[Analysis of sources of treatment-related knowledge in women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer and review of literature]

Abstract

Recent development in the surgical technique, reduced invasiveness and extensiveness of surgery, improvement in the safety of surgery was not accompanied by significant progress of preoperative psychological care. Still many cancer patients complain on unsatisfactory communication with health care professionals and suboptimal information. The aim of the study was to analyze sources of knowledge on the disease and treatment and to assess the efficacy of physician-patient communication. Additional aim of the study was to evaluate the willingness to use breast prosthesis and to undergo breast reconstruction etc. The study population consisted of 58 consecutive women admitted for mastectomy for breast cancer. Nurses and female doctors were excluded, as well as patients treated for other malignancies in the past. Main source of knowledge about disease and surgery among participants was the cancer surgeon (ca. 75%). It needs to be underlined that family doctors were only marginally pointed out as sources of oncological information (< 10%). On the other hand significant proportion of participants pointed out mass media as the source of information (ca. 40%). On the day before surgery most of the participants (95%) correctly described surgery ("removal of breast and armpit lymph nodes"). Significantly less women correctly listed all major treatment option for breast cancer (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy). It was observed, that most the patients (87%) declared will to use breast prosthesis. Additionally it was noted, that most of participants (68%) was not planning to undergo breast reconstruction.