Effective methods for disclosing breast cancer diagnosis

Background The current study sought to determine effective methods for disclosing breast cancer diagnosis and to identify epidemiologic patterns in patient preference for method of information disclosure. Methods Surveys were sent to 691 breast cancer patients over 10 years. Questions evaluated the best methods for telling a woman of her diagnosis. The chi-square, Wilcoxon rank, and Mantel-Haenszel tests were used for statistical associations. Results Ninety percent of patients had no preference for which gender disclosed the diagnosis. Fifty-nine percent said they believe it is important to be asked how much information one would like to know when initially told the diagnosis. However, most (54%) were not asked when they were told. When asked if previous ideas about breast cancer influenced their concerns, 79% answered “yes” or “somewhat.” However, only 10% knew “a great deal.” Conclusions Patients have defined preferences about breast cancer diagnosis disclosure, making effective methods of diagnosis disclosure important to identify and practice.