Surgeon Choice and Quality Breast Cancer Treatment

Ivanhoe Newswire
Friday, January 19, 2007; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Taking more control over choosing a breast cancer surgeon may get you the best results.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Ann Arbor looked at 1,844 women who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Nearly two-thirds of the women said another doctor referred them to their surgeon; another 15 percent were referred by their health plan. About one-fourth -- mostly women with more education and higher incomes -- picked their surgeon based on reputation.

About one-third of the women were treated by a high-volume surgeon -- one who devoted more than half of their practice to breast surgery, according to researchers. Two-thirds were treated in a hospital with an accredited cancer program.

Results reveal those who chose their surgeon based on reputation were more likely to be treated by a high-volume surgeon and more likely to be treated at a hospital affiliated with an accredited cancer program.

"Women with breast cancer should be aware that referrals from another doctor or their health plan may not connect them with the most experienced surgeons or the most comprehensive practice settings in their community," reports study author Steven Katz, M.D., M.P.H.. "Patients might consider seeking a second opinion, especially if they are advised to undergo a particular treatment without a full discussion of options."

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SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2007;25