Supportive care needs among Mexican young women with breast cancer.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e21552-e21552
Author(s):  
C. Lizette Galvez ◽  
Cynthia Villarreal-Garza ◽  
Alejandro Mohar

e21552 Background: Despite high rates of breast cancer (BC) in young Mexican women, information about their particular needs and concerns is largely unknown. Understanding the patients individual needs in a population with unique socio-cultural features is essential to guide supportive care and improve their quality of life. We aim to describe the unmet needs of Mexican young women with breast cancer (YWBC). Methods: A cross-sectional study including women with stage I-III BC aged 40 years or younger at diagnosis was conducted at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico City. YWBC were invited to complete the Supportive Care Needs Survey, Short Form-34 (SCNS-SF34), a comprehensive tool that measures the perceived unmet needs of cancer patients. The survey was previously adapted and validated in our population for its use. Results: 81 consecutive patients with median age at diagnosis of 35.09 (SD 3.9) years were included. 45.7% were married and 29.2% completed secondary school. 92.6% had stage II-III BC. 70.4% were undergoing active treatment and 29.6% were either on hormonal therapy or surveillance. From a total standardized score of 100, the health systems and information domain had the highest mean score (39.3), followed by the psychological domain (36.3). The sexuality domain had the lowest mean score (27). The highest ranked items of unmet needs (by mean crude score) were: to be informed about cancer is under control or diminishing (2.9), to be informed about things you can do to help yourself get well (2.8), lack of energy and fatigue (2.7), and fear about the cancer spreading (2.7). Perceived needs among patients undergoing active treatment were greater compared to those in follow-up (z = -2.390 p = 0.017), predominantly in the sexuality domain (z = -2.084 p = 0.037). Conclusions: Mexican YWBC have specific needs that are currently not systematically addressed. The predominant unmet need regarding health systems and information should be a priority. Further research to understand the needs and concerns of this unique and understudied patient population will aid tailor clinical interventions and supportive care.

Author(s):  
Mohammed Al-Azri ◽  
Khalid Al-Bimani ◽  
Al-Anoud Al-Maqbali ◽  
Hala Al-Riyami ◽  
Al-Kuthar Al-Shabnooti ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the unmet supportive care needs of Omani women with breast cancer (BC). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to February 2021 among 250 adult Omani women diagnosed with BC at a university teaching hospital in Muscat, Oman. An Arabic version of the 34-item Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form tool was used to determine perceived unmet supportive care needs across five domains. Results: A total of 181 women participated in the study (response rate: 72.4%). The domain with the highest mean score per item was health system and information (mean score: 3.33), with the greatest unmet need in this domain being informed about things that the patient could do to help themselves get well (40.9%). The domain with the second highest mean score per item was patient care and support (mean score: 3.04), with the greatest unmet need being for clinicians to be more sincere with the patient (36.5%). Higher total mean scores were reported by women who had visited the hospital four times or more over the past two months (P = 0.045), those with stage 3 or 4 cancer (P = 0.047) and those who had recently undergone radiotherapy or chemotherapy (P = 0.014). Conclusion: Most unmet supportive care needs fell under the health system and information domain. Healthcare providers in Oman should explore patient concerns and provide sufficient information at various stages of the care process in order to decrease the anxiety associated with living with cancer. Keywords: Breast Neoplasms; Needs Assessment; Supportive Care; Women; Oman.


2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (36) ◽  
pp. 6172-6179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Armes ◽  
Maggie Crowe ◽  
Lynne Colbourne ◽  
Helen Morgan ◽  
Trevor Murrells ◽  
...  

Purpose To estimate prevalence and severity of patients' self-perceived supportive care needs in the immediate post-treatment phase and identify predictors of unmet need. Patients and Methods A multicenter, prospective, longitudinal survey was conducted. Sixty-six centers recruited patients for 12 weeks. Patients receiving treatment for the following cancers were recruited: breast, prostate, colorectal, and gynecologic cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Measures of supportive care needs, anxiety and depression, fear of recurrence, and positive and negative affect were completed at the end of treatment (T0) and 6 months later (T1). Results Of 1,850 patients given questionnaire packs, 1,425 (79%) returned questionnaires at T0, and 1,152 (62%) returned questionnaires at T1. Mean age was 61 years; and most respondents were female (69%) and had breast cancer (57%). Most patients had no or few moderate or severe unmet supportive care needs. However, 30% reported more than five unmet needs at baseline, and for 60% of these patients, the situation did not improve. At both assessments, the most frequently endorsed unmet needs were psychological needs and fear of recurrence. Logistic regression revealed several statistically significant predictors of unmet need, including receipt of hormone treatment, negative affect, and experiencing an unrelated significant event between assessments. Conclusion Most patients do not express unmet needs for supportive care after treatment. Thirty percent reported more than five moderate or severe unmet needs at both assessments. Unmet needs were predicted by hormone treatment, negative mood, and experiencing a significant event. Our results suggest that there is a proportion of survivors with unmet needs who might benefit from the targeted application of psychosocial resources.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522110391
Author(s):  
Sujana H Chowdhury ◽  
Bilkis Banu ◽  
Nasrin Akter ◽  
Sarder M Hossain

