Correlates of breast reconstruction: results from a population-based study

Gynecologic Care of Black Breast Cancer Survivors

Purpose of Review

Black patients suffer from breast cancer-related racial health disparities, which could have implications on their gynecologic care. This review explores considerations in the gynecologic care of Black breast cancer survivors.

Recent Findings

Black people have a higher risk of leiomyoma and endometrial cancer, which could confound bleeding patterns such as in the setting of tamoxifen use. As Black people are more likely to have early-onset breast cancer, this may have implications on long-term bone and heart health. Black patients may be more likely to have menopausal symptoms at baseline and as a result of breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, Black patients are less likely to utilize assisted reproductive technology and genetic testing services.

Summary

It is important for healthcare providers to be well-versed in the intersections of breast cancer and gynecologic care. Black breast cancer survivors may have unique considerations for which practitioners should be knowledgeable.

A Public Health Emergency: Breast Cancer Among Black Communities in the United States

While Black people have a similar incidence of breast cancer compared to White people, they have a 40% increased death rate. Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer. However, despite biological factors, systemic racism and social determinants of health create delays in care and barriers to treatment. While genetic testing holds incredible promise for Black people, uptake remains low and results may be challenging to interpret. There is a need for more robust, multidisciplinary, and antiracist interventions to reverse breast cancer-related racial disparities.

We are moving the needle: Improving racial disparities in immediate breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Although racial disparities in receipt of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) have been previously reported, prior studies may not have fully assessed the impact of recent advocacy efforts as healthcare disparities gain increased national attention. The aim of this study is to assess more recent racial differences and annual trends in receiving IBR.

METHODS

Using the National Surgery Quality Improvement Program database, black or white women over 18 years who underwent mastectomy from 2012 to 2021 were included. IBR was defined by undergoing mastectomy with breast reconstruction during the same anesthetic event. Propensity score analysis was utilized to balance variables between black and white patients. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the effect of race on the odds of receiving IBR.

RESULTS

The annual percentage of white patients receiving IBR remained stable at around 50% throughout the study period. The annual percentage of black patients receiving IBR increased from 34% in 2012 to 49% in 2021. Compared with white patients, black patients had lower odds of receiving IBR during the entire study period (odds ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.49-0.67). When assessing annual trends, black patients were less likely to receive IBR each year from 2012 to 2017. By 2021, both races had similar odds of IBR.

CONCLUSIONS

Although racial disparities in IBR have been longstanding, this study demonstrates that the racial gap appears to be closing. This may be because of increased awareness of racial disparities and their impact on patient outcomes.

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.

The Intercostal Artery Perforator Flap: Expanding Breast-Conserving Therapy With a Modified Oncoplastic Approach

BACKGROUND

Historically, breast-conserving surgery may not be pursued when the oncologic deformity is too significant and/or not tolerant of radiotherapy. Reconstruction using recruitment of upper abdominal wall tissue based on the intercostal artery perforating vessels can expand breast conservation therapy indications for cases that would otherwise require mastectomy. This report aims to describe the expanded use of the intercostal artery perforator (ICAP) as well as detail its ease of adoption.

METHODS

All patients who underwent ICAP flaps for reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects at a single institution were included. Demographic data, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Intercostal artery perforator flap outcomes are compared with standard alloplastic reconstruction after mastectomy.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients received ICAP flaps compared with 27 unilateral tissue expanders (TE). Six cases included nipple-areolar reconstruction, and 6 included skin resurfacing. The average defect size was 217.7 (30.3-557.9) cm 3 . Plastic-specific operative time was significantly longer in the ICAP cohort ( P < 0.01) with no difference in total operative time ( P > 0.05). Length of stay was significantly longer, and major postoperative complications were significantly more common in TE patients ( P < 0.01, P > 0.05). Seven TE patients required outpatient opiate refills (26%) versus 1 ICAP patient (4%) ( P = 0.02). One ICAP patient required additional surgery. Patients reported satisfaction with aesthetic outcomes. Average follow-up in the ICAP cohort was 7 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Lumpectomy reconstruction using ICAP flaps can effectively expand breast conservation therapy indications in resection of breast skin, nipple-areola, or large volume defects. This technique is adoptable and of limited complexity. Enhancing breast-conserving surgery may improve outcomes compared with mastectomy reconstruction. Intercostal artery perforator patients may require fewer opioids, shorter hospital stays, and lower operative burden.

Satisfaction With Information Predicts Satisfaction With Outcome and Surgeon in Black and Hispanic Patients Undergoing Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities in American healthcare contribute to worse outcomes among minority patients. Minority patients undergoing breast reconstruction are more likely to report dissatisfaction with their reconstruction process as compared with White patients, yet there is limited research exploring contributory factors. This study investigates which process-of-care, clinical, and surgical variables are most strongly correlated with Black and Hispanic patients' reported satisfaction.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction at a single academic center from 2015 to 2021 was performed. Patients were included for analysis if they identified as Black or Hispanic and completed preoperative, less than 1-year postoperative, and 1- to 3-year postoperative BREAST-Q surveys. At both postoperative time points, the association between satisfaction with outcome and surgeon and selected independent variables was determined using regression analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred eighteen Black and Hispanic patients were included for analysis, with average age 49.59 ± 9.51 years and body mass index 30.11 ± 5.00 kg/m2. In the multivariate model for predicting satisfaction with outcome, only satisfaction with preoperative information (P < 0.001) was a statistically significant predictor during early and late postoperative evaluations. For predicting satisfaction with surgeon, satisfaction with information (P < 0.001) remained a significant predictor in the early and late postoperative evaluations, with lower body mass index as an additionally significant predictor during the late postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient satisfaction with preoperative information received is the single most significant factor associated with Black and Hispanic patient satisfaction with outcome and plastic surgeon. This finding encourages further research on effective and culturally inclusive information delivery so as to both improve patient satisfaction and reduce healthcare disparities.

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Breast Reconstruction: Does the Quality of Decisions Matter?

