Geographical proximity and type of surgery for breast cancer-Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mastectomy when breast conservation is possible: assessment of patient and geographical factors.
IRAS ID
160292
Contact name
Rosalyn D Shearer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Highland
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 15 days
Research summary
Surgical treatment of the breast, for breast cancer and certain cases of pre-cancerous disease, is a choice of mastectomy (removal of the breast) or breast-conserving surgery (wide-local excision). Mastectomy generally requires between a 2 to 5 day in-patient stay, and breast-conserving surgery can be carried out as a day-case. However, in order for the two to be equivalent in terms of cancer outcome, breast-conserving surgery must be followed by a 3 week course of radiotherapy. There are known long-term psychological effects for patients who undergo mastectomy but some people choose to have a mastectomy despite the offer of breast-conserving surgery. The aim of this study is to identify whether the rural location of many patients in NHS Highland and NHS Western Isles is an independent factor for declining breast-conserving surgery as they wish to avoid a prolonged stay in Inverness to undergo radiotherapy treatment. Furthermore, with hindsight, do patients feel that they would have chosen breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy if they were to have the choice again. If rural location alone is a factor, then this may influence future planning of services.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
14/WS/1151
Date of REC Opinion
23 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion