Effect of decision-making resources on satisfaction with decision to undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM).

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) are increasing, and there are many resources available to help patients with decision-making. We sought to determine how often these were used, and whether their use influenced satisfaction with decision to pursue CPM. METHODS: CPM patients at a large academic institution were surveyed regarding factors associated with their CPM decision, and their satisfaction with the same. RESULTS: Of 58 CPM patients approached to participate, 55 completed the survey with a mean SWD score of 4.85 (range 3.00-5.00). Partner opinion (47.3%), family opinion (45.5%), other cancer patients' experiences (38.2%), and informational websites (38.2%) were the most frequently cited resources used by CPM patients. On multivariate analysis, controlling for other factors affecting SWD, use of other cancer patients' experiences predicted above average SWD (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Those who use other cancer patients' experiences to aid in their surgical decision-making enjoy a higher satisfaction with their decision.