Ethical analysis of breast cancer diagnosis

Objective: To assess awareness of breast cancer diagnosis, andhow it was disclosed to patients seen at a university hospital in SãoPaulo City. Methods: From January 2003 to July 2004, 102 patientswere interviewed on the day before surgery if they were aware oftheir diagnosis, how it was disclosed, and level of satisfaction as tothe information provided on their disease. Results: Twenty patients(19.6%) were not aware of their diagnosis. A significant association ofunawareness of diagnosis with low schooling (p = 0.027) and older age(p = 0.014). Among 82 patients who were informed of their diagnosis,70 (85.4%) were satisfied as to how the diagnosis was informed, where12 (14.6%) were not. Dissatisfaction was also associated with lowschooling (p = 0.012). Conclusions: Most patients were aware oftheir diagnosis and satisfied with information provided. Unawarenessand dissatisfaction were directly related to age and schooling.