Factors Affecting Decisions About Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy in Black and Latina Women

OBJECTIVES:

- Interview black and Latina women about their reasons for choosing to have, or not to
have, breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer.

- Describe the context in which black and Latina women make decisions about breast
reconstruction.

- Explore similarities and differences in factors affecting decision-making among black
and Latina women.

- Identify factors that contribute to the low utilization of breast reconstruction among
ethnic minority women.

OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study.

Patients undergo a 1-hour interview to evaluate their rationale for choosing to have, or not
to have, breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Interviews are conducted by a woman of the
same ethnic background as the patient. Key factors influencing a patient's decision to
consider having breast reconstruction are explored during the interview, including
availability of educational materials on breast reconstruction and the adequacy of this
information. Patients are asked to examine personal factors influencing their decision, such
as feelings about living with or without a reconstructed breast; concerns about
reconstructive surgery and its risks; potential complications; and impact of reconstructive
surgery on sexuality and body image. Social and cultural factors are also evaluated,
including influence of family and friends; degree of support for the patient's decision to
have surgery; racial or ethnic differences in patient's preferences; and cultural values.
Access-related factors, such as financial cost, insurance availability, or physician
referral practices, are also explored.

At the end of the interview, patients may be referred to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center or Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention for oncologic surveillance or
for additional information on breast reconstruction. Patients may also be contacted after
the interview to answer follow-up questions, to clarify topics previously discussed, or to
provide further input or feedback on preliminary study findings.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Have undergone mastectomy* (with or without reconstruction) for breast cancer within
the past 3 years AND meets 1 of the following criteria:

- Self-identified as being black

- Self-identified as being Latina NOTE: *Patients scheduled to undergo mastectomy
are eligible

- Recruited from one of the following cancer centers or breast cancer support
organizations:

- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center or Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care
and Prevention

- Patients are identified by their physician (e.g., oncologist, breast
surgeon), the protocol investigator, a member of the research team, and/or
medical chart review

- Spirit of Hope or LatinaSHARE

- Patients are identified by the director of the support organization or the
support group leader

- Hormone receptor status not specified

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

- Female

- Menopausal status not specified

- No cognitive impairment that would preclude giving informed consent

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

- See Disease Characteristics