Grant: Project Grant - Priority Announcement: Health Services and Policy Research

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Care for breast cancer is complex and may include many different forms of treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery to remove the breast. Surgery to restore the breast mound after breast cancer surgery, known as breast reconstruction, is an important part of breast cancer care because of its positive effects on quality of life. However, breast reconstruction can add a layer of complexity to a patient's breast cancer journey as it impacts the type and order of other cancer treatments. Navigating this complex system can be difficult for breast cancer patients who desire breast reconstruction. Breast cancer treatments have advanced and improved outcomes for patients, but the healthcare system providing these treatments has not mirrored this advance to properly support complex breast cancer care. The aim of this research is to evaluate the delivery of health services for breast cancer patients receiving breast reconstruction across British Columbia and seek patient and provider input on how to improve the current system. This study aims to understand how breast cancer care is provided by institutions and organizations, how the care is provisioned and received by providers and patients, and impactful solutions for improving care delivery and receipt. We will quantify the current organization and process measures of breast cancer care and compare provincial outcomes to established benchmarks. Additionally, patients, physicians, and policymakers will be interviewed to understand their experience in providing and receiving treatments, their priorities for healthcare service delivery, and the challenges they face when coordinating and accessing breast cancer care in the context of breast reconstruction. This research will identify ways in which breast cancer care can be improved at both an individual and system level.