Effective methods for disclosing breast cancer diagnosis

BACKGROUND: The current study sought to determine effective methods for disclosing breast cancer diagnosis and to identify epidemiologic patterns in patient preference for method of information disclosure. METHODS: Surveys were sent to 691 breast cancer patients over 10 years. Questions evaluated the best methods for telling a woman of her diagnosis. The chi-square, Wilcoxon rank, and Mantel-Haenszel tests were used for statistical associations. RESULTS: Ninety percent of patients had no preference for which gender disclosed the diagnosis. Fifty-nine percent said they believe it is important to be asked how much information one would like to know when initially told the diagnosis. However, most (54%) were not asked when they were told. When asked if previous ideas about breast cancer influenced their concerns, 79% answered "yes" or "somewhat." However, only 10% knew "a great deal." CONCLUSIONS: Patients have defined preferences about breast cancer diagnosis disclosure, making effective methods of diagnosis disclosure important to identify and practice.