Preparing to survive: Improving outcomes for young women with breast cancer

Published Date: 01st May 2022

Publication Authors: Hunter-Smith A

Introduction
Young women with breast cancer (YWBC) have unique needs compared to their older-age counterparts, due to life-stage at diagnosis; often yet to start a family, responsible for young children, and/or in the midst of career progression. Interventions to address this are limited. We aimed to understand the unmet needs of YWBC in order to develop a tailored self-management tool (SMT) to improve YWBC's experience and psychosocial-sexual wellbeing, long-term.

Methods
Using qualitative inquiry, semi-structured interviews conducted with YWBC survivors and clinicians. Inclusion criteria: women aged < 40 years, stage 0-IV disease, minimum one-year post-diagnosis. Clinicians: active members breast cancer MDT. Interviews recorded and transcribed verbatim, data analysed using Thorne's Interpretive Description.

Results
Thirty-six participants interviewed across seven Canadian provinces. Mean age 36 years. 36% received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, 47% mastectomy with reconstruction and 41% contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. The majority of YWBC reported coping needs focused on psychological and emotional challenges (fear and anxiety), fertility support, negative self-image and sexual health morbidity. Coping needs were greatest at point of diagnosis and on discharge from acute care. Significant coping challenges also described for close family members; partners' needs often neglected with no offer of professional support, which in turn, negatively impacted survivor experience. YWBC requested SMT include: age-specific one-on-one peer support; psychology, age-specific sexual health and fertility education; post-treatment support.

Conclusion
We have identified unique biopsychosocial and educational needs from this young cohort of women. We will target these through a novel and pragmatic SMT, to improve YWBC's experience and optimise long-term health.

Hunter-Smith, A et al. (2022). Preparing to survive: Improving outcomes for young women with breast cancer. European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 48 (5), E193-E194

 

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