Who Accompanies Breast Cancer Patients to Reconstructive Surgery Consultation Appointments? Characteristics and Influence of the Patient-Companion Relationship.

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the emotional and psychological weight a breast cancer diagnosis may carry, many patients find comfort in navigating treatment and reconstruction with a companion. The relationship of such a companion can vary, ranging from first-degree relatives to friends with no familial relationship. Similarly, the degree of influence a companion has on a patient's treatment and reconstruction journey may also vary.

Methods: This study aimed to identify the relationships of companions who accompany patients to their breast cancer reconstruction appointments through a retrospective chart review of electronic medical records. Patients with both active breast cancer and those undergoing prophylactic mastectomy who had a breast cancer reconstruction surgery consultation from 2015 to 2020 were included in the study. Further characteristics such as age, relationship status, and distance traveled for the appointment were also assessed.

Results: Results of the analysis showed that over half of patients were accompanied by a companion, emphasizing the important role companions may play in emotional support. Married or partnered patients were significantly more likely to have a companion compared to their single, widowed, or divorced counterparts. On average, patients traveled 92.77 miles to attend their consultations. Patients who traveled futher distances were more likely to be accompanied by a companion than those without, suggesting the presence of a companion may be critical for those facing geographical challenges or seeking additional emotional reassurance during the consultation process.

Conclusion: This study aimed to explore the relationship between patients and their companions, based on patient demographics including age, relationship status, and relationship to their companion. Upon analysis of 421 patients with breast cancer, it was found patients who traveled further distances were more likely to be accompanied by a companion than those without, and those who were married were more likely to have a companion than those who were single. This analysis helps providers modify their approach to care, as well as better understand potential barriers to support in oncology patients. Future studies may aim to evaluate a more comprehensive picture of patientcompanion dynamics and their role in breast cancer consultations.