A National Survey of Breast Surgeons and Radiation Oncologists on Contemporary Axillary Management in Mastectomy Patients

Background Management of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer has undergone significant change over the past decade through landmark clinical trials. This study aimed to assess national practice patterns in axillary management in patients undergoing upfront mastectomy and examines what guides provider recommendations. Methods A national case-based survey study was performed of surgeons and radiation oncologists from July to August 2020. Surgeons were identified through the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) after review and approval by the ASBrS Research Committee, and radiation oncologists were identified through an institutional database. Both descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed. Results Overall, 994 providers responded—680 surgeons and 314 radiation oncologists. Surgeons were older and in practice longer ( p