BACKGROUND

Little is known about how the quality of decisions influences patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We hypothesized that higher decision quality for breast reconstruction would be independently associated with better PROs.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing mastectomy with or without reconstruction. Patients were enrolled before surgery and followed for 18 months. We used BREAST-Q scales to measure PROs and linear regression models to explore the relationship between decision quality (based on knowledge and preference concordance) and PROs. Final models were adjusted for baseline BREAST-Q score, radiation, chemotherapy, and major complications.

RESULTS

The cohort included 101 patients who completed baseline and 18-month surveys. Breast reconstruction was independently associated with higher satisfaction with breasts (β = 20.2, p = 0.0002), psychosocial well-being (β = 14.4, p = 0.006), and sexual well-being (β = 15.7, p = 0.007), but not physical well-being. Patients who made a high-quality decision had similar PROs as patients who did not. Among patients undergoing mastectomy with reconstruction, higher decision quality was associated with lower psychosocial well-being (β = -14.2, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Breast reconstruction was associated with better PROs in some but not all domains. Overall, making a high-quality decision was not associated with better PROs. However, patients who did not have reconstruction had a trend toward better well-being after making a high-quality decision, whereas patients who did have reconstruction had poorer well-being after making a high-quality decision. Additional research on the relationship between decision quality and PROs is needed.

Racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and survival of patients with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) on breast cancer outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Non-Hispanic White (NHW), and Hispanic patients with non-metastatic breast cancer in the SEER cancer registry between 2007 and 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 382,975 patients were identified. On multivariate analysis, NHB (OR 1.18, 95%CI: 1.15-1.20) and Hispanic (OR 1.20, 95%CI: 1.17-1.22) patients were more likely to present with higher stage disease than NHW patients. There was an increased likelihood of not undergoing breast-reconstruction for NHB (OR 1.07, 95%CI: 1.03-1.11) and Hispanic patients (OR 1.60, 95%CI 1.54-1.66). NHB patients had increased hazard for all-cause mortality (HR: 1.13, 95%CI 1.10-1.16). All-cause mortality increased across SES categories (lower SES: HR 1.33, 95%CI 1.30-1.37, middle SES: HR 1.20, 95%CI 1.17-1.23).

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based analysis confirms worse disease presentation, access to surgical therapy, and survival across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors. These disparities were compounded across worsening SES and insurance coverage.

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.

Racial Disparity in Immediate Breast Reconstruction; a Gap That is not Closing

Background: Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is offered as part of the standard-of-care to females undergoing mastectomy. Racial disparity in IBR has been previously reported with a longstanding call for its elimination, though unknown if this goal is achieved. The aim of this study was to examine the current association between race and IBR and to investigate whether racial disparity is diminishing. Methods: Data was extracted from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2004 to 2016. All variables in the database were controlled so that the comparison would be made solely between Black and White females. We also analyzed the trend in racial disparity to see if there has been a change from 2004 to 2016 after several calls for healthcare equality. Results: After propensity score matching, 69,084 White females were compared to 69,084 Black females. There was a statistically significant difference between the rate of IBR and race (23,386 [33.9%] in White females vs 20,850 [30.2%] in Black females, P-value  < .001). Despite a twofold increase in the rate of IBR in both White and Black females, a persistent gap of about 4% was observed over the study period, which translates to more than 2,500 Black females not receiving IBR. Conclusions: Using the NCDB database, a racial disparity was identified for IBR between White and Black females from 2004 and 2016. Unfortunately, the gap between the groups remained constant over this 13-year period.

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.

The State of Breast Cancer Reconstruction in Virginia: An Evidence-Based Framework for Identifying Locoregional Health Disparities

BACKGROUND

Age, race, socioeconomic status, and proximity to plastic surgeons have been shown to impact receipt of reconstruction after mastectomy in several national studies. Given that targeted outreach efforts and programs to address these discrepancies would occur locoregionally, investigation of these reconstructive trends on a state level is warranted.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer in Virginia between 2000 and 2018 were identified in the Virginia Department of Health Cancer Registry. Patients who underwent mastectomy breast conservation surgery, and/or breast reconstruction at the time of oncologic surgery were identified. Patient demographics were analyzed, and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the likelihood of receipt of mastectomy, receipt of mastectomy versus breast conservation surgery, receipt of mastectomy with reconstruction versus mastectomy alone, and receipt of mastectomy with reconstruction versus breast conservation surgery with respect to the demographic variables. Geographically weighted regression analyses were also performed to determine impact of geographic location on receipt of mastectomy and reconstruction after mastectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 78,682 patients in Virginia underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer between 2000 and 2018. Living outside a metropolitan area, increased age, lower socioeconomic status, non-White race, and lower number of plastic surgeons within 50 miles were associated with decreased rates of postmastectomy reconstruction. Rural setting, lower socioeconomic status, and lower plastic surgeon supply were also associated with decreased rates of breast conservation surgery. Reconstruction after mastectomy was lowest in the northwest, central, and southwest regions of Virginia.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the state of Virginia, programs to improve access to breast reconstruction for patients residing in rural regions, as well as non-White patients, older patients, and those in lower socioeconomic groups should be implemented. Future studies would implement and study the efficacy of such outreach programs, which could then be applied and tailored to other states or regions to address sociodemographic disparities in access to breast reconstruction.

Breast Reconstruction Does Not Affect the Survival of Patients with Breast Cancer Located in the Central and Nipple Portion: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis

Background

Tumors in the central and nipple portion (TCNP) are associated with poor prognosis and aggressive clinicopathological characteristics. The availability and safety of postmastectomy reconstruction in breast cancer patients with TCNP have still not been deeply explored. It is necessary to investigate whether reconstruction is appropriate for TCNP compared with non-reconstruction therapy in terms of survival outcomes.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we enrolled TCNP patients diagnosed between the years 2010 and 2016. The propensity score matching (PSM) technique was applied to construct a matched sample consisting of pairs of non-reconstruction and reconstruction groups. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were applied to estimate the factors associated with breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

In the overall cohort, a total of 6,002 patients were enrolled. The patients in the reconstruction group showed significantly better BCSS (log-rank, p < 0.01) and OS (log-rank, p < 0.01) than those in the non-reconstruction group (832 patients) after PSM. However, the multivariate Cox regression model revealed that breast reconstruction was not associated with worse BCSS and OS of TCNP patients.

Conclusion

Our study provided a new perspective showing that breast reconstruction did not affect the survival and disease prognosis in the cohort of TCNP patients from SEER databases, compared with non-reconstruction. This finding provides further survival evidence supporting the practice of postmastectomy reconstruction for suitable TCNP patients, especially those with a strong willingness for breast reconstruction.

Disparities in Access to Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction: Does Living in a Specific ZIP Code Determine the Patient's Reconstructive Journey?

BACKGROUND

Postmastectomy breast reconstruction (BR) has been shown to provide long-term quality of life and psychosocial benefits. Despite the policies initiated to improve access to BR, its delivery continues to be inequitable, suggesting that barriers to access have not been fully identified and/or addressed. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of geographic location, socioeconomic status, and race in access to immediate BR (IBR).

METHODS

An institutional review board-approved observational study was conducted. All patients who underwent breast cancer surgery from 2014 to 2019 were queried from our institutional Breast Cancer Registry. A geographical analysis was conducted using demographic characteristics and patient's ZIP codes. Euclidean distance from patient home ZIP code to UPMC Magee Women's Hospital was calculated, and χ2, Student t test, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests was used to evaluate differences between groups, as appropriate. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Overall, 5835 patients underwent breast cancer surgery. A total of 56.7% underwent lumpectomy or segmental mastectomy, and 43.3% underwent modified, total, or radical mastectomy. From the latter group, 33.5% patients pursued BR at the time of mastectomy: 28.6% autologous, 48.1% implant-based, 19.4% a combination of autologous and implant-based, and 3.9% unspecified reconstruction. Rates of IBR varied among races: White or European (34.1%), Black or African American (27.7%), and other races (17.8%), P = 0.022. However, no difference was found between type of BR among races (P = 0.38). Moreover, patients who underwent IBR were significantly younger than those who did not pursue reconstruction (P < 0.0001). Patients who underwent reconstruction resided in ZIP codes that had approximately US $2000 more annual income, a higher percentage of White population (8% vs 11% non-White) and lower percentage of Black or African American population (1.8% vs 2.9%) than the patients who did not undergo reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

While the use of postmastectomy BR has been steadily rising in the United States, racial and socioeconomic status disparities persist. Further efforts are needed to reduce this gap and expand the benefits of IBR to the entire population without distinction.

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.

The Impact of Race on Perioperative and Patient-Reported Outcomes following Autologous Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities are evident in multiple aspects of the perioperative care of breast cancer patients, but data examining whether such differences translate to clinical and patient-reported outcomes are limited. This study examined the impact of race on perioperative outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study including all breast cancer patients who underwent immediate autologous breast reconstruction at a single institution from 2010 to 2017 was conducted. Self-reported race was used to classify patients into three groups: white, African American, and other. The primary and secondary endpoints were occurrence of any major complications within 30 days of surgery and patient-reported outcomes (measured with the BREAST-Q), respectively. Regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with the outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 404 patients, including 259 white (64 percent), 63 African American (16 percent), and 82 patients from other minority groups (20 percent), were included. African American patients had a significantly higher proportion of preoperative comorbidities. Postoperatively, African American patients had a higher incidence of 30-day major complications (p = 0.004) and were more likely to return to the operating room (p = 0.006). Univariable analyses examining complications demonstrated that race was the only factor associated with 30-day major complications (p = 0.001). Patient-reported outcomes were not statistically different at each time point through 3 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

African American patients continue to present with increased comorbidities and may be more likely to experience major complications following immediate autologous breast reconstruction. However, patient-reported satisfaction or physical well-being outcomes may not differ between groups.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, II.

Factors Associated With State-Specific Medicaid Expansion and Receipt of Autologous Breast Reconstruction Among Patients Undergoing Mastectomy

IMPORTANCE

Despite demonstrated psychosocial benefits, autologous breast reconstruction remains underutilized. An analysis of the association between Medicaid expansion and autologous breast reconstruction has yet to be performed.

OBJECTIVE

To compare autologous breast reconstruction rates and determine the association between Medicaid expansion and breast reconstruction.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed using the State Inpatient Database from January 1, 2012, through September 30, 2015, and included 51 340 patients. Patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes for breast cancer, mastectomy, and autologous breast reconstruction. Data from states that expanded Medicaid (New Jersey, New York, and Washington) were compared with states that did not expand Medicaid (Florida, North Carolina, and Wisconsin). Data were analyzed from June 1, 2020, through February 28, 2021.

EXPOSURES

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion was implemented in 2014; the preexpansion period ranged from 2012 to 2013 (2 years), whereas the postexpansion period ranged from 2014 to 2015 quarter 3 (1.75 years).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcomes included use of autologous breast reconstruction before and after expansion. Independent covariates included patient demographics, comorbidities, and state of residence.

RESULTS

Among 45 850 patients who underwent mastectomy and 9215 patients who received autologous breast reconstruction, 36 777 (67%) were White and 32 205 (59%) had private insurance. The use of immediate or delayed autologous reconstruction increased from 18.1% (4951 of 27 290) to 23.0% (4264 of 18 560) throughout the study period. Compared with 2012, the odds of reconstruction were 64% higher in 2015 (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% CI, 1.48-1.80; P < .001). African American (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.33-1.55; P < .001) and Hispanic (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.31-1.60; P < .001) patients had higher odds of reconstruction compared with White patients regardless of state of residence. However, Medicaid expansion was associated with a 28% decrease in the odds of reconstruction (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.61-0.87; P < .001) for African American patients, a 40% decrease (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.50-0.74; P < .001) for Hispanic patients, and 20% decrease (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67-0.96; P = .01) for patients with Asian, Native American, or other minority race/ethnicity. Medicaid expansion was not associated with changes in the odds of reconstruction for White patients.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cross-sectional study, although the odds of receiving autologous breast reconstruction increased annually, Medicaid expansion was associated with decreased odds of reconstruction for African American patients, Hispanic patients, and other patients of color.

Postmastectomy breast reconstruction in women aged 70 and older: An analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB)

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer incidence in women aged ≥70 years is steadily increasing, and many are choosing to undergo postmastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR). We aimed to identify factors associated with PMBR, describe reconstruction types, and assess postoperative mortality and re-admission rates in women ≥70 years of age.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was examined between 2004 and 2015 for women aged ≥70 years with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy. Statistical analysis was performed by χ² tests and multivariate logistic regression to select the best models for predicting PMBR and if patients underwent contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) with reconstruction.

RESULTS

A total 73,973 patients met inclusion criteria and 4,552 (6.1%) underwent PMBR, of which 25% had a CPM. 48% had implant reconstruction, 36.2% underwent autologous reconstruction, and 15.1% received combination reconstruction. PMBR was more likely to be performed in patients who were White, had fewer comorbidities, were treated in the Northeast metropolitan areas, and with lower tumor stage (P < .001). CPM was more likely to be performed in patients who were White and treated in community hospitals in rural areas in the South and West. (P < .05). Although 30-day readmission rates were higher in PMBR patients (3.5% vs 2.8%, P < .001), 30 and 90-day mortality rates were lower: 0.03 and 0.2% vs 0.3 and 0.9% (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Although it is understandable that intrinsic tumor characteristics influence the role of PMBR, further research and interventions should be aimed to eliminate the differences that are seen in patient race and geographic location. Readmission and postop mortality rates are overall low and comparable to that of younger patients.

Racial Disparities in Outcomes of Reconstructive Breast Surgery: An Analysis of 51,362 Patients from the ACS-NSQIP

BACKGROUND

 In various surgical specialties, racial disparities in postoperative complications are widely reported. It is assumed that the effect of race can also be found in plastic surgical outcomes, although this remains largely undefined in literature. This study aims to provide data on the impact of race on outcomes of reconstructive breast surgery.

METHODS

 Data were collected using the NSQIP (National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) database (2008-2016). Outcomes of the reconstructive breast surgery of White patients were compared with those of African American, Asian, or other races. Logistic regression was performed to control for variations between all groups. Analysis of racial disparities was further sub-stratified according to four different types of breast reconstruction: delayed or immediate autologous, and delayed or immediate prosthesis-based reconstruction.

RESULTS

 In total, this study included 51,362 patients of which 43,864 were Caucasian, 5,135 African American, 2,057 Asian, and 332 of other races. When compared with White patients, patients of African American race had larger body mass indices (31.3 ± 7.0 vs. 27.6 ± 6.3, p-value < 0.001) in addition to higher rates of diabetes (12.3 vs 4.6%, p-value < 0.001) and hypertension (44.7 vs. 23.4%, p-value < 0.001). Both multivariate analysis and the sub-stratified analysis of different types of reconstruction showed no differences in overall complication rate.

CONCLUSION

 Among the four types of reconstructive procedures, differences in surgical outcomes do not appear to be based on race and therefore seem to be less evident in reconstructive breast surgery compared with the current literature within other surgical specialties.

How Ineffective Interprofessional Collaboration Affects Delivery of Breast Reconstruction to Breast Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Despite the benefits of breast reconstruction (BR), health care professionals do not consistently integrate it as an option in the treatment of breast cancer patients. Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) amongst professionals may facilitate the elaboration of comprehensive oncological treatment plans. As the application of IPC in the delivery of BR has not yet been studied, we undertook a qualitative study to explore the perceptions of physicians and administrators on IPC in breast cancer care and how these impact BR delivery.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted with 30 participants (22 physicians and 8 administrators). Physician interviews focused on their personal beliefs and values regarding BR, while administrator interviews explored their institutional treatment regimens as well as the availability of a BR program. Our thematic analysis was informed by the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC) competency framework.

RESULTS

IPC challenges were thought by participants to affect the delivery of BR. At the physician level, a lack of role clarity as well as the absence of an explicitly established leader negatively influence collaboration in BR delivery. In addition, varying views on the usefulness of BR and on the role of plastic surgeons in breast oncological teams discourage positive collaboration, rendering the delivery of BR more difficult.

CONCLUSIONS

The delivery of BR is overall impaired due to a lack of effective IPC. IPC could be improved through clarifying physician roles, establishing clear leadership, and aligning viewpoints on quality oncological care in collaborative teams; ultimately, this may promote equitable BR delivery for breast cancer patients.

The Impact of Delaying Breast Reconstruction on Patient Expectations and Health-Related Quality of Life: An Analysis Using the BREAST-Q

Purpose

An understanding of patient expectations predicts better health outcomes following breast reconstruction. No study to date has examined how patient expectations for breast reconstruction and preoperative health-related quality of life vary with time since breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Women consulting for breast reconstruction to a single surgeon's practice over a 13-month period were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were asked to prospectively complete the BREAST-Q expectations and preoperative reconstruction modules. A retrospective chart review was then performed on eligible patients, and patient demographics, cancer-related factors, and comorbidities were collected. BREAST-Q scores were transformed using the equivalent Rasch method. Multivariate linear regression models were constructed to assess the association between BREAST-Q scores and time since cancer diagnosis.

Results

Sixty-five patients met inclusion criteria for analysis and are characterized by a mean age of 53 ± 11 (34-79) years and a mean body mass index of 28 ± 6 (19-49). Most patients were treated by mastectomy (58%) or lumpectomy (23%). At the time of retrospective chart review, 29 (43%) patients had undergone reconstruction, most of which were delayed (59%). The mean latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was 685 ± 867 days (range: 28-3322 days). Latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was associated with a greater expectation of pain (β = 0.5; standard error [SE] = 0.005; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.003-0.027; P < .05), and a slower expectation for recovery (β = -0.5; SE = 0.004; 95% CI: -0.021 to -0.001; P < .05) after breast reconstruction. Latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was associated with an increase in preoperative psychosocial well-being (β = 0.578; SE 0.009; 95% CI: 0.002-0.046; P < .05).

