Rate of Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Varies Among States

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PHD

Vice President, Surveillance and Health Services Research
American Cancer Society, Inc.
Atlanta, GA 30303

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Previous studies reported that Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy (CPM) increased in the United States among women diagnosed with unilateral early-stage breast cancer with surgery without evidence for survival benefit. Previous studies also reported that receipt of this procedure is more common in younger than older patients, in white than in black patients, and in privately insured than uninsured patients. However, the extent of variation in receipt of CPM by state of residence was unknown.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: Our primary finding was the proportion of Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy among women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and treated with surgery increased over the past eight years (2004-2012) although the magnitude of the increase varied substantially across states. Notably, in 5-contigioous Midwestern states, nearly half of young women (20-44 years) with unilateral early-stage breast cancer underwent CPM.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Breast cancer patients should discuss with their surgeons about the benefit and risk of Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Varies Among States to make informed decision about their treatment. For most women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in one breast, the estimated risk of developing breast cancer in the other unaffected breast within the next 10 years is rare, 2%-6%. CPM cause surgical complications and increased number of operations.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Future studies should examine patient and health system factors to understand the reason behind the high proportion of CPM in the 5-contiguous Midwestern states.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Nash R, Goodman M, Lin CC, Freedman RA, Dominici LS, Ward K, Jemal A. State Variation in the Receipt of a Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Among Women Who Received a Diagnosis of Invasive Unilateral Early-Stage Breast Cancer in the United States, 2004-2012. JAMA Surg. Published online March 29, 2017. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2017.0115

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on April 2, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD