To investigate trends in breast cancer treatment and decisions regarding breast reconstruction surgery, and assess social media engagement as a tool for clinical decision-making among diverse populations.
Approach:
Participants and Survey Design: Engaged a voluntary sample of 413 adult females with a history of surgical intervention for breast cancer, utilizing a web-based survey to collect data on demographics, treatment, and decision-making.
Recruitment and Sampling Methodology: Participants were recruited through Kantar Profiles, ensuring a racially and ethnically diverse population with a focus on anonymity and unbiased selection.
Statistical Analysis: Demographic and treatment data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify predictors of breast reconstruction.
Key Findings:
76.3% of respondents had stage 0–2 breast cancer at diagnosis.
23.7% had stage 3–4 disease.
63.7% underwent chemotherapy, 67.3% received radiation therapy, and 81.6% had mastectomy.
64.4% of mastectomy patients received post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.
Interpretation:
Racial disparities exist in breast reconstruction outcomes.
Limitations:
The study may not fully capture the experiences of all racial groups due to sample size limitations.
Data is based on self-reported history, which may introduce bias.
Conclusion:
Disparities in treatment and access to information exist in breast cancer care.
by Tokoya Williams, May X. Li, Keenan S. Fine, Bradley A. Melnick, Kelly C. Ho, Johna Joseph, Jayla Allums, Rolando J. Casas Fuentes, Brigid M. Coles, Robert D. Galiano
Experts across Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute and Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute will present new radiation oncology research and clinical expertise at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), September 26-30, 2026, in Boston.
