Treatment choices in breast cancer: a comparative analysis of mastectomy patients and radiation patients
This descriptive-exploratory study identified factors that distinguished women on the basis of the treatment they chose for breast cancer. A semi-structured interview and questionnaire was administered to 30 respondents who received mastectomy and 31 who received lumpectomy with radiation. The variables investigated as potential predictors of treatment choice were (1) participation in treatment planning, (2) knowledge of illness and treatment alternatives, (3) health locus of control, (4) sex-role identification, (5) body image, (6) social support and (7) age. As perceptions of the outcome of treatment influence attitudes about treatment choice, five variables relating to perceived treatment consequences were also examined. These were (1) social support, (2) body image, (3) satisfaction with medical care, (4) satisfaction with treatment and (5) general well-being. The major findings in regard to the predictor variables included a profile of the characteristics of each group. The radiation group had more knowledge, participated in planning to a greater extent, investigated treatment options more often and typically made their own decisions about treatment. The mastectomy group was older, attributed locus of control to chance and demonstrated nonsignificant trends toward locus of control in powerful others and toward a feminine sex-role identification; 50% cited Surgeon's Advice as the basis of their choice.
- Research Organization:
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5269242
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Aesthetic results following partial mastectomy and radiation therapy
A Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Breast-Conserving Surgery and Mastectomy with Implant Breast Reconstruction
Related Subjects
NEOPLASMS
RADIOTHERAPY
SURGERY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
MAMMARY GLANDS
PATIENTS
WOMEN
ANIMALS
BODY
DISEASES
FEMALES
GLANDS
MAMMALS
MAN
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
PRIMATES
RADIOLOGY
THERAPY
VERTEBRATES
550603* - Medicine- External Radiation in Therapy- (1980-)
550600 - Medicine