A multi-institutional analysis of the socioeconomic determinants of breast reconstruction: a study of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

Abstract

Objective: To determine the rate of postmastectomy reconstruction and investigate the impact of socioeconomic status on the receipt of reconstruction.

Summary background data: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Outcomes Project is a prospective, multi-institutional database that contains data on all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients treated at one of the participating comprehensive cancer centers.

Methods: The study cohort consisted of 2174 patients with DCIS and stage I, II, and III invasive breast cancer who underwent mastectomy at one of 8 NCCN centers. Rates of reconstruction were determined. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate whether socioeconomic characteristics are associated with breast reconstruction.

Results: Overall, 42% of patients had breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Patients with Medicaid and Medicare were less likely to undergo reconstruction than those with managed care insurance; however, there was no difference for indemnity versus managed care insurance. Homemakers and retired patients had fewer reconstructions than those employed outside the home. Patients with a high school education or less were less likely to have reconstruction than those with more education. Race and ethnicity were not significant predictors of reconstruction.

Conclusions: The reconstruction rate in this study (42%) is markedly higher than those previously reported. The type of insurance, education level, and employment status of a patient, but not her race or ethnicity, appear to influence the use of breast reconstruction. Because all patients were treated at an NCCN institution, these socioeconomic differences cannot be explained by access to care.