Impact of Social Deprivation on Breast Cancer Surgery Decisions
Author Information
Author(s): Henley N C, Hole D J, Kesson E, Burns H J G, George W D, Cooke T G
Primary Institution: University Department of Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Hypothesis
If the mastectomy rate was higher than expected, this might be a reflection of high levels of deprivation in Glasgow.
Conclusion
The study found that surgical decisions for breast cancer were influenced more by tumor characteristics than by social deprivation.
Supporting Evidence
- Women from deprived areas were significantly more likely to have larger, symptomatic tumours.
- The mastectomy rate in Glasgow was higher than reported elsewhere.
- Access to radiotherapy is equal for all patients.
- Deprivation maintained its significance when age and year of surgery were added into the model.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether poor women get different breast cancer surgeries than rich women. It found that the type of surgery depends more on the size of the tumor than on how much money the women have.
Methodology
Data from the Glasgow Breast Cancer Audit was analyzed, focusing on patients diagnosed with primary operable breast cancer between 1996 and 2001.
Potential Biases
There may be a lack of consensus among surgeons regarding the best surgical treatment for breast cancer.
Limitations
The database does not identify which patients have medical contraindications to conservation surgery, nor does it record the decision-making process for each patient.
Participant Demographics
Women diagnosed with primary operable invasive breast cancer in Glasgow.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.015
Confidence Interval
1.07; P=0.245
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website