Investigation and analysis of the reasons for omission of adjuvant radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery for early-stage breast cancer

Objective To investigate and analyze the reasons for the omission of adjuvant radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in patients with breast cancer. Methods The clinicopathologial characteristics and socioeconomic data of 55 breast cancer patients undergoing BCS without postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy in our hospital from 2012 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among the 55 patients who did not receive radiotherapy, 25 patients were due to low local recurrence risk, 12 patients were due to economic or family reasons, 12 patients were due to fear of adverse reactions of radiotherapy, and 5 patients were not recommended by primary physicians for radiotherapy.In addition, 3 cases with multiple distant metastases and 3 cases with concomitant thyroid cancer didn't received radiotherapy. Conclusions Low risk local recurrence is the main reason for the omission of adjuvant radiotherapy, followed by the fear of radiation-induced toxicity and poor financial support. Patient education and medical insurance may improve the adjuvant radiotherapy compliance. Key words: Breast neoplasm/surgery; Breast-conserving surgery; Breast neoplasm/radiotherapy; Analysis of reasons