Abstract
BACKGROUND
Older women are less likely than younger women to receive definitive care for a new diagnosis of breast cancer, but the reasons are not well understood. Although coordination of referral among specialists is an important component of quality of care, it has not been studied as a factor that contributes to observed ageβrelated variations in breast cancer care.
METHODS
Treatment recommendations by 191 surgeons of 559 patients aged β₯ 65 years with Stage I to IIIa breast cancer provided patientβspecific assessments of comorbidity and medical oncologist referral. Demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics from medical records and telephone interviews were evaluated by statistical regression methods to identify factors associated with referral to a medical oncologist and to evaluate whether a referral resulted in discussion and prescription of tamoxifen.
RESULTS
Estrogen receptor protein negativity and higher tumor stage increased the likelihood of referral (odds ratio [OR] = 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9β16.7, and OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.7β10.3, respectively), whereas a moderate to severely ill health status decreased the likelihood of referral (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2β0.9). Those referred were twice as likely to report having a discussion about tamoxifen (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.06β3.7) and to have been prescribed tamoxifen (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 0.99β4.3).
CONCLUSIONS
Referral to medical oncologists is associated with receipt of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. The current study findings suggest that more consistent referral of older women to medical oncologists may enhance quality of discussion and participation in decisions concerning treatment options. Cancer 2005. Β© 2005 American Cancer Society.