THIEME Original Article 1 Factors Influencing Treatment Decisions among Breast Cancer Patients in the Philippine General Hospital Cancer Institute—Medical Oncology Outpatient Clinic Bobby G. de Guzman 1 Norman F. Cabaya 1 Frederic Ivan L. Ting 1 Jennifer Sandoval-Tan 1 1 Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of the Philippines—Philippine General Hospital, Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines Address for correspondence Frederic Ivan L. Ting, MD, Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of the Philippines—Philippine General Hospital, Taft Avenue, Manila 1000, Philippines (e-mail: fredtingmd@gmail.com). Introduction Breast cancer is a chronic disease and its treatment decisions exist over a relatively long time period. This study was done to identify factors influencing treatment decisions among breast cancer patients in the Philippine General Hospital Cancer Institute–Medical Oncology Outpatient Clinic. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that made use of a questionnaire and structured interview. Descriptive statistics were utilized in the analysis of the data. This allowed identification of patient demographics, economic profile, cancer profile, sources of financial or medical assistance, and summary of patient’s responses to iden- tify the factors influencing treatment decisions among breast cancer patients. Results A total of 272 participants were included. This study identified the following factors as having influence on treatment decisions: high level of satisfaction to the consultation with their attending physician, caring and sincere communication about prognosis and likelihood of benefit from treatment, family as person of influence, the patient’s collaborative role in the decision making process, the desire of cure, and trust with their doctors. Conclusion Health practices and treatment decisions among Filipino breast cancer patients are widely affected by an interplay of the following factors: family, com- munity, doctor’s recommendations, patient’s satisfaction and participation in the decision-making, health care access, and adverse treatments. Abstract Keywords ► breast cancer ► treatment decisions ► factors DOI https://doi.org/ 10.1055/s-0040-1708924 ISSN 2454-6798. ©2020 Spring Hope Cancer Foundation & Young Oncologist Group of Asia Introduction Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, with nearly two million new cases diagnosed in 2018. It is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women and represents ~12% of all new cancer cases and 25% of all cancers in women. 1 In the Philippines, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and its incidence starts to rise sharply at the age 30 with an average annual increase of 1.2%. 2 Breast cancer is a chronic disease and its treatment deci- sions exist over a relatively long time period. Upon diagno- sis, the decision process differs from person to person. The patients then meet choices about surgical treatment and the need for adjuvant treatment, taking into consideration sur- gery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to name a few. However, these decisions are not clear cut and mandates a continuous and thorough discussion of treatment options between the patient and the physician. Despite efforts around the world toward increased patient participation in their health care management, most people still do not use these ideals into practice. 3 Discussion regarding the treatment options occurs in dif- ferent ways. More often than not, the Filipino patient has a passive role in choosing treatment options and leaves to his or Asian J Oncol Published online: 2020-03-24