Repeat Breast Cancer Surgeries After Segmental Mastectomy Meaningfully Increase Long Term Healthcare Costs
In brief
One in four breast-conservation patients had another surgery and higher costs
In a retrospective study of 87,190 patients, 23% had another breast cancer operation after breast-conserving surgery; these patients incurred higher healthcare costs than those who had no further surgery. They were also younger and more likely to have larger, higher-grade tumors. The study did not report the size of the cost difference, and cannot show that repeat surgery caused it.
- Journal
- Journal of surgical oncology (Q1)
- Published
- 12 October 2026
- Study design
- Retrospective cohort
- Evidence level
- Level 3, Low (CEBM 3b)
- Authors
- Alexandra L Mathews, Mara A Piltin, Sam E Wing, Naomi C Hamm, Yuki Liu, Feibi Zheng, et al.
- PMID
- 42861517
- DOI
- 10.1002/jso.70419
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Breast and Endocrine Surgery (paper of the day, 13 October 2026).
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Among patient with early-stage breast cancer, breast conservation surgery (BCS) is the most performed surgery, utilized in approximately two-thirds of patients. While 5-year overall-survival rates are strong-typically above 90%-additional re-excisions can occur in up to 25% of patients who undergo index BCS and some patients will require subsequent surgery for new breast cancer or recurrences. As such, these additional procedures can complicate patients' pathway to survivorship, negatively impact quality of life, and lead to excess healthcare costs. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used linked claims and an electronic healthcare record database to (1) characterize patients at higher risk for additional breast oncologic surgery (aBOS) following BCS, and (2) quantify the long-term financial impact of aBOS after BCS. In total, 87,190 patients with breast cancer, who had an index BCS between January 1, 2012, to March 31, 2023, were followed for up to 5-years post-operatively. Patients with and without aBOS were analyzed, comparing demographics, tumor characteristics, healthcare utilization, and per-person-per-month (PPPM) costs. RESULTS: Twenty-three percent (n = 20,212) of patients underwent aBOS. These patients were younger, had higher tumor grades and larger tumor sizes, and incurred greater healthcare costs compared to patients who did not undergo a secondary surgery. CONCLUSION: This study highlights significant factors influencing BCS outcomes and healthcare utilization, underscoring the need for tailored therapeutic strategies for patients with breast cancer.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.