Discussion of treatment options for early-stage breast cancer: effect of provider specialty on type of surgery and satisfaction

OBJECTIVES: To describe the physicians with whom breast cancer patients discuss treatment options and assess whether discussing surgical options with a medical oncologist is associated with type of surgery and satisfaction. RESEARCH DESIGN: Medical record abstraction and survey. SUBJECTS: Women with early-stage breast cancer numbering 2,426 in two states-Massachusetts, where the rate of breast-conserving surgery is high, and Minnesota, where it is lower. MEASURES: Receipt of breast-conserving surgery and satisfaction. RESULTS: Women in Massachusetts discussed breast cancer treatments with more physicians than women in Minnesota (mean 3.5 vs. 2.8; P