NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women with breast cancer who are involved in the process of selecting their surgeon are more likely to be treated by more experienced surgeons and in hospitals with established cancer programs, according to a new study.

Surgeon and hospital characteristics can influence the outcomes of cancer treatments, the authors explain, but little is known about the factors that influence how referrals are made, researchers report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Dr. Steven J. Katz from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and colleagues used survey data from women recently diagnosed with breast cancer and their attending surgeons to determine how surgeons are selected, and if there is any association between the referral process and characteristics of the surgeon and hospital.

Most women were referred to their surgeon by another doctor or by their health plan. They chose their surgeon for a number of reasons -- the surgeon's reputation, the institution's reputation, the recommendation of family or friends, or convenience of the location.

The investigators found that 54.3 percent of women were referred and did not select their surgeon; 21.9 percent were referred, but were also involved in selecting their surgeon; 20.3 percent selected their surgeon and were not referred by a provider or plan; and the rest of the patients had a prior relationship with their surgeon.

Women who selected their surgeon by reputation were twice as likely to have a surgeon who performed many procedures (high-volume surgeon) and to be treated at a cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute or a program approved by the American College of Surgeons, the team reports.

Patients referred by another doctor or health plan were less likely to be treated by a high-volume surgeon or in hospitals with approved cancer programs, the researchers note.

Previous studies have shown that surgical patients often have better outcomes if they are treated by highly experienced surgeons and at hospitals that perform many similar procedures each year.

More research is needed to investigate the implications of the different referral patterns in this study, Katz and colleagues point out. "In the meantime, women with breast cancer should be aware that provider-based referral might not connect them with the most experienced surgeons or the most comprehensive practice setting in their community."

"Patients might consider a second opinion," the researchers suggest, "especially if they are advised to undergo a particular procedure without a full discussion of treatment options or a clear medical rationale for the recommendation."