Conclusion

Delaying breast reconstruction may negatively impact patient expectations of postoperative pain and recovery. Educational interventions aimed at understanding and managing patient expectations in the preoperative period may improve health-related quality of life and patient-related outcomes following initial breast cancer surgery.

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.

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.

Does timing of alloplastic breast reconstruction in older women impact immediate postoperative complications? An analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database

BACKGROUND

Alloplastic breast reconstruction is safe in well-selected older women. The impact of timing of surgery on complication rates is unknown. This study aimed to determine the immediate (30-day) postoperative complication rates of older women who underwent immediate (IBR) and delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) with alloplastic techniques.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database was used to identify women ≥70 years old with in situ or invasive breast cancer who underwent either IBR or DBR (2005-2016). Outcomes included 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 2,085 older women underwent alloplastic breast reconstruction of which 90% and 10% were IBR and DBR, respectively. Both groups had similar median age, body mass index, and frequency of smoking, diabetes mellitus, and steroid use. Tumors were mainly invasive in the IBR group (83.5%) and in situ in the DBR group (83.3%). IBR had significantly longer operative times (median 154 min vs 98 min, p < 0.0001), but equal length of stay (median 3 days vs 3 days, p = 0.1). The 30-day overall morbidity (medical or surgical complication) rate was significantly higher in the IBR group (7.5% vs 1.0%, p < 0.0004). Women with IBR were significantly more likely to develop infectious complications (6% vs 1%, p = 0.002). Cardiac/transfusion, pulmonary, thromboembolic, renal, and neurological morbidity rates were equal between groups. Thirty-day mortality rates were similar across both groups (IBR: 0.05% vs DBR: 0%, p = 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

While overall thirty-day postoperative complication rates in older women who undergo breast reconstruction were low, there were higher rates of infectious complications in the IBR cohort. The risks and benefits of alloplastic breast reconstruction should be discussed with older women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment.

How patient acceptability affects access to breast reconstruction: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

There has been limited research on the acceptability of breast reconstruction (BR) to breast cancer patients. We performed interviews to explore breast cancer patients' acceptability of BR.

DESIGN

Qualitative study.

SETTING

Recruitment from six Ontario hospitals across the province (Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Thunder Bay and Windsor) as well as key breast cancer organisations between November 2017 and June 2018.

PARTICIPANTS

Women of any age with a diagnosis of breast cancer planning to undergo or having undergone a mastectomy with or without BR.

INTERVENTION

Sixty-minute semi-structured interviews were analysed using qualitative descriptive methodology that draws on inductive thematic analysis.

OUTCOME

In the telephone interviews, participants discussed their experience with breast cancer and accessing BR, focusing on the acceptability of BR as a surgical option post-mastectomy.

RESULTS

Of the 28 participants, 11 had undergone BR at the time of the interview, 5 at the time of mastectomy and 6 at a later date. Four inter-related themes were identified that reflected women's evolving ideas about BR as they progressed through different stages of their disease and treatment. The themes we developed were: (1) cancer survival before BR, (2) the influence of physicians on BR acceptability, (3) patient's shift to BR acceptance and (4) women's need to justify BR. For many women, access to BR surgery became more salient over time, thus adding a temporal element to the existing access framework.

CONCLUSION

In our study, women's access to BR was negatively influenced by the poor acceptability of this surgical procedure. The acceptability of BR was a complex process taking place over time, from the moment of breast cancer diagnosis to BR consideration. BR access may be improved through enhancing patient acceptability of BR. We suggest adapting the current access to care frameworks by further developing the concept of acceptability.

Barriers of Access to Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this systematic review was to comprehensively summarize barriers of access to breast reconstruction and evaluate access using the Penchansky and Thomas conceptual framework based on the six dimensions of access to care.

METHODS

The authors performed a systematic review that focused on (1) breast reconstruction, (2) barriers, and (3) breast cancer. Eight databases (i.e., EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINHAL, ePub MEDLINE, ProQuest, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched. English peer-reviewed articles published between 1996 and 2016 were included.

RESULTS

The authors' search retrieved 4282 unique articles. Two independent reviewers screened texts, selecting 99 articles for inclusion. All studies were observational and qualitative in nature. The availability of breast reconstruction was highest in teaching hospitals, private hospitals, and national cancer institutions. Accessibility affected access, with lower likelihood of breast reconstruction in rural geographic locations. Affordability also impacted access; high costs of the procedure or poor reimbursement by insurance companies negatively influenced access to breast reconstruction. Acceptability of the procedure was not universal, with unfavorable physician attitudes toward breast reconstruction and specific patient and tumor characteristics correlating with lower rates of breast reconstruction. Lastly, lack of patient awareness of breast reconstruction reduced the receipt of breast reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the access-to-care framework by Penchansky and Thomas, the authors found that barriers to breast reconstruction existed in all six domains and interplayed at many levels. The authors' systematic review analyzed this complex relationship and suggested multiprong interventions aimed at targeting breast reconstruction barriers, with the goal of promoting equitable access to breast reconstruction for all breast cancer patients.

Is immediate breast reconstruction safe in women over 70? An analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database

PURPOSE

The safety of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) in older women is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine the 30-day postoperative complication rates following IBR (implant-based or autologous) in older women (≥ 70 years) with breast cancer and to compare them to younger women (18-69 years).

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to identify women with in situ or invasive breast cancer who underwent IBR (2005-2016). Outcomes included 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality, which were compared across age groups stratified by type of reconstruction.

RESULTS

Of 28,850 women who underwent implant-based and 9123 who underwent autologous reconstruction, older women comprised 6.5% and 5.7% of the sample, respectively. Compared to younger women, older women had more comorbidities, shorter operative times, and longer length of hospital stay. In the implant-based reconstruction group, the 30-day morbidity rate was significantly higher in older women (7.5% vs 5.3%, p < 0.0001) due to higher rates of infectious, pulmonary, and venous thromboembolic events. Wound morbidity and prosthesis failure occurred equally among age groups. In the autologous reconstruction group, there was no statistically significant difference in the 30-day morbidity rates (older 9.5% vs younger 11.6%, p = 0.15). Both wound morbidity and flap failure rates were similar between the two age groups. For both reconstruction techniques, mortality within 30 days of breast surgery was rare.

CONCLUSION

Immediate breast reconstruction is safe in older women. These data support the notion that surgeons should discuss IBR as a safe and integral part of cancer treatment in well-selected older women.

Immediate breast reconstruction for women having inflammatory breast cancer in the United States

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive malignancy having a poor prognosis. Traditionally, reconstruction is not offered due to concerns about treatment delay, margin positivity, recurrence, and poor long-term survival. There is a paucity of literature, however, evaluating whether immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is associated with greater mortality in patients with IBC. A population-based study was conducted via the SEER-Medicare-linked database (1991-2009). Female patients greater than 65 years were reviewed who had mastectomy and reconstruction claims for nonmetastatic IBC. Competing risk and Cox regression were used to assess whether IBR was associated with higher breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) or overall mortality (OM). Among 552 936 patients, 1472 (median age 74 years) were diagnosed with IBC and had a mastectomy. Forty-four patients (3%) underwent IBR. Younger age, a lower Charlson comorbidity score, and a greater median income were predictors of IBR use. Tumor grade, hormone receptor status, and lymph node status were independent predictors of adjusted OM and BCSM. There was no difference by IBR status in BCSM or covariate-adjusted BCSM (sHR 1.04; CI 0.71-1.54; P = .83 and sHR 1.13; CI 0.84-1.93; P = .58, respectively). Cumulative incidence of OM was lower among IR patients (P = .013), and IR did not influence the cumulative incidence of BCSM (P = .91). IBR was not associated with increased overall and BCSM mortality. Although further study of IBR in the IBC setting may be of value, these data suggest that IBC should not be considered an absolute contraindication to IBR.

Disparities in Use and Access to Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction Among African American Women: A Targeted Review of the Literature

Postmastectomy breast reconstruction is a therapy that has been shown to have positive psychological effects on its recipients. There is evidence that racial disparities in its use exist, particularly among African American (AA) women. The purpose of this targeted review of the literature was to examine the use of postmastectomy breast reconstruction among AA women and to explore factors that contribute to such disparities. Published literature that evaluated rates of breast reconstruction in AA women, as well as barriers to reconstruction in this population, was reviewed. All of the reviewed data consisted of retrospective studies. There are conflicting data in the literature regarding disparities in the rates of postmastectomy breast reconstruction among AA women. However, a majority of studies found that AA women were less likely (odds ratios: 0.36-0.71) to receive postmastectomy breast reconstruction compared to white women. System-associated factors, physician-associated factors, and patient-associated factors interact in a complex manner that contributes to the reported disparities. Although there are trends suggesting racial disparities in the rates of postmastectomy breast reconstruction exist, the published data are retrospective and are inherently limited. The pursuit of breast reconstruction is highly individual and involves multiple factors that interact in a complex manner. To this end, prospective studies encompassing sociodemographic factors, clinical factors, and patient preferences are necessary to determine what interventions by physicians can have the greatest impact in ensuring equal access to this therapy when it is desired.

Role of Age, Tumor Grade, and Radiation Therapy on Immediate Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Despite the psychological benefits and oncologic safety of postmastectomy breast reconstruction, most breast cancer patients do not undergo reconstruction. To better understand the patterns of breast reconstruction usage, it is important to identify the clinicopathologic factors associated with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR), and whether modification of the reconstruction incidence when stratified by patient- or cancer-related factors exists in the breast cancer population. The primary objectives were to determine whether the incidence of immediate postmastectomy breast reconstruction varies across age, and whether the tumor grade or radiation therapy modify the effect of age on the incidence of immediate breast reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we identified women who had undergone mastectomy for breast cancer from 2000 to 2014. Inverse probability of treatment-weighted log-binomial regression was used to estimate the effect of age on IBR after accounting for potential confounding by patient demographic data and cancer characteristics. Potential effect measure modification by tumor grade and radiation therapy on the age-IBR relationship was also assessed.

RESULTS

Of 321,206 women, 77,798 (24.2%) had undergone IBR. Age was significantly associated with IBR prevalence (P < .0001), with younger women more likely to undergo IBR. Both tumor grade (P < .0001) and radiation therapy (P < .0001) modified the effect of age on IBR.

CONCLUSION

Compared with their older counterparts, younger breast cancer patients were more likely to undergo IBR, and both tumor grade and radiation therapy were differentially associated with the likelihood of IBR across patient age.

Trends in Medicaid beneficiaries' receipt of breast reconstruction procedures following Pre-Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion in New York State

BACKGROUND

Expanding eligibility will increase the demand for surgical services within Medicaid but little is known of the response to such increase in demand. We examined how much of the increased demand for breast reconstruction was met after expansion of Medicaid eligibility.

METHODS

We used New York state databases from 1998 to 2006 and a population of non-elderly adults (19-64) who underwent breast cancer treatment and reconstructive procedures. We used an Interrupted Time-Series design to examine the association between Medicaid expansion in 2001 and changes in the percentages of treatment and reconstructive procedures covered by Medicaid.

RESULTS

After expansion, there was an increase of 9.6% in the percentage of treatment procedures covered by Medicaid (added demand for breast reconstruction). However, there was a 6.8% increase in the percentage of reconstructive procedures covered by Medicaid.

CONCLUSIONS

The smaller increase in Medicaid percentage of reconstructive procedures suggests that the added demand for reconstruction was not met.

Influence of race, insurance status, and geographic access to plastic surgeons on immediate breast reconstruction rates

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) among racial and insurance status subgroups, in the setting of a changing plastic surgeon workforce.

METHODS

Using state level inpatient and ambulatory surgery data, we identified discharges for adult women who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer. This information was supplemented with plastic surgeon workforce data and aggregated to the health service area-level (HSA). Hierarchical linear models were used to risk standardized IBR rates for 8 race-payer subgroups.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 65,246 women treated across 67 HSAs. The plastic surgeon density per 100,000 population directly related to the IBR rate. While all subgroups saw a modest increase in IBR rates, Caucasian women with private insurance realized the largest absolute increase (46%) while African-American and Asian women with public insurance saw the smallest increase (6%).

