360P - Factors influencing treatment decisions among breast cancer patients in the Philippine general hospital cancer institute: Medical oncology outpatient clinic

Background

Breast cancer is the the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide in women, with nearly two million new cases diagnosed in 2018. In the Philippines, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Upon diagnosis, the decision process differs from person to person. The patients then meet choices about surgical treatment and the need for adjuvant treatment, taking into consideration surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy to name a few. However, these decisions are not clear cut and a thorough discussion between the patient and the physician regarding treatment options taking into consideration the choice of the patient. This study aims to identify factors influencing treatment decisions among breast cancer patients in the Philippine General Hospital Cancer Institute - Medical Oncology Outpatient Clinic.

Methods

The study used a questionnaire and structured interview adapted from study done by Grunfeld, et.al. Descriptive statistics were utilized in the analysis of the data acquired from the recruited participants. This allowed identification of patient demographics, economic profile, cancer profile, sources of financial or medical assistance and summary of patient’s responses to identify the factors influencing treatment decisions among breast cancer patients.

Results

A total of 272 participants consented and included in the analysis of the study. This study identified high level of satisfaction with consultation to their attending physician, caring and sincere communication about prognosis and likelihood of benefit from treatment, family as person of influence, patient’s collaborative role in the decision-making process, desire of cure and trust with their doctors as factors of influence in accepting cancer treatment decisions.

Conclusions

Health practices and treatment decisions among Filipino breast cancer patients are widely affected by interplay of the following factors: family, community, doctor’s recommendations, patient’s satisfaction and participation in the decision-making, health care access and adverse treatments to name a few.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Bobby de Guzman.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.