Background Breast cancer survivor goes through a period of needs in their post-treatment daily life. Relatively few studies have been conducted to understand the unmet needs among breast cancer survivors in Bangladesh. Recognize and measure patterns and predictors of unmet needs of breast cancer patients was the aim of the study. Objective To identify and measure patterns and predictors of unmet needs of breast cancer patients in Bangladesh. Method A cross-sectional study among 138 breast cancer patients; conveniently selected from two public and two private cancer institutes. Face-to-face interview for data collection and medical record review for checklist was done. Unmet needs have been determined by the supportive care needs survey short form 34 scale. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of unmet needs. Results The study indicated the top 10 moderate-to-high needs; among which the top five needs were from the information need domain. Surprisingly, private cancer treatment centers were identified as a significant predictor for unmet needs. Patients from private cancer institutes reported more explanation needs as well as needs with their physical and daily living and sexuality. Furthermore, the type of treatment like patient receiving combine treatment therapy reported more need for help compared to the patient receiving chemotherapy alone. Moreover, housewives reported the low need for patient care and support systems as a result of their reluctant behavior towards their health. Conclusion Individual’s unmet need assessment should be a part of every treatment protocol of breast cancer for a better treatment outcome.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18) ◽  
pp. 2560-2566 ◽  
Author(s):  
David P. Smith ◽  
Rajah Supramaniam ◽  
Madeleine T. King ◽  
Jeanette Ward ◽  
Martin Berry ◽  
...  

Purpose It is important to meet the supportive care needs of cancer patients to ensure their satisfaction with their care. A population-wide sample of men younger than 70 years and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer was surveyed to determine their unmet needs in five domains and the factors predicting them. Patients and Methods Eligible men were younger than 70 years and residents in New South Wales, Australia, with newly diagnosed histopathologically confirmed prostate cancer. Sixty-seven percent of eligible men diagnosed between October 2000 and October 2001 participated. Demographic, treatment, and self-reported health data were collected. Information on cancer stage, grade, and prostate-specific antigen was obtained from medical records. Logistic regression analyses determined patient and treatment variables that predicted higher unmet needs. Results More than half (54%) of men with prostate cancer expressed some level of unmet psychological need, and 47% expressed unmet sexuality needs. Nearly one fourth expressed a moderate or high level of unmet need with respect to changes in sexuality. Sexuality needs were independently predicted by being younger, having had a secondary school education only, having had surgery, and being married, living as married, or divorced. Uncertainty about the future was also an important area of unmet need. Conclusion Attention should be given to sexual and psychological needs in the early months after diagnosis or treatment of prostate cancer, particularly in younger men, those with less education, and those having surgery. Research into better ways of meeting these needs will enable us to meet them with as much rigor as we meet clinical treatment needs.


Author(s):  
Ya-Ling Lin ◽  
Chun-Yi Chuang ◽  
Vivian Chia-Rong Hsieh ◽  
Ming-Shou Tsai ◽  
Yen-Fang Liu ◽  
...  

This study examined unmet supportive care needs for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients by cancer stage and treatment phase, as well as the factors associated with these unmet needs. At a cancer center in central Taiwan, information on consultations and services patients received at the resource center was described in the service chart. We extracted data available for NPC patients to evaluate their unmet supportive care needs (health information, patient care, treatment, nutritional, psychosocial, and economic) and their association with sex, age, cancer stage, and treatment phase. The 145 NPC patients were 68.3% male, 60.0% less than 50 years old, and 83.5% diagnosed at stages III and IV. The most prevalent unmet need was nutritional (40.7%), followed by psychosocial and patient care, with economic unmet needs the least (4.8%). Women were more likely than men to have patient care unmet needs (32.6% vs. 15.2%). Nutritional unmet need was higher in older patients than in younger ones (83.3% vs. 35.6%), with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 9.39 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.17–40.70). Psychosocial unmet needs were higher in younger patients than old patients (34.5% vs. 0%) and in patients interviewed during follow-up period than those at newly diagnosed (55.2% vs. 23.1%). In conclusion, the most commonly reported concern was nutritional unmet needs for NPC patients. Their unmet needs may vary by demographic and disease factors, including patient sex and age, cancer stage, and treatment phase.


