3 research outputs found
A qualitative comparison of how older breast cancer survivors process treatment information regarding endocrine therapy.
BACKGROUND:It remains unclear how information about aromatase inhibitors (AI) impacts women's decision-making about persistence with endocrine therapy. PURPOSE:To describe and compare how women treated for primary early stage breast cancer either persisting or not persisting with an AI received, interpreted, and acted upon AI-related information. DESIGN:Thematic analysis was used to sort and compare the data into the most salient themes. PARTICIPANTS:Women (N = 54; 27 persisting, 27 not persisting with an AI) aged 65-93 years took part in qualitative interviews. RESULTS:Women in both subgroups described information similarly in terms of its value, volume, type, and source. Aspects of AI-related information that either differed between the subgroups or were misunderstood by one or both subgroups included: (1) knowledge of AI or tamoxifen prior to cancer diagnosis, (2) use of online resources, (3) misconceptions about estrogen, hormone replacement therapies and AI-related symptoms, and (4) risk perception and the meaning and use of recurrence statistics such as Oncotype DX. CONCLUSIONS:Persisters and nonpersisters were similar in their desire for more information about potential side effects and symptom management at AI prescription and subsequent appointments. Differences included how information was obtained and interpreted. Interactive discussion questions are shared that can incorporate these findings into clinical settings
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Perceptions of Support Groups Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors: "I've Heard of Them, but I've Never Felt the Need to Go".
BackgroundCancer survivors transitioning from active treatment to posttreatment may lack critical support and information about their posttreatment care. Support groups have the potential to address this gap.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe how breast cancer survivors 65 years and older perceived professionally led, in-person support groups.MethodsIndividual interviews with 54 women were analyzed using grounded theory informed by constructivism.ResultsStrong negative assumptions about cancer support groups were described. Tension existed between two opposing categories: participants' preconceptions of support groups and characterizations of their members and the women's perceptions of their own informational and emotional needs. Participants also described what sources of support they used in lieu of professionally led support groups.ConclusionsDespite awareness and availability, most participants did not use support groups as a resource during their primary or post-cancer treatment.Implications for practiceStructural changes can benefit existing models of support groups including how and when support needs and services are discussed with survivors and a shift toward the inclusion of practical information
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Perceptions of Support Groups Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors: "I've Heard of Them, but I've Never Felt the Need to Go".
BackgroundCancer survivors transitioning from active treatment to posttreatment may lack critical support and information about their posttreatment care. Support groups have the potential to address this gap.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe how breast cancer survivors 65 years and older perceived professionally led, in-person support groups.MethodsIndividual interviews with 54 women were analyzed using grounded theory informed by constructivism.ResultsStrong negative assumptions about cancer support groups were described. Tension existed between two opposing categories: participants' preconceptions of support groups and characterizations of their members and the women's perceptions of their own informational and emotional needs. Participants also described what sources of support they used in lieu of professionally led support groups.ConclusionsDespite awareness and availability, most participants did not use support groups as a resource during their primary or post-cancer treatment.Implications for practiceStructural changes can benefit existing models of support groups including how and when support needs and services are discussed with survivors and a shift toward the inclusion of practical information