The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73363

Jaclyn L. Fong, Boston University, 88 E. Newton Street, Robinson 2, Boston, MA 02118, 617-638-8950, jfong@bu.edu, Timothy L Lash, DSc MPH, Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St., Boston, MA 02472, and Rebecca A. Silliman, MD, PhD, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, 88 East Newton Street, Robinson 2, Boston, MA 02118.

The objective was to investigate older women’s perceptions of breast cancer causes, quality of care, and cure. 725 consenting women >65, diagnosed with early stage breast cancer between 1996 and 1999 from four sites participated. Data were collected through medical record review and telephone interviews. Chi-square tests for homogeneity and linear regression analyses were computed using SAS software. The most prevalent perceived causes of breast cancer were getting older (73%), the breast cancer gene (42%), and daily stress (31%). Women who believed their family history or a breast cancer gene caused their breast cancer were more likely to perceive that their daughter was at increased risk (p<0.0001). Women who received definitive therapy rated their satisfaction with their care 22% higher (p=0.06), their cancer-specific physician interactions 27% higher (p=0.05), and their general physician medical interactions 30% higher (p=0.002) than women who received less than definitive therapy. Over 90% of women believed they were currently cured or would be cured in the future. However, 18% of women who have stage IIIa tumors believed they would never be cured, while only 8% of those with stage I tumors believed they would never be cured (p=0.05). Our results suggest women do not always attribute their breast cancer to established causes. Women who received definitive therapy were more satisfied with their care and with their physician interactions than women who received less than definitive therapy. Women with advanced tumors were more likely to perceive they would never be cured than women with less advanced tumors.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be able to describe how improved knowledge of breast cancer leads to better satisfaction with care in older U.S. women.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Patient Satisfaction

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.