2020 ◽  
pp. 107815522097103
Author(s):  
Begashaw Melaku Gebresillassie ◽  
Asnakew Achaw Ayele ◽  
Tadesse Melaku Abegaz

Background Assessment of supportive care needs is an important requirement to plan supportive care intervention. This study aimed to assess the unmet supportive care needs of cancer patients treated at the University of Gondar Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2017 to August 30, 2017. Adult (18 years and greater) cancer patients and those who were receiving therapy were included. The 34-Item short-form Supportive Care Needs Survey(SCNS-SF34) tool was used to assess unmet needs. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version-21. Results A total of 150 interview guides were included in the analysis (97.4% of response rate). In the majority of 65(43.3%) the participants, the disease was metastasized even though they have undergone surgery 78 (52%). The overall mean score level of unmet need for cancer care was 3.49. The highest unmet need mean score was reported from the health system and information need domain. A significant unmet need difference concerning different need domain was found in sex, age, residence, occupation status, and monthly income. Sex and residence were found to be independent predicting factors for unmet supportive care needs. Conclusion The overall level of unmet need was high. A significant unmet need difference was found in sex, age, residence, occupation status, and monthly income. Sex and residence were found to be independent predicting factors. Hence, professionals working in the oncology unit should be aware of unmet needs and expect changes over time. Certain programs and services to address the identified unmet needs should be urgently provided.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Joseph Fong ◽  
Whye Lian Cheah

Background.Recognizing the needs of cancer survivors is one of the important aspects in healthcare delivery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of unmet supportive care needs and its associated factors among the breast cancer survivors of community-based support group in Kuching, Sarawak.Materials and Methods.This was a cross-sectional study using Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34). All the members of community-based breast cancer support groups in Kuching were invited. A total of 101 respondents were face-to-face interviewed after the consent was obtained. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results.The respondents endorsedhealth system and informationdomain with the highest mean score (2.48; 95% CI: 2.32–2.64). Top 10 items with “moderate to high” level unmet needs had a prevalence of 14.9% to 34.7% of respondents indicating need. Significantly higher level of unmet needs was associated with survivors who were younger (less than 60 years old), had higher education attainment, were unemployed, had survival duration of up to 5 years, and were undergoing active treatment.Conclusion. Systematic delivery of health information which is targeted, culturally sensitive, and linguistically appropriate for addressing younger age, education level, employment status, length of survivorship, and treatment stage should be considered not only at hospital-based setting but also at the community-based support groups.


Author(s):  
Carmen L. Gálvez-Hernández ◽  
Allison Boyes ◽  
Andrea Ortega-Mondragón ◽  
Andrea G. Romo-González ◽  
Alejandro Mohar ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. H. Campbell ◽  
M. Carey ◽  
R. Sanson-Fisher ◽  
D. Barker ◽  
D. Turner ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9124-9124
Author(s):  
Linda R. Mileshkin ◽  
Lisa Sheeran ◽  
Kate Robins-Browne ◽  
Michelle Marven ◽  
Karla Gough ◽  
...  

9124 Background: Improved treatments mean women with advanced breast cancer (ABC) are living longer, sometimes for many years. As a result, these women may experience chronic needs that are different from those with early breast cancer. We aimed to assess the support and information needs of women living with ABC. Methods: A national postal survey was sent to 2,345 women with ABC registered as members of the consumer organizations BCNA and/or BreaCan. Women were asked about their disease, treatment, experiences of care, and to complete the Supportive Care Needs Survey. Results: The response rate was 34% (792 valid responses). Mean age was 57 (range 25-99) with 21% living alone and 27% working. 18% reported living with ABC for >7 years. 656 (85%) were having current treatment: chemotherapy (43%), hormonal therapy (46%), bisphosphonates (49%), and/or trastuzumab (Herceptin) (19%) respectively. 49% of women reported having access to a Breast Care Nurse (BCN) since diagnosis of ABC but only 3% cited a BCN or cancer nurse as their main contact. The majority (76%) cited their medical oncologist as their main contact, 8% cited their family doctor. Women wanted information about: treatment options (84.2%), new treatments (79.2%), symptoms/side effects (78.9%), clinical trials (60.8%), managing pain (57.2%) and financial assistance (38%). Women ≤ 65 had significantly higher levels of unmet needs than those >65 for the 7 items below, including all items from the sexual domain. Conclusions: Women with ABC have many unmet needs with younger women particularly needing more support with sexual needs and anxiety. Women are heavily reliant on their medical oncologist, who may not be equipped or best placed to meet these needs. Models of care need to be developed to address the unmet supportive care needs of women living with ABC. [Table: see text]


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