title: Information requirements of young women with breast cancer treated with mastectomy or breast conserving surgery: A systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Young women with breast cancer have poorer prognosis, greater lifetime risk of local recurrence, contralateral recurrence, and distant disease, regardless of surgery received. Here we systematically review published evidence relating to the information requirements and preferences of young women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer offered a choice between mastectomy and Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS). Findings will inform the development of a surgical decision aid for young women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight databases were searched to identify research examining information requirements of young women facing breast oncological surgery treatment decisions (MESH headings). Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and summarised in a narrative synthesis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings indicate that young women prefer greater and more detailed information regarding treatment side effects, sexuality, and body image. Younger age of diagnosis leads to an increased risk perception of developing a second breast cancer. Young women's choices are influenced by factors associated with family and career. Information is required in a continuum throughout the treatment experience and not only at diagnosis when treatment decisions are made. Young women show differing levels of participation preferences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Young women find decision-making challenging when the characteristics of diagnosis provide a surgical choice between mastectomy and breast conservation surgery. Efforts should be made to provide information regarding sexuality, body image, reconstruction, fertility and likelihood of familial predisposition. Further research is needed to identify the specific level and information requirements of this young-onset group. The low number of studies indicate a need to design studies targeting specifically this age group of breast cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: University of Southampton, Faculty of Health Sciences, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK. Electronic address: A.Recio-Saucedo@soton.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Alejandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Recio-Saucedo
authors.affiliation: Cancer Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YA, UK.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gerty
authors.affiliation: University of Southampton, Faculty of Health Sciences, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.affiliation: Cancer Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YA, UK.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Eccles
authors.affiliation: Cancer Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YA, UK.
authors.forename: Ramsey I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Cutress
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000523:psychology*; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental / Q000523:psychology*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D018570:Risk Assessment; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Breast cancer; Decision-making; Surgery; Young women