The importance of diverse patient group representation in clinical breast cancer trials and the role of patient education

In this interview, Eileen Connolly, MD discusses the importance of diverse patient group representation in clinical breast cancer trials and the role of patient education from her perspective as radiation oncologist.

First, she addresses disease-related characteristics of breast cancer patients that may affect treatment decisions, how environmental factors influence breast cancer treatment, and typical patient needs and challenges during the course of breast cancer treatment. Following, she then points out the importance of patient diversity in clinical trials, current barriers in breast cancer research, and how existing disparities can be overcome to achieve more equal patient representation. She also highlights what physicians can already do today to improve breast cancer care and why a transparent and individual  and why a transparent and individual patient education is incremental for a successful and modern breast cancer program.