Background: Factors that influence breast reconstruction after mastectomy have been previously examined in national databases. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of patient travel distance and income on breast reconstruction after mastectomy in a rural population. Methods: Retrospective review of mastectomy patients from 2017 to 2021 was performed from our prospectively enrolled tumor registry. Analysis included frequencies and percentages, descriptive statistics, χ 2 analysis, independent sample t tests, and multivariable analysis. Results: In total, 462 patients were included. Median BMI was 27.6 kg/m 2 , 96.1% of patients were White, and median age at diagnosis was 60.0 years. Reconstruction rate was 52.6%, and median length of follow-up was 24.6 months. No significant difference was found in the distance traveled by patients who underwent reconstruction (16.6 versus 16.7 miles; P = 0.94). Rates of reconstruction in patients who traveled 0–10 miles, 11–30 miles, and over 30 miles did not differ significantly ( P = 0.16). Median household income was significantly different in reconstructed and nonreconstructed patients ($55,316.00 versus $51,629.00; P = 0.047). Rates of reconstruction were significantly higher in patients with median household income greater than $65,000 ( P = 0.024). This difference was not significant on multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Travel distance did not significantly impact reconstruction rates after mastectomy, while household income did on univariable analysis. Studies at an institutional or regional level remain valuable, especially in populations that may not be accurately represented in larger database studies. Our findings highlight the importance of patient education, resource allocation, and multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care, especially in the rural setting.
PurposeThe study examined how structural and community health factors, including primary care physicians (PCP), food insecurity, diabetes, and mortality rate per county, are linked to the number and severity of postmastectomy complications among south central Appalachian breast cancer patients depending on rural status.MethodsData was obtained through a retrospective review of 473 breast cancer patients that underwent a mastectomy from 2017 to 2021. Patient's ZIP Code was used to determine their rural–urban community area code and their county of residence for census data. We conducted a zero inflated Poisson regression.FindingsResults demonstrated that patients in small rural/isolated areas with low (B = −4.10, SE = 1.93, OR = 0.02, p = 0.03) to average (B = −2.67, SE = 1.32, OR = 0.07, p = 0.04) food insecurity and average (B = −2.67, SE = 1.32, OR = 0.07, p = 0.04) to high (B = −10.62, SE = 4.71, OR = 0.00, p = 0.02) PCP have significantly fewer postmastectomy complications compared to their urban counterparts. Additionally, patients residing in small rural/isolated areas with high (B = 4.47, SE = 0.49, d = 0.42, p < 0.001) diabetes and low mortality (B = 5.70, SE = 0.58, d = 0.45, p < 0.001) rates have significantly more severe postmastectomy complications.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that patients who reside in small/rural isolated areas may experience fewer and less severe postmastectomy when there is certain optimal structural and community health factors present compared to their urban counterparts. Oncologic care teams could utilize this information in routine consult for risk assessment and mitigation. Future research should further examine additional risks for postmastectomy complications.
Background: The risk of women developing breast cancer after augmentation mammaplasty may be lower than the general population, with minimal current literature on breast reconstruction in this population. We sought to evaluate the impact of previous augmentation on postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent mastectomies from 2017 to 2021 at our institution was performed. Analysis included frequencies and percentages, descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and Fisher exact test. Results: Four hundred seventy patients were included, with average body mass index of 29.1 kg/m2, 96% identifying as White, and an average age at diagnosis of 59.3 years. Twenty (4.2%) patients had a prior breast augmentation. Reconstruction was performed in 80% of the previously augmented patients compared to 49.9% of nonaugmented patients (P = 0.01). Reconstruction was alloplastic in 100% of augmented and 88.7% of nonaugmented patients (P = 0.15). All reconstructed augmented patients underwent immediate reconstruction compared with 90.5% of nonaugmented patients (P = 0.37), and two-stage reconstruction was most common (75.0% versus 63.5%; P = 0.42). Of the previously augmented patients, 87.5% increased implant volume, 75% underwent same implant plane reconstruction, and 68.75% underwent same implant-type reconstruction as their augmentation. Conclusions: Previously augmented patients were more likely to undergo reconstruction after mastectomy at our institution. All reconstructed augmented patients underwent alloplastic reconstruction, with most performed immediately in staged fashion. Most patients favored silicone implants and maintained the same implant type and plane of reconstruction, with increased implant volume. Larger studies are required to further investigate these trends.
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a lifelong condition that can impact the quality of life, affecting approximately 20% of breast cancer patients. Risk factors for the development of BCRL after mastectomy in rural populations have not been studied. Retrospective review of mastectomy patients from 2017 to 2021 was performed at a single institution. Statistical analysis included logistic and linear regression models. 475 patients were included, and 40 (8.4%) patients were diagnosed with BCRL. Increased odds of developing BCRL were significantly associated with tumor-involved lymph nodes, radiation therapy, axillary lymphadenectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Postmastectomy reconstruction significantly reduced the odds of developing BCRL. There was no significant association in our population with age, body mass index, diabetes, tobacco use, cancer type, or complications. This study demonstrates that individuals underrepresented in the literature, such as patients in largely rural communities, have some differences in risk factors for developing BCRL when compared to national studies.
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