CONCLUSION

Significant disparities persist in the provision of IBR according to the form of insurance a patient possesses. Of heightened concern is the novel finding that even within privately insured patients, women of color have significantly lower IBR rates compared to Caucasian women.

The Relationship Between Geographic Access to Plastic Surgeons and Breast Reconstruction Rates Among Women Undergoing Mastectomy for Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Despite a national health care policy requiring payers to cover breast reconstruction, rates of postmastectomy reconstruction are low, particularly among minority populations. We conducted this study to determine if geographic access to a plastic surgeon impacts breast reconstruction rates.

METHODS

Using 2010 inpatient and ambulatory surgery data from 10 states, we identified adult women who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer. Data were aggregated to the health service area (HSA) level and hierarchical generalized linear models were used to risk-standardize breast reconstruction rates (RSRR) across HSAs. The relationship between an HSA's RSRR and plastic surgeon density (surgeons/100,000 population) was quantified using correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 22,997 patients across 134 HSAs. There was substantial variation in plastic surgeon density (median, 1.4 surgeons/100,000; interquartile range, [0.0-2.6]/100,000) and the use of breast reconstruction (median RSRR, 43.0%; interquartile range, [29.9%-62.8%]) across HSAs. Higher plastic surgeon density was positively correlated with breast reconstruction rates (correlation coefficient = 0.66, P < 0.001) and inversely related to time between mastectomy and reconstruction (correlation coefficient = -0.19, P < 0.001). Non-white and publicly insured women were least likely to undergo breast reconstruction overall. Among privately insured patients, racial disparities were noted in high surgeon density areas (white = 79.0% vs. non-white = 63.3%; P < 0.001) but not in low surgeon density areas (34.4% vs 36.5%; P = 0.70).

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of geographic access to a plastic surgeon serves as a barrier to breast reconstruction and may compound disparities in care associated with race and insurance status. Future efforts to improve equitable access should consider strategies to ensure access to appropriate clinical expertise.

Quality of Patient Decisions About Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

Importance

Breast reconstruction has the potential to improve a person's body image and quality of life but has important risks. Variations in who undergoes breast reconstruction have led to questions about the quality of patient decisions.

Objective

To assess the quality of patient decisions about breast reconstruction.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A prospective, cross-sectional survey study was conducted from June 27, 2012, to February 28, 2014, at a single, academic, multidisciplinary oncology clinic among women planning to undergo mastectomy for stage I to III invasive ductal or lobular breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ, or prophylaxis.

Exposures

Mastectomy only and mastectomy with reconstruction.

Main Outcome and Measures

Knowledge, as ascertained using the Decision Quality Instrument; preference concordance, based on rating and ranking of key attributes; and decision quality, defined as having knowledge of 50% or more and preference concordance.

Results

During the 20-month period, 214 patients were eligible, 182 were approached, and 32 missed. We enrolled 145 patients (79.7% enrollment rate), and received surveys from 131 patients (72.0% participation rate). Five participants became ineligible. The final study population was 126 patients. Among the 126 women in the study (mean [SD] age, 53.2 [12.1] years), the mean (SD) knowledge score was 58.5% (16.2%) and did not differ by treatment group (mastectomy only, 55.2% [15.0%]; mastectomy with reconstruction, 60.5% [16.5%]). A total of 82 of 123 participants (66.7%) had a calculated treatment preference of mastectomy only; 39 of these women (47.6%) underwent mastectomy only. A total of 41 participants (32.5%) had a calculated treatment preference of mastectomy with reconstruction; 36 of these women (87.8%) underwent mastectomy with reconstruction. Overall, 52 of 120 participants (43.3%) made a high-quality decision. In multivariable analysis, white race/ethnicity (odds ratio [OR], 2.72; 95% CI, 1.00-7.38; P = .05), having private insurance (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.35-1.93; P < .001), having a high school education or less (vs some college) (OR, 4.84; 95% CI, 1.22-19.21; P = .02), having a college degree (vs some college) (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.53-2.49; P < .001), and not having a malignant neoplasm (eg, BRCA carriers) (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.25-7.85; P = .01) were independently associated with making a high-quality decision.

Conclusions and Relevance

A minority of patients undergoing mastectomy in a single academic center made a high-quality decision about reconstruction. Shared decision making is needed to support decisions about breast reconstruction.

Association of a Policy Mandating Physician-Patient Communication With Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction

Importance

With the stabilization of breast cancer incidence and substantial improvement in survival, more attention has focused on postmastectomy breast reconstruction (PBR). Despite its demonstrated benefits, wide disparities in the use of PBR remain. Physician-patient communication has an important role in disparities in health care, especially for elective surgical procedures. Recognizing this, the State of New York enacted Public Health Law (NY PBH Law) 2803-o in 2011 mandating that physicians communicate about reconstructive surgery with patients undergoing mastectomy.

Objective

To evaluate whether mandated physician-patient communication is associated with reduced racial/ethnic disparities in immediate PBR (IPBR).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective study used state inpatient data from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2011, in New York and California to evaluate a final sample of 42 346 women aged 20 to 70 years, including 19 364 from New York (treatment group) and 22 982 from California (comparison group). The primary hypothesis tested the effect of the New York law on racial/ethnic disparities, using California as a comparator. The National Academy of Medicine's (formerly Institute of Medicine) definition of a disparity was applied, and a difference-in-differences method (before-and-after comparison design) was used to evaluate the association of NY PBH Law 2803-o mandating physician-patient communication with disparities in IPBR. Data were analyzed from July 1, 2016, to February 24, 2017.

Exposures

New York PBH Law 2803-o was implemented on January 1, 2011. The preexposure period included January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2010 (3 years); the postexposure period, January 1 through December 31, 2011 (1 year).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was use of IPBR among white, African American, Hispanic, and other minority groups before and after the implementation of NY PBH Law 2803-o.

