Characterizing patients with breast cancer who seek second opinions at an academic cancer center.

Abstract

e19229 Background: Although second-opinion (SO) seeking is common in the field of oncology, there is limited empirical research on its drivers and consequences. This study’s objective is to compare the demographic and tumor characteristics between patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer who seek out SOs for treatment planning purposes with those who do not. Methods: This retrospective study includes women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who attended a single academic cancer center between 2017 and 2018 for an initial treatment consultation. Data elements were extracted from the medical record. Characteristics of first opinion and SO seekers were compared using descriptive statistics and chi-square testing. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of SO seeking. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results: Of the 547 newly diagnosed patients, 147 (26.8%) were SO seekers. Compared to those seeking a first opinion, SO seekers were statistically significantly more likely to be younger and White and to have multiple primary (versus single) tumors, and have more advanced stage (II-IV) tumors. The two groups did not differ in terms of marital status, insurance, tumor grade, and tumor hormone receptor status. In the multivariate analysis, age, race/ethnicity, and tumor stage remained statistically significant. Compared to those age 65 and older, those age <54 (OR=2.28; 95% CI:1.38-3.79) and those age 55-64 (OR=1.83; 95% CI:1.10-3.06) had a higher odds of seeking a SO. Compared to White women, Black (OR=0.33; 95% CI:0.18-0.63) and Hispanic women (OR=0.51; 95% CI:0.25-1.05) had a lower odds of SO seeking. Women with advanced stage tumors (OR=1.86; 95% CI:1.22-2.86) had a higher odds of seeking a SO compared to those with earlier stage tumors. Additionally, SO seekers had higher odds of multiple primary tumors (OR=1.63; 95% CI:0.99-2.69). Conclusions: In this study, SOs for breast cancer care were relatively common. SO seekers were more likely to be younger, White, and to have more advanced disease stage. Further analyses will include investigating the role of psychosocial factors in SO seeking and treatment changes resulting from SOs. More research on the value of SOs is needed to help guide patients and providers.