The patterns of care study for breast-conserving therapy in Japan: Analysis of process survey from 1995 to 1997

Conclusions: The extent of surgical resection for BCT was large in Japan. Pathologic assessment and the technique of radiation therapy were apparently suboptimal in some cases. Information on prognostic/predictive factors was not fully utilized to individualize systemic adjuvant therapy. Establishment and widespread use of guidelines for BCT for in Japan are desirable. Repeated surveys will demonstrate how such guidelines affect clinical practices.