The Impact of Travel Distance and Income on Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy in a Rural Population

Abstract

Background:. Factors that influence breast reconstruction after mastectomy have been previously examined in national databases. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of patient travel distance and income on breast reconstruction after mastectomy in a rural population. Methods:. Retrospective review of mastectomy patients from 2017 to 2021 was performed from our prospectively enrolled tumor registry. Analysis included frequencies and percentages, descriptive statistics, χ2 analysis, independent sample t tests, and multivariable analysis. Results:. In total, 462 patients were included. Median BMI was 27.6 kg/m2, 96.1% of patients were White, and median age at diagnosis was 60.0 years. Reconstruction rate was 52.6%, and median length of follow-up was 24.6 months. No significant difference was found in the distance traveled by patients who underwent reconstruction (16.6 versus 16.7 miles; P = 0.94). Rates of reconstruction in patients who traveled 0–10 miles, 11–30 miles, and over 30 miles did not differ significantly (P = 0.16). Median household income was significantly different in reconstructed and nonreconstructed patients ($55,316.00 versus $51,629.00; P = 0.047). Rates of reconstruction were significantly higher in patients with median household income greater than $65,000 (P = 0.024). This difference was not significant on multivariable analysis. Conclusions:. Travel distance did not significantly impact reconstruction rates after mastectomy, while household income did on univariable analysis. Studies at an institutional or regional level remain valuable, especially in populations that may not be accurately represented in larger database studies. Our findings highlight the importance of patient education, resource allocation, and multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care, especially in the rural setting.