Surgical treatment preferences in Chinese-American women with early-stage breast cancer

Breast‐conserving treatment (BCT) is considered preferable to radical or modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for most women diagnosed with early‐stage breast cancer. Studies have found that Chinese‐American women are more likely to be treated with MRM, regardless of age or stage of disease. The central question posed in this study is: what are the cultural factors that influence the selection of treatments by Chinese‐American patients and the presentation of treatment options by providers? Focused group discussions, semi‐structured interviews, and ethnographic observations were conducted with 69 Chinese‐American women and 14 health professionals. Results indicated that (1) many Chinese‐American women, regardless of age, migration status, education, and income level, expressed a preference for MRM because it was seen as safer; (2) this was primarily a communal belief that even women who had BCT felt pressure to conform to; (3) some women felt pressured into the BCT decision by their physician and/or were unhappy with their choice; (4) patient and physician bias and difficulties with translation issues and supplemental materials all led to cross‐cultural miscommunication; and (5) this miscommunication was cited as a reason for (a) not completing treatment regimes or (b) drastic changes in the treatment selected. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.