Socioeconomic status significantly contributes to the likelihood of immediate postmastectomy breast reconstruction in the Netherlands: A nationwide study

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that breast cancer patients with a low socioeconomic status (SES) are less likely to undergo postmastectomy immediate reconstruction (IBR). However, these were performed in countries unequal access healthcare. Therefore, the aim of this study was investigate whether SES also contributes likelihood receiving IBR country equal healthcare.Materials and methodsPatients stage I or II diagnosed between 2011 2018 who underwent mastectomy selected from Netherlands Cancer Registry. calculated average incomes each postal code which divided into 10-deciles. Primary outcome effect on IBR, controlled for patient, tumour hospital characteristics expressed as Odds Ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsHigher significantly increased probability undergoing (OR 1.05 per 10% stratum), just larger volume (average OR 1.89 large 2.58), oestrogen positive tumours 1.19) neo-adjuvant therapy 1.42). In contrast, factors reducing older age 0.92 year), 0.61 compared I) adjuvant 0.56).ConclusionWomen lower receive IBR. More research is warranted lifestyle associated such smoking higher BMI, language barrier, illiteracy internet explain differences.