Issues Patients would like to Discuss at their Review Consultation in Breast Cancer Clinics – a Cross-sectional Survey. Issue 5 (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kanatas, Anastasios; Lowe, Derek; Velikova, Galina; Roe, Brenda; Horgan, Kieran; Shaw, Richard J; Rogers, Simon N
• Is Part Of: Tumori. Volume 100:Issue 5(2014)
• Page Start: 568
• Page End: 579
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: breast cancer -- HRQOL and breast cancer patients -- health outcomes -- unmet needs; Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1700/1660.18184
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-8916

Abstract

Aims and Background: In breast cancer (BC) there are different therapies available with different side effects affecting the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients. Here we report a novel tool, the BC-specific Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI). This work includes a survey that is part of the validation process to allow a larger cohort and comparisons with clinical characteristics. We report the concerns that BC patients would like to discuss in the outpatient clinic – using the PCI – and also their choice of multidisciplinary team members they would like to see. Methods and Study Design: We carried out a cross-sectional survey – using the BC-specific PCI, the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the EORTC BC QLQ-BR23 – of patients who had completed their initial treatment and were attending a review outpatient clinic. 249 patients were recruited from February to July 2012. Results: Survey responses were obtained from 80% (200/249). The three most frequent items were fear of cancer coming back (62%, 124), breast sensitivity/pain (46%, 92), and fatigue/tiredness and low energy levels overall (46%, 92). The most frequently selected members of the multidisciplinary team that patients wished to see were the breast care nurse (46%, 92), the medical oncologist (28%, 55) and the psychologist (20%, 40). Conclusions: The PCI provides the opportunity for multiprofessional engagement across a range of issues specific to BC. It can identify issues relating to physical, psychological, sexual and social functioning, as well as issues relating to body image and lifestyle.