Results

Among the 42 346 women (mean [SD] age, 53 [10] years), 65.3% (27 654) were white, 12.7% (5365) were Hispanic, 9.4% (3976) were African American, and 12.6% (5351) were other minorities. The new legislation was not associated with the overall IPBR rate or disparity in IPBR between whites and African Americans (reduction of 1 percentage point; 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.04), but it was associated with a reduction in disparities in IPBR between Hispanic and white patients by 9 (95% CI, 0.06-0.11) percentage points and between other minorities and white patients by 13 (95% CI, 0.11-0.16) percentage points.

Conclusions and Relevance

Physician-patient communication may help to address inequity in the use of elective surgical procedures, such as IPBR. However, lack of patient trust and/or effective physician-patient communication may reduce the potential effect of mandatory communication for some subpopulations, including African American individuals.

How Informed Is the Decision About Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy?: A Prospective, Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess how informed patients are about breast reconstruction, and how involved they are in decision making.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Breast reconstruction is an important treatment option for patients undergoing mastectomy. Wide variations in who gets reconstruction, however, have led to concerns about decision making.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study of patients planning mastectomy at a single site, over 20 months. Before surgery, patients completed a survey with validated scales to assess knowledge about breast reconstruction and involvement in decision making. Factors associated with knowledge were examined in a multivariable linear regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients enrolled (77% enrollment rate), and 126 remained eligible. The overall knowledge score was 58.5% (out of 100%). Knowledge about risk of complications was especially low at 14.3%. Knowledge did not differ by treatment (reconstruction or not). On multivariable analysis, non-white race was independently associated with lower knowledge. Most patients (92.1%) reported some discussion with a provider about reconstruction, and most (90.4%) reported being asked their preference. More patients reported discussing the advantages of reconstruction (57.9%) than the disadvantages (27.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Women undergoing mastectomy in this sample were highly involved in decision making, but had major deficits in knowledge about the procedure. Knowledge about the risk of complications was particularly low. Providers seemed to have discussed the advantages of reconstruction more than its disadvantages.

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy at a comprehensive cancer center

Background

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is an integral part of breast cancer treatment that positively impacts quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Although breast reconstruction rates have increased over time, African American women remain less likely to receive breast reconstruction compared to Caucasian women. National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, specialized institutions with more standardized models of cancer treatment, report higher breast reconstruction rates than primary healthcare facilities. Whether breast reconstruction disparities are reduced for women treated at comprehensive cancer centers is unclear. The purpose of this study was to further investigate breast reconstruction rates and determinants at a comprehensive cancer center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Methods

Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained for women who received mastectomy for definitive surgical treatment for breast cancer between 2000 and 2012. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the receipt of breast reconstruction.

Results

We found a breast reconstruction rate of 54 % for the study sample. Women who were aged 55 and older, had public insurance, received unilateral mastectomy, and received adjuvant radiation therapy were significantly less likely to receive breast reconstruction. African American women were 30 % less likely to receive breast reconstruction than Caucasian women.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that racial disparities in breast reconstruction persist in comprehensive cancer centers. Future research should further delineate the determinants of breast reconstruction disparities across various types of healthcare institutions. Only then can we develop interventions to ensure all eligible women have access to breast reconstruction and the improved quality of life it affords breast cancer survivors.

Emerging trends in surgical and adjuvant radiation therapies among women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ

BACKGROUND

The use of surgery and radiation therapy in treating ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is directed by treatment guidelines and evidence from research. This study investigated recent patterns in DCIS treatment by demographic factors.

METHODS

Data for women diagnosed with DCIS between 1998 and 2011 (n = 416,232) in the National Cancer Data Base were assessed for trends in treatment patterns by age group, calendar year, ancestral/ethnic group, and geographic region. The likelihood of receiving specific treatment modalities was analyzed with multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

DCIS cases were most frequently treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and adjuvant radiation (45.6%). After an initial rise, the use of adjuvant radiation after BCS plateaued at approximately 70% after 2007, with increasing utilization of mastectomy beyond 2005. In addition, there was an increasing trend in postmastectomy reconstruction over time, and women of African ancestry (odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.72) and Hispanic women (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.78-0.89) were less likely to undergo reconstruction in comparison with women of European ancestry. A similar trend was observed in contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy utilization, with women of European ancestry having a more rapid rise in the utilization of contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy in comparison with all other ancestral/ethnic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent trends demonstrate a plateau in radiation therapy administration after BCS along with increasing utilization of mastectomy, reconstruction, and contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy. There are substantial differences in treatment utilization according to ancestry/ethnicity and geographical region. Further studies examining patient-physician decision making surrounding DCIS treatment are warranted. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2016;122:2810-2818. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction and its subsequent complications: a comparison between obese and non-obese women with breast cancer

To compare the utilization pattern of breast reconstruction between obese and non-obese patients and assess the association between obesity and postoperative complications as well as healthcare costs. Using MarketScan databases, we identified 2558 breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy between 2009 and 2012. Temporal trends in breast reconstruction were assessed using the Cochran-Armitage test. Logistic regression models were performed to determine the association between obesity and the occurrence of postoperative complications. Healthcare costs were compared using a generalized linear model. Among 2558 patients treated with mastectomy, the breast reconstruction rate of non-obese patients (76.2 %) was significantly higher than patients in obese class I and class II&III (63.3 and 60.2 %, respectively; P < 0.001). Compared with non-obese patients, obese patients had significantly higher rates of infection (OR 1.53, for obese class I, and OR 1.60, for obese class II&III, both P < 0.01), wound (OR 1.51, P = 0.01 for obese class I, and OR 1.98, P < 0.001 for obese class II&III), and perfusion complications (OR 1.73, P = 0.01 for obese class I, and OR 2.21, P < 0.01 for obese class II&III). The mean postoperative complication cost for non-obese patients ($4684) was significantly lower than those for obese class I patients ($6250) and obese class II&III patients ($7868; P < 0.001). Our analysis demonstrated a significant gap in breast reconstruction between obese and non-obese patients, and our finding underscores the need for careful preoperative assessment of obese patients and call for additional research to minimize the risk of complications.