Surgeon Bias Influences Breast Cancer Treatment: Study

Posted by Radiation Clinic on September 25th, 2017

Patient age, tumor status and the likelihood of recurrence may not be the only factors that go into treatment recommendations made by surgeons. A recent study casts light on the potential for surgeon bias to play a role in recommendations given to women who are diagnosed with localized breast cancer. Researchers found that physician and institutional biases could promote the use of mastectomies over breast conserving surgery.

The study in question involved nearly 30,000 patients who were age 66 and older. Each had a positive diagnosis of breast cancer that was deemed non-metastatic. Researchers ultimately found that doctor bias and institutional bias played roles in the treatment recommendations ranged. They also noted that women who were in higher income groups were less likely to undergo mastectomies than those who were not. In addition, unknown nodal involvement also decreased mastectomy recommendations.

The bottom line, researchers say, is that the study puts a spotlight on the need for better patient and physician education about treatment possibilities. Mastectomies are often the appropriate course of treatment, but that is not always the case. Women who are at low-risk for recurrence and have smaller tumors that are deemed low-risk, for example, may benefit from breast conserving procedures more readily. Since mastectomies are more invasive and come with a higher risk for complications, this procedure should be carefully considered before it is used. Ultimately, patient preference should also carry weight in the decision-making process, researchers say.

The American Cancer Society estimates that some 252,000 women across the country will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the coming year. Many of those women will be asked to work with their doctors to determine a course of treatment in their case. Surgery to remove tumors will be a likely action in most cases. Women who are diagnosed are urged to talk with their doctors about the specifics of their case and the best possible treatment. Breast conserving surgery is indicated in lower risk cases and may help women avoid unnecessary complications. Mastectomies, however, are strongly recommended when tumors are larger, deemed more aggressive or genetic testing shows a predisposition for recurrence. In addition, spread to nearby lymph nodes may make a mastectomy the most appropriate choice.

Breast cancer is a very real threat for women across the country. An estimated 40,000 die from this causation each year. Women are urged to speak with their doctors about their personal risks and the need for routine screening. Early detection can lead to highly successful treatments.

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At Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, our team is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care.