Cosmetic outcome after breast-conserving treatment: a patient-oriented approach

The incidence of breast cancer has increased in recent decades and treatment strategies are constantly being optimized. The introduction of breast-conserving treatment (BCT) has led to a less aggressive treatment strategy, resulting in equally good results as a mastectomy in terms of local control and survival. Goals of BCT are to achieve optimal local tumor control and a good cosmetic result. However, BCT can also lead to deformation of the treated breast resulting in patient dissatisfaction. This thesis investigated the information needs of patients about the cosmetic consequences and the optimal timing to discuss them. Furthermore, it was investigated how healthcare professionals score cosmetics compared to patients. Finally, it was investigated which factors negatively influence cosmetics and whether a preoperative prediction model could be developed on this basis.