Survey Study on Areas of Interest Among Highly Educated Female Patients with Non-Advanced Breast Cancer

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the specific concerns and areas of interest among highly educated female patients with non-advanced breast cancer. Methods: A cohort of 156 female patients with non-advanced breast cancer, who sought medical care at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital on March 8, 2021, was selected as the study population. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to collect and analyze data related to patients' educational backgrounds, age, marital status, reproductive history, and their specific areas of interest. Results: Among the 156 non-advanced breast cancer patients, 128 individuals had their staging and surgical information verified. Among these patients, 36 had attained a university education or higher (classified as highly educated). Furthermore, 41.7% of patients were under the age of 40, 72.2% were covered by Nanjing City Employee Medical Insurance, and 72.2% had a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 18.5 to 23.9. Among the highly educated non-advanced breast cancer patients who had detailed staging and surgical data available (28 cases), 46.4% underwent breast-conserving surgery, 46.4% opted for mastectomy, and 7.1% underwent reconstructive surgery. Additionally, 89.3% of these patients were diagnosed at an early stage, while 10.7% were diagnosed at an intermediate stage. Socioeconomic and pathological analysis revealed differences among patients with varying educational backgrounds (128 cases). Highly educated patients accounted for the highest proportion (35.7%) among patients under 40 years old, and 75% of highly educated patients with medical insurance were covered by Nanjing City Employee Medical Insurance. Highly educated patients tended to have fewer offspring. In the income group of 200,000 to 500,000, highly educated patients constituted the largest proportion (28.6%). The disparities among these educational groups were all statistically significant, with p-values <0.05. Regarding the areas of interest among the 156 surveyed patients, over 90% expressed interest in topics encompassing dietary guidance, lifestyle recommendations, rehabilitation and exercise, symptoms indicative of recurrence and metastasis, risk assessment for recurrence and mortality, breast cancer prevention, available treatment modalities for breast cancer, and the significance of post-recurrence and metastasis treatment. Conclusion: Highly educated female patients with non-advanced breast cancer were more likely to be younger, have fewer children, and higher family incomes (all with p-values <0.05). There were no substantial differences in areas of interest between highly educated breast cancer patients and those with lower educational backgrounds. Clinical healthcare providers should prioritize effective communication with patients regarding breast cancer prevention, treatment, and post-treatment lifestyle guidance.