Perceived symptoms and the supportive care needs of breast cancer survivors six months to five years post-treatment period
Abstract
Purpose
This
study characterized the range and levels of perceived symptoms and
unmet needs reported by breast cancer survivors in the half-year to five
year post-treatment period, and determined whether the symptoms can be a
predictor of unmet needs.
Methods
In a cross-sectional
study, 150 breast cancer survivors (mean age: 55.1 ± 8 years) at the
half-year to five year post-treatment period were enrolled for analysis.
The measuring scales used included the Memorial Symptom Assessment
Scale (MSAS), and the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form
(SCNS-SF34).
Results
88% of the survivors reported having
at least one symptom, while 51% reported at least one unmet need.
Lack
of energy was the most prevalent symptom (47%), followed by
numbness/tingling in hands/feet (41%).
Most of the survivors had unmet
needs in the Health care system/Information domain (37% reported at
least one unmet need for help), followed by Psychological needs (29%).
The mean scores for the SCNS-SF34 domains, except for sexuality, were
significantly higher in the high-symptom group (mean 17.6–32.2) compared
with the low-symptom group (mean 3.5–22.3) (p < 0.01).
Regression of the SCNS-SF34 domain scores against the MSAS scores
revealed an increase in the explained variance of from 14% to 54%.
Conclusion
Our
results suggest that breast cancer survivors continue to experience a
multitude of symptoms, and the burden of symptoms may be associated with
unmet needs across a range of domains.
Keywords: Symptoms, Unmet needs, Supportive care needs, Breast cancer survivors
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