Factors Affecting Jordanian Women's Surgical Treatment Decisions for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Objective: This study aimed to assess factors influencing surgical treatment decisions for early-stage breast cancer among Jordanian women. Methods: A descriptive correlational survey design was utilized to meet the study objective. A total of 180 Jordanian women diagnosed with unilateral early-stage breast cancer (Stages I-II) were recruited from the radiotherapy departments and outpatient surgical and breast cancer clinics at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC). Participants completed a structured questionnaire consisting of the Arabic version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Breast Surgery Beliefs and Expectations Scale, and the Arabic version of the Control Preference Scale. Results: The majority of the participants underwent mastectomy as a definitive surgical treatment (i.e. 67%). Only stage at diagnosis and having a second opinion about surgical treatment options were significantly associated with the type of surgical procedure women opted for. The overwhelming majority of the participants in both groups cited the items of Minimize the chance of breast cancer coming back and Minimize the chance of dying of breast cancer as very important in their decisions for surgical treatment of unilateral early-stage breast cancer. Women who cited the item remove breast for peace of mind as important/very important were more likely to opt for mastectomy than women who cited the item as not important. Conclusions: Mastectomy is the preferred surgical treatment option for the majority of Jordanian women diagnosed with unilateral early-stage breast cancer at KHCC.

Automated summary

This study found that mastectomy is the preferred surgical treatment option for the majority of Jordanian women diagnosed with unilateral early-stage breast cancer at KHCC. Factors such as stage at diagnosis and seeking a second opinion were significantly associated with the type of surgical procedure women opted for. Participants overwhelmingly cited minimizing the chance of breast cancer recurrence and death as very important considerations in their surgical treatment decisions.