Abstract
Breast cancer is a significant health concern, and treatment decisions have traditionally driven by physicians, often without due consideration for patients’ preferences in their treatment choices. This scoping review aimed to explore and summarize what matters most to breast cancer patients when deciding on their treatment options. We found five main themes that were important to patients:
Effectiveness: Patients highly value treatments that are effective in fighting cancer, prolonging survival, and preventing recurrence.
Treatment-related process: The length of treatment and availability of different therapies influenced patients’ choices. Patients trust their doctors’ expertise but also value being involved in the decision-making process to have their preferences considered.
Side Effects and Safety: Concerns about treatment-related side effects and the risk of secondary cancer were critical factors in decision-making.
Quality of Life: Maintaining a good quality of life during treatment is crucial for patients.
Financial Burden: The additional direct and indirect out-of-pocket costs of treatment were important considerations for patients.
Understanding patients’ preferences is vital in developing personalized treatments that align with their values. Healthcare professionals need to communicate effectively with patients and involve them in the decision-making process. Patient decision aids and tailored financial assistance programs could also be helpful. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies to tailor treatments to meet patients’ preferences. Overall, this review sheds light on what matters most to breast cancer patients, empowering them to be more active participants in their treatment decisions and potentially improving treatment outcomes and overall well-being.