Comparative Analysis of Recurrence-Free Survival and Mortality in Postmastectomy Patients: Insights From Multidecade, Multiinstitutional Propensity Score Matching.

INTRODUCTION: Disparities in postmastectomy reconstructive care are widely acknowledged. However, there is limited understanding regarding the impact of reconstructive services on cancer recurrence and breast cancer-related mortality. Therefore, this study aims to examine how patient-specific factors and breast reconstruction status influence recurrence-free survival and mortality rates in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed to collect data on patients who underwent mastectomy at 2 institutions within the New York-Presbyterian system from 1979 to 2019. Sociodemographic information, medical history, and the treatment approach were recorded. Propensity score matching, logistic regression, unpaired t test, and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Overall, cancer recurrence occurred in 6.62% (317) of patients, with 16.8% (803) overall mortality rate. For patients who had relapsed disease, completion of the reconstruction sequence was correlated with an earlier detection of cancer recurrence and improved survival odds (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis of the reconstruction group alone showed mortality benefit among patients who underwent free flap procedures (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy are likely to have better access to follow-up care and improved interfacing with the healthcare system. This may increase the speed at which cancer recurrence is detected. This study highlights the need for consistent plastic surgery referral and continued monitoring by all members of the breast cancer care team for cancer recurrence among patients.

Prospective Sensory Outcomes for Targeted Nipple Areola Complex Reinnervation (TNR) in Gender-Affirming Double Incision Mastectomy with Free Nipple Grafting.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyses the anatomy and sensory outcomes of targeted nipple areola complex reinnervation (TNR) in gender-affirming double incision mastectomy with free nipple grafting (FNG). BACKGROUND: TNR is a novel technique to preserve and reconstruct intercostal nerves (ICN) to improve postoperative sensation. There is little evidence on relevant anatomy and outcomes. METHODS: 25 patients were prospectively enrolled. Data included demographics, surgical technique, and axon/fascicle counts. Quantitative sensory evaluation using monofilaments and qualitative patient reported questionnaires were completed preoperatively, and at one, three, six, nine and twelve months postoperatively. RESULTS: 50 mastectomies were performed. Per mastectomy, the median number of ICN found and used was 2 (1-5). Axon and fascicle counts were not significantly different between ICN branches ( P >0.05). BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 and mastectomy weight ≥800 g were associated with significantly worse preoperative sensation ( P <0.05). Compared to preoperative values, NAC sensation was worse at 1 month ( P <0.01), comparable at 3 months ( P >0.05), and significantly better at 12 months ( P <0.05) postoperatively. Chest sensation was comparable to the preoperative measurements at 1 and 3 months ( P >0.05), and significantly better at 12 months ( P <0.05) postoperatively. NAC sensation was significantly better when direct coaptation was performed compared to use of allograft only ( P <0.05), and with direct coaptation of ≥2 branches compared to direct coaptation of a single branch ( P <0.05). All patients reported return of nipple and chest sensation at one year postoperatively and 88% reported return of some degree of erogenous sensation. CONCLUSION: TNR allows for restoration of NAC and chest sensation within 3 months postoperatively. Use of multiple ICN branches and direct coaptation led to the best sensory outcomes.

Breast Cancer Incidence Among Asian American Women in New York City: Disparities in Screening and Presentation.

BACKGROUND: Asian American (AsAm) women have some of the lowest rates of up-to-date breast cancer screening, and lack of disaggregated racial/ethnic data can mask disparities. We evaluated presentation patterns among AsAms at two hospitals with distinct communities: New York Presbyterian-Queens (NYPQ), in Flushing, Queens and Weill Cornell Medical Center (WCM), on the Upper East Side (UES) neighborhood of Manhattan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer between January 2019 and December 2022 were identified using a prospective database and clinical data collected. Patients were categorized as self-reported Asian versus Non-Asian. The Asian group was disaggregated as Chinese-Asian versus Other-Asian. Physician workforce data were obtained from public records. RESULTS: A total of 3546 patients (1162 NYPQ, 2384 WCM) were included. More NYPQ patients identified as Asian compared with WCM (49 vs. 14%, p < 0.001). Asian patients were mostly East Asian Chinese (NYPQ 61%, WCM 53%). More Chinese patients at NYPQ reported Chinese as their preferred language (81 vs. 33%, p < 0.001). Greatest differences of screen-detected disease frequency were seen between NYPQ and WCM Chinese patients (75 vs. 59%, p < 0.001). Eighty percent of NYPQ Chinese patients presented with stage 0/I disease versus 69% at WCM (p = 0.007), a difference not observed between Other-Asian patients (75% NYPQ, 68% WCM, p = 0.095). 3% of UES physicians versus 16% in Flushing reported speaking Chinese. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese patients residing in a neighborhood with more Chinese-speaking physicians more frequently presented with screen-detected, early-stage breast cancer. Stage distribution differences were not apparent among the aggregated pool of Other-Asian patients, suggesting cancer disparities may be masked when ethnic groups are studied in aggregate.

Social Determinants of Cancer Disparities.

Cancer is a major public health issue that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality across the globe. At its root, cancer represents a genetic aberration, but socioeconomic, environmental, and geographic factors contribute to different cancer outcomes for selected population subsets. The disparities in the delivery of healthcare affect all aspects of cancer management from early prevention to end-of-life care. In an effort to address the inequality in the delivery of healthcare among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, the World Health Organization defined social determinants of health (SDOH) as conditions in which people are born, live, work, and age. These factors play a significant role in the disproportionate cancer burden among different population groups. SDOH are associated with disparities in risk factor burden, screening modalities, diagnostic testing, treatment options, and quality of life of patients with cancer. The purpose of this article is to describe a more holistic and integrated approach to patients with cancer and address the disparities that are derived from their socioeconomic background.