Qualitative assessment of information and decision support needs for managing menopausal symptoms after breast cancer

• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-016-3296-x
• Publication Date: 2016-06-08T01:30:01Z
• Authors: Lynda G. Balneaves; Dimitra Panagioto...; Alison S. A. Brazier; Leah K. Lambert; Antony Porcino; Margaret Forbes; Cheri Van Patten; Tracy L. O. Truant; Dugald Seely; Dawn Stacey
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Pain medicine

For breast cancer (BrCa) survivors, premature menopause can result from conventional treatment. Due to limited treatment options, survivors often turn complementary therapies (CTs), but struggle make informed decisions. In this study, we identified BrCa survivors' CT and general information decision-making needs related menopausal symptoms. The assessment was by interpretive descriptive methodology. Focus groups with (n = 22) interviews 12) 5) healthcare professionals (HCPs) were conducted at two Canadian urban centers. Thematic, inductive analysis on the data. Menopausal symptoms have significant negative impact survivors. Close 70 % of sample currently using CTs, including mind-body (45.5 %), natural health products (NHPs) dietary (31.8 lifestyle interventions (36.4 %). However, reported inadequate access safety efficacy options. Survivors also struggled in their efforts discuss HCPs, who had time support women Concise credible about CTs required them making safe decisions for symptom management. High quality research is needed managing following Decision strategies, such as patient decision aids (DAs), may help synthesize translate evidence promote shared between HCPs role coping