation, high mastectomy volume, and performance of bilateral mastectomy.

CONCLUSION

Mastectomy with IR is increasingly performed with resource utilization rising at a steady pace. Our study points to persistent sociodemographic and hospital level disparities associated with the under-utilization of IR. Efforts are needed to alleviate disparities in IR.

Racial disparities in low-value surgical care and time to surgery in high-volume hospitals

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to examine racial differences in receipt of low-value surgical care and time to surgery (TTS) among women receiving treatment at high-volume hospitals.

METHODS

Stage I-III non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) breast cancer patients were identified in the National Cancer Database. Low-value care included (1) sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) among T1N0 patients age ≥70 with hormone receptor-positive cancers, (2) axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in patients meeting ACOSOG Z0011 criteria, and (3) contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) with unilateral cancer. TTS was days from biopsy to surgery. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were used to compare the groups.

RESULTS

Compared to NHWs, NHBs had lower rates of SLNB among women age ≥70 with small hormone-positive cancers (NHB 58.5% vs. NHW 62.2% p < .001) and CPM (NHB 26.3% vs. NHW 36%; p < .001). ALND rates for patients meeting ACOSOG Z0011 criteria were similar between both groups (p = .13). The odds of surgery >60 days were higher among NHBs (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.64-1.91; NHW ref).

CONCLUSIONS

NHBs treated at high-volume hospitals have higher rates of surgical delay but are less likely to undergo low-value surgical procedures compared to NHW women.

National Trends in Immediate Breast Reconstruction: An Analysis of Implant-Based Versus Autologous Reconstruction After Mastectomy

BACKGROUND

Many factors affect access to immediate breast reconstruction (IR) after mastectomy. The present study was performed to assess trends, outcomes, and predictors of IR techniques using a nationally representative cohort.

METHODS

The 2009-2014 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to identify adult women who underwent inpatient mastectomy with IR. Patients were compared by type of reconstruction: implant-based IR versus autologous reconstruction (AR). AR was classified as a microsurgical or pedicled flap procedure. Incidence, outcomes, and predictors were assessed using Chi squared univariate tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 194,073 women who underwent IR, 136,668 (70.4%) received implant-based IR and 57,405 (29.6%) received AR. Of those who underwent AR procedures, 31,336 (54.6%) received microsurgical flaps and 26,680 (46.5%) received pedicled flaps. Utilization of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps increased significantly (28.6-42.5% of AR, P < 0.001). Predictors of AR were Black race [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.46, P < 0.001], lower Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (AOR = 1.25, P < 0.001), private insurance (AOR = 1.07, P = 0.030), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² (AOR = 1.38, P < 0.001), urban teaching hospital designation (AOR = 1.77, P < 0.001), and high hospital volume (AOR = 3.11, P < 0.001). Similar factors were associated with the use of microsurgical flaps. AR and microsurgical flaps were associated with higher rates of acute inpatient complications, resource utilization and length of stay (LOS) compared with implant-based IR and pedicled flaps, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Implant-based IR remains the most common type of IR, although rates of microsurgical AR are on the rise. Follow-up of complications, costs, and quality-of-life measures may show that AR provides long-term high-value care despite upfront morbidity, cost, and use of hospital resources.

Postmastectomy Reconstruction is Associated with Improved Survival in Patients with Invasive Breast Cancer: A Single-institution Study

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy positively affects psychosocial well-being; however, the influence of reconstruction on cancer outcomes is unknown. The objective of our study was to compare survival in reconstructed versus nonreconstructed patients after mastectomy. All consecutive female patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and treated with mastectomy between 2002 and 2011 were identified from our single-institution database. All cancer operations were performed by two surgeons. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. To identify the effect of reconstruction on survival, a multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed. Of 474 patients treated, 340 (71.7%) underwent breast reconstruction. At a mean follow-up 3.3 years, reconstructed patients had a longer 5-year survival (91 vs 74%, P < 0.001). After controlling for age, race, payer source, cancer stage, triple negative status, and receipt of radiation or chemotherapy, reconstructed patients maintained a survival advantage over nonreconstructed patients (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.25 to 0.88; P = 0.02). Patients with breast cancer who undergo reconstruction have longer survival than nonreconstructed patients. The explanation for this finding may be related to improved psychosocial qualities of life versus possible antitumorigenic effects of implants.

