Surgical, oncologic, and patient reported outcomes following breast conserving surgery versus mastectomy: a longitudinal study

Several trials have established breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by radiation has equivalent or improved survival to mastectomy for early breast cancer, yet mastectomy rates are rising globally. It is thought patients perceive mastectomy to improve survival and reduce worry of recurrence, however recent advances in patient-centered care have measured patient reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among breast cancer patients, and early studies report higher HRQoL among BCS patients.

BCS rates in British Columbia are below the national average. Further clinical and HRQoL data are needed to understand factors influencing the BC mastectomy rate and inform clinical recommendations for BCS.

A patient cohort will be recruited from Providence Breast Centre and classified into BCS, mastectomy by patient preference, and mastectomy medically necessary to compare postoperative complications, oncologic outcomes, and patient reported psychosocial and HRQoL outcomes.

By linking oncologic and HRQoL outcomes, this study will provide novel information to facilitate more informed preoperative surgical counselling, and guide institutional and provincial policy for development of Canadian breast cancer surgery quality indicators.