Patient related factors influence treatment choice in operable breast cancer.

The aim of this study was to determine whether specific patient-related factors influence the patients' choice between breast conserving treatment (BCT) and total mastectomy for symptomatic breast cancer. Forty-six women, in whom BCT was an option, were investigated using a structured interview and a self-administered illness behaviour questionnaire. The results demonstrated significant differences between the two groups: (1) patients with partners were more likely to choose BCT; (2) women who chose to have total mastectomy demonstrated higher scores on disease conviction and affective inhibition. Knowledge of these characteristics may be of further assistance to clinicians in optimizing assessment for surgical treatment of women with breast cancer. © 1995