Affordable Care Act State-Specific Medicaid Expansion: Impact on Health Insurance Coverage and Breast Cancer Screening Rate

BACKGROUND

Under the Affordable Care Act, states were given the option to expand Medicaid in 2014. By the end of 2014, 32 states had opted to expand Medicaid and 19 did not. Previous quasi-experimental studies took advantage of this state-specific policy implementation and found increased insurance coverage in expansion compared with nonexpansion states. With longer-term data now available, we studied the effect of Medicaid expansion on changes in insurance coverage and mammography rates in expansion and nonexpansion states.

STUDY DESIGN

Seven states that expanded Medicaid eligibility in 2014 and 6 nonexpansion states were selected based on available data. The US Census American Community Survey was queried for insurance coverage from 2011 to 2016 and the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2010 to 2018. Difference-in-difference linear mixed models were used to estimate and compare insurance coverage and screening mammogram rates between expansion and nonexpansion states before and after 2014.

RESULTS

The increase in insurance rates for all persons covered by some type of health insurance after Medicaid expansion was significantly different in expansion than nonexpansion states (p = 0.001). The increase in Medicaid coverage was significant in expansion compared with nonexpansion states (p < 0.001). A similar trend was seen in screening mammogram rates in women from low-income households in expansion vs nonexpansion states (p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

Medicaid expansion states saw greater improvement in total insurance and Medicaid coverage, and in mammogram rates in lower-income women compared with nonexpansion states after Medicaid legislation was passed. Our study demonstrates that people do take advantage of expanded eligibility by acquiring insurance and this can improve access to preventive measures, such as screening mammography.

Breast Cancer Presentation, Surgical Management and Mortality Across the Rural-Urban Continuum in the National Cancer Database

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in presentation, surgical management, and mortality among breast cancer patients in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) based on area of residence.

METHODS

The NCDB was queried for women with a diagnosis of breast cancer from 1 January 2004-31 December 2015. The data were divided by metropolitan (large, medium, small) and non-metropolitan (urban, rural) status.

RESULTS

Cancer stage increased with rurality (p < 0.0001). Residency in a large metropolitan area was associated with increased breast reconstruction rates (odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.30) and reduced overall mortality (hazard ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.95) compared with rural areas. There was no difference in mastectomy use among small metropolitan (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.04), urban (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-1), and rural areas (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.07) compared with large metropolitan areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Across the rural-urban continuum in the NCDB, stage of cancer presentation increased with rurality. Conversely, residency in a large metropolitan area was associated with higher reconstruction rates and a reduction in overall mortality. Future studies should evaluate factors contributing to advanced disease presentation and lower reconstruction rates among rural breast cancer patients.

Determinants of receiving immediate breast reconstruction: An analysis of patient characteristics at a tertiary care center in the US

BACKGROUND

Breast reconstruction is an option for women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer. Previous studies have reported underutilization of reconstructive surgery. This study aims to examine the role demographic, clinical and socio-economic factors may have on patients' decisions to undergo breast reconstruction.

METHODS

We analyzed data from our institutional database. Using multivariable and multinomial logistic regression, we compared breast cancer patients who had undergone mastectomy-only to those who had immediate breast reconstruction (overall and by type of reconstruction).

RESULTS

We analyzed data on 1459 women who underwent mastectomy during the period 2003-2015. Of these, 475 (32.6%) underwent mastectomy-only and 984 (67.4%) also underwent immediate breast reconstruction. After adjusting for potential confounders, older age (OR = 0.18, 95%CI:0.08-0.40), Asian race (OR = 0.29, 95%CI:0.19-0.45), bilateral mastectomy (OR = 0.71, 95%CI:0.56-0.90), and higher stage of disease (OR = 0.44, 95%CI:0.26-0.74) were independent risk factors for not receiving immediate breast reconstruction. Furthermore, patients with Medicare or Medicaid insurance were less likely than patients with private insurance to receive an autologous reconstruction. There was no evidence for changes over time in the way socio-demographic and clinical factors were related to receiving immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical characteristics, sociodemographic factors like age, race and insurance coverage affect the decision for reconstructive surgery following mastectomy.

