This cross-sectional dyadic study examined end-of-life (EOL) care values and treatment preferences among Japanese breast cancer patients and their family members, comparing concordance within patient-family pairs.
Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference; findings from a Japanese cultural context may limit generalizability to other populations; no longitudinal follow-up of preference stability over time.
Clinicians caring for Japanese breast cancer patients should proactively engage both patients and family members in EOL care discussions, as dyadic discordance in values and preferences may affect shared decision-making near end of life.
