Do surgeons influence the treatment rates for T1 breast cancer patients at the local level of health care?

Abstract

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women ages 35-54. A research consensus has been published stating that breast conserving therapy or surgery (BCT/BeS) and mastectomy treatments for T1 breast cancers yield comparable recurrence and survival rates. Standards of medical practice for various diseases and conditions are known, but very little if any, information or research exists on individual hospital medical practice. This study focused on the grassroots level of health care by investigating local treatment protocols, patient/physician beliefs and actual treatments chosen concerning early diagnosis of breast cancer.