Factors Associated with Reconstruction in Patients Undergoing Mastectomy

Postmastectomy reconstruction has been shown to be oncologically safe, but few studies have investigated factors influencing the type of reconstruction chosen, if at all. Records of female patients with stages 0 to 3 breast cancer undergoing mastectomy at a large academic institution between January 2010 and March 2018 were reviewed. Nine hundred sixty patients were included in this cohort; 784 patients had reconstruction. Younger age, earlier disease stage, private insurance, no history of diabetes, and bilateral mastectomy (BM) were associated with reconstruction. On multivariate analysis, younger age, BM, private insurance, and earlier disease stage predicted reconstruction. Of reconstruction patients, 453 had implants. Race, BMI, and later disease stage influenced the type of reconstruction; on multivariate analysis, higher BMI and later disease stage predicted flap reconstruction. Younger age, BM, private insurance, and earlier disease stage were associated with reconstruction, but the type of reconstruction was affected primarily by BMI and disease stage.

The Effect of the Breast Cancer Provider Discussion Law on Breast Reconstruction Rates in New York State

BACKGROUND

New York State passed the Breast Cancer Provider Discussion Law in 2010, mandating discussion of insurance coverage for reconstruction and expedient plastic surgical referral, two significant factors found to affect reconstruction rates. This study examines the impact of this law.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of the New York State Planning and Research Cooperative System database to examine breast reconstruction rates 3 years before and 3 years after law enactment was performed. Difference-interrupted time series models were used to compare trends in the reconstruction rates by sociodemographic factors and provider types.

RESULTS

The study included 32,452 patients. The number of mastectomies decreased from 6479 in 2008 to 5235 in 2013; the rate of reconstruction increased from 49 percent in 2008 to 62 percent in 2013. This rise was seen across all median income brackets, races, and age groups. When comparing before to after law enactment, the increase in risk-adjusted reconstruction rates was significantly higher for African Americans and elderly patients, but the disparity in reconstruction rates did not change for other races, different income levels, or insurance types. Reconstruction rates were also not significantly different between those treated in various hospital settings.

CONCLUSIONS

The aim of the Breast Cancer Provider Discussion Law is to improve reconstruction rates through provider-driven patient education. The authors' data show significant change following law passage in African American and elderly populations, suggesting effectiveness of the law. The New York State Provider Discussion Law may provide a template for other states to model legislation geared toward patient-centered improvement of health outcomes.

Breast Reconstruction for Medicaid Beneficiaries: A Systematic Review of the Current Evidence

Introduction: Medicaid beneficiaries are a generally disadvantaged population with access to elective specialty services. We sought to better understand utilization of breast reconstruction by Medicaid beneficiaries.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases for studies comparing breast reconstruction rates by insurance type. We extracted the information of interest to qualitatively and quantitatively synthesize the results of the studies.Results: We identified seven eligible studies. Overall, the rates of breast reconstruction have increased across insurance groups. However, our results show that Medicaid beneficiaries were on average less likely to receive breast reconstruction in comparison to patients with private insurance. Although, Medicaid patients again were more likely to receive breast reconstruction in comparison to Medicare beneficiaries.Conclusion: There is wide disparity in reconstruction rates by insurance status. However, with continued increase in the adult Medicaid population due to widening eligibility expansion, disparities involving this vulnerable population should be examined for causes and solutions.

Association Between Hospital Financial Distress and Immediate Breast Reconstruction Surgery After Mastectomy Among Women With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

Importance

Hospital financial distress (HFD) is a state in which a hospital is at risk of closure because of its financial condition. Hospital financial distress may reduce the services a hospital can offer, particularly unprofitable ones. Few studies have assessed the association of HFD with quality of care.

Objective

To examine the association between HFD and receipt of immediate breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy among women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study assessed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of 5760 women older than 18 years (mean [SD] age: 57.5 [13.2]) with DCIS who underwent mastectomy in 2008-2012 at hospitals categorized by financial distress. Women treated at 1156 hospitals located in 538 different counties across Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming were included. Of these, 2385 women (41.4%) underwent immediate breast reconstruction surgery. Women with invasive cancer were excluded. The database included unique hospital identification variables, and participants were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Data were analyzed from January 1, 2012, to February 28, 2014.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the adjusted association between HFD and receipt of immediate breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy.

Results

In this analysis of database information, 2385 of 5760 women (41.4%) received immediate breast reconstruction surgery. Of these, 693 (36.7%) were treated at a hospital under high HFD and received immediate breast reconstruction surgery compared with 863 (44.0%) treated at a hospital under low HFD (P < .001). Reconstruction surgery was associated with younger age, white race, private insurance, treatment at a teaching and cancer hospital, private hospital ownership, and the percentage of individuals in the county with insurance. After adjustment, women treated at hospitals under high HFD (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62-0.99) and medium HFD (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61-0.94) were significantly less likely to receive reconstruction than women treated at hospitals with low to no HFD.

