Ethnic Influence in Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Study in the Bedouin Population

Background: Breast reconstruction following oncological resection offers psychosocial benefits. Various factors influence patient reconstruction decisions, including ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and education. We investigated disparities in breast reconstruction among Bedouin and non-Bedouin women in the Negev region. Objectives: To investigate the influence of ethnicity in breast reconstruction decisions between Bedouin and non-Bedouin women in Israel and to identify factors influencing the choice of reconstruction following oncological breast surgery. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we examined women undergoing breast cancer surgery, with or without reconstruction, between 2015 and 2021 in a breast cancer referral center. Demographics and detailed medical data were collected from electronic health records. We analyzed the factors that influenced decisions regarding breast reconstruction. Results: The study included 1415 patients who underwent breast resection. Age was a significant factor in breast reconstruction choices, with younger patients being more likely to choose reconstruction. Marital status and education level influenced the decision, whereas socioeconomic status and number of children did not. Ethnicity analysis highlighted distinct demographic and socioeconomic differences between Bedouin and non-Bedouin women. Despite these disparities, surgical choices did not differ significantly between ethnicities. Conclusions: Significant disparities exist between Bedouin and non-Bedouin women in terms of sociodemographic factors. However, these disparities did not affect their breast reconstruction decisions. Age, marital status, and education level influenced the decision to reconstruct the breast.