Mastectomy or lumpectomy? Choice for breast cancer varies across country: report

TORONTO – A new report shows there are substantial variations across the country in mastectomy and lumpectomy rates to treat breast cancer.

This year, about 22,000 women will have a mastectomy or a lumpectomy followed by radiation. Both treatments are equally effective in promoting survival.

But the joint report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer show the rates for the two treatments vary widely from one province to another.

The rates for women having a cancerous breast removed instead of a partial lumpectomy was the lowest at 26 per cent in Quebec and highest in Newfoundland Labrador at 69 per cent.

The report found that a woman’s age and the distance to a centre to undergo weeks of almost daily radiation after a lumpectomy are two factors that may play into the choice to have a mastectomy.

The 2007-2010 report shows increased numbers of mastectomies corresponding to travel time, with rates exceeding 50 per cent for women whose round trip was three hours or more.

“This report confirms what we suspected — that there are variations in the use of surgery as a treatment option for breast cancer based on a range of factors,” said Dr. Heather Bryant of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.

“Armed with information like this, health system planners and clinicians are in an ideal situation to identify strengths and opportunities within existing practice, which can collectively help to optimize breast cancer care and the experience of women who receive surgery as part of their treatment.”