Conclusions and Relevance

The financial strength of the hospital where a patient receives treatment is associated with receipt of immediate breast reconstruction surgery. In addition to focusing on patient-related factors, efforts to improve quality should also focus on hospital-related factors.

Patterns and Correlates of Knowledge, Communication, and Receipt of Breast Reconstruction in a Modern Population-Based Cohort of Patients with Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Disparities persist in the receipt of breast reconstruction after mastectomy, and little is known about the nature of communication received by patients and potential variations that may exist.

METHODS

Women with early-stage breast cancer (stages 0 to II) diagnosed between July of 2013 and September of 2014 were identified through the Georgia and Los Angeles Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries and surveyed to collect additional data on demographics, treatment, and decision-making experiences. Treating general/oncologic surgeons were also surveyed. Primary outcomes measures included self-reported communication-related measures on receipt of information on breast reconstruction and on the receipt of breast reconstruction.

RESULTS

The authors analyzed 936 women who underwent mastectomy for unilateral breast cancer. Four hundred eighty-four (51.7 percent) underwent mastectomy with reconstruction. Women who were older and for whom English was not their primary spoken language had lower odds of being informed by a doctor about breast reconstruction. Ultimately, women who were older, were Asian, had invasive disease, had bronchitis/emphysema, and had lower income were less likely to undergo breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction was performed more often in patients undergoing bilateral mastectomies (OR, 3.27; 95 percent CI, 2.26 to 4.75). Women cared for by surgeons with higher volumes of breast cancer patients (≥51 patients per year) were more likely to undergo breast reconstruction (OR, 2.43; 95 percent CI, 1.40 to 4.20).

CONCLUSION

To eliminate existing disparities, increased efforts should be made in consultations for surgical management of breast cancer to provide information to all patients regarding the option of breast reconstruction, the possibility of immediate reconstruction, and insurance coverage of all stages of reconstruction.

Outcomes of breast reconstruction in older women: patterns of uptake and clinical outcomes in a large metropolitan practice

BACKGROUND

Older age is associated with lower rates of breast reconstruction (BR) following mastectomy. This study compared a range of factors in women aged 60 years and older who had received mastectomy and BR with those who received no BR (NBR).

METHODS

An audit of 338 women aged 60 or over treated with mastectomy with (n = 86) or without (n = 252) BR for primary breast cancer from 2009 to 2016 was conducted. Demographic, tumour, treatment, comorbidity and surgical complication data were obtained from patient medical records.

RESULTS

NBR patients were associated with older age (P ≤ 0.001), more comorbidities (P = 0.038) and more extensive disease (P = 0.001) than BR patients. Total number of complications was not significantly different between BR and NBR patients (P = 0.286), or the different types of BR (P = 0.697). BR patients had higher rates of unplanned returns to the operating theatre, particularly in the late post-operative period (P = 0.025). Implant-based reconstruction was associated with more unplanned operating theatre returns than autologous reconstruction in the late post-operative period (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Post-mastectomy BR in elderly patients has a clinical complication profile similar to NBR patients. This audit found no clinical-based reasons to not offer oncologically suitable and clinically fit elderly women the option of BR.

Factors Leading to Decreased Rates of Immediate Postmastectomy Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to determine if there was a difference in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) rates between our public hospital and private cancer center, which share a common faculty with a consistent management philosophy in multidisciplinary care. We investigated the factors affecting postmastectomy reconstruction and IBR rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified women with clinical stage I-II breast cancer who underwent mastectomy at our public hospital, Los Angeles County Medical Center, and our private cancer center, Keck Hospital of USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to study predictors of IBR and any breast reconstruction.

RESULTS

Of 293 mastectomy patients, the rate of any breast reconstruction at the private cancer (56.6%) center was higher than that at the public hospital (36.2%). IBR rates for the private cancer center (93.6%) and for patients with private insurance were higher than for the public hospital (40.8%) and likewise for those without insurance (86.7% versus 45.5%). In a multivariate analysis, the odds of IBR at our private cancer center were 22.96 times higher than that at our public hospital. Age >50 y and radiotherapy were independent predictive factors associated with less likelihood of any breast reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients at the public hospital had a much lower rate of breast reconstruction than the private cancer center patients, even after controlling for stage and the team of treating physicians. Our results showed that older age and radiotherapy affect rates of breast reconstruction, as do hospital system and insurance status.

