Patterns of care analysis among women with ductal carcinoma in situ in North Carolina

Background Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast comprises approximately 25% of new breast cancer cases. The aim of this study was to delineate patterns of care for women with DCIS as related to age, tumor characteristics, and race/ethnicity. Further study goals included the identification of predictors of breast-conserving surgery (BCS), adjuvant radiation, and/or hormonal therapy, as well as breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Methods The North Carolina Cancer Registry was queried for primary DCIS treated in 1998 and 1999 (n = 1,893). Logistic regression analysis was performed to define the determinants of patterns of care. Results Thirty-five percent of the women in this study sample underwent mastectomy. Positive predictors of mastectomy included young age (age <50 y vs 70+; odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–2.11) and larger tumor size (>2 mm vs 0–1 mm; OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.63–3.60). Approximately 48% of women who underwent BCS received adjuvant radiation therapy. Factors associated with receiving radiation therapy after BCS include younger age (age <50 vs 70+; OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.49–3.03). Approximately 19% of women who underwent BCS received adjuvant hormonal therapy. Positive predictors of receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy after BCS included age of 50 to 60 years versus 70+ (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.36–3.44) and the receipt of radiation therapy (OR, 3.60; 95% CI, 2.55–5.06). Approximately 28% of women who underwent mastectomy received breast reconstruction surgery. Positive predictors of breast reconstruction after mastectomy included age younger than 50 years versus 70+ years (OR, 47.36; 95% CI, 19.45–115.32). African American race was associated negatively with receipt of breast reconstruction after mastectomy (OR, .46; 95% CI, .26–.84). Conclusions Treatment strategies for primary surgical therapy for DCIS vary significantly by age. Inconsistencies exist surrounding the use of adjuvant radiation therapy after BCS in women with DCIS. Variations in approaches to reconstructive surgery after mastectomy may be related to age, ethnicity, and/or economic constraints.