Degree of Acceptance of Breast Reconstruction and the Associated Factors Among a Population of Chinese Women with Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is one of the most common female "malignancies" reported worldwide in recent years. This study is aimed to understand the degree of acceptance of breast reconstruction among breast cancer patients in Chinese women and to explore the related factors.

METHODS

Breast cancer patients were asked to fill in the demographic questionnaire, and consent for evaluation of Breast Reconstruction Acceptance Scale, Social Support Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-breast Quality of Life Instrument (FACT-B). The data were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis for the correlations between the degree of acceptance of breast reconstruction and age, marital status, family monthly income, quality of life, and social support.

RESULTS

57.5% of 715 patients were not familiar with breast reconstruction. Results showed correlation with the degree of acceptance of breast reconstruction. Multivariate analysis indicated that age (41-50 years old, OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.76; > 50, OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.02-0.15), marital status (married, OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05-0.43; divorced/widowed, OR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03-0.42), family income (3-10 thousand RMB, OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.08-3.76; > 10 thousand RMB, OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.05-4.37), quality of life (fair, OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39-0.91), and social support (excellent, OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.83) were all correlated with the degree of acceptance of breast reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Chinese breast cancer patients have a low degree of acceptance of breast reconstruction. The degree of acceptance was found to be correlated with age, marital status, family monthly income, quality of life, and social support.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Immediate Two-Stage Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction Failure: Radiation Is Not the Only Culprit

BACKGROUND

Immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction produces a satisfactory aesthetic result with high levels of patient satisfaction. However, with the broader indication for postmastectomy adjuvant radiation therapy, many patients are advised against immediate breast reconstruction because of concerns of implant loss and infection, particularly as most patients also require chemotherapy. This retrospective cohort study examines outcomes for patients who underwent immediate two-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction after mastectomy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2010, 452 patients undergoing immediate two-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction involving a total of 562 breasts were included in this study. Stage 1 was defined as insertion of the temporary expander, and stage 2 was defined as insertion of the final silicone implant. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy was recommended with a tissue expander in situ for 114 patients. Complications, including loss of prosthesis, seroma, and infection, were recorded and analyzed. Cosmetic result was assessed using a four-point scale.

RESULTS

Postoperative prosthesis loss was 2.7 percent, 5.3 percent for patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy and increasing to 11.3 percent for patients receiving chemotherapy plus radiotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy independently were the main, statistically significant risk factors for expander or implant loss [incidence rate ratio, 13.85 (p = 0.012) and 2.23 (p = 0.027), respectively]. Prosthesis loss for patients undergoing combination chemotherapy plus radiotherapy was also significant [incidence rate ratio, 4.791 (p < 0.001)].

CONCLUSIONS

These findings serve to better inform patients on risk in weighing treatment options. Postmastectomy radiation therapy doubles the risk of prosthesis loss over and above adjuvant chemotherapy but is an acceptable option following immediate two-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction in a multidisciplinary setting.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Patient-reported outcomes of breast reconstruction in older women: Audit of a large metropolitan public/private practice in Sydney, Australia

OBJECTIVE

Older age is associated with lower rates of breast reconstruction (BR) for women requiring mastectomy. This study compared patient-reported outcomes between women aged 60 years and older who had received mastectomy and BR with those who received no BR (NBR).

METHODS

About 135 women aged 60 or over treated between 2009 and 2016 with mastectomy only (N = 87) or mastectomy with BR (N = 48) for primary breast cancer completed patient-reported outcome measures using a set of validated questionnaires. Reasons for choosing or declining BR were also explored using a set of nonvalidated questionnaires.

RESULTS

Patients who received BR were generally younger (P = <0.001) and reported greater satisfaction with their bodies (P = 0.048) than NBR patients. Patients with autologous reconstruction reported greater satisfaction with their breasts than implant-based reconstruction patients. Both BR and NBR patients reported good quality of life, low pain scores, good body image, and low levels of decisional regret.

CONCLUSIONS

These data do not identify any quality of life-related reasons to not offer clinically fit, well-informed older women the option of BR.