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Adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly women with breast cancer: patients' perspectives on information giving and decision making

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 15:23 authored by Helena HarderHelena Harder, Rachel Ballinger, Carolyn Langridge, Alistair Ring, Lesley FallowfieldLesley Fallowfield
BACKGROUND: Decisions about adjuvant chemotherapy in older women with early stage breast cancer (EBC) are often challenging. Uncertainty about benefits due to limited data about treatment efficacy and outcomes complicates decision making. This qualitative study explored older patients' experiences and preferences towards information giving and ultimate decisions about adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Clinicians from 24 UK breast cancer teams reported on adjuvant chemotherapy decisions for women aged >/=70 years with EBC from April 2010 to December 2011. Women who were offered chemotherapy were invited to participate in structured interviews. Self-reported quality of life (QoL) and functional ability were assessed. Qualitative methods were used to identify themes associated with information giving and decision making. RESULTS: A total of 58/95 eligible women (61%) participated. Median age was 73 years (range 70-83). Mean total scores for QoL and functional ability were average. The majority of women preferred to make their treatment decisions collaboratively with a clinician (59%) or on their own (19%). The main reasons influencing decisions to accept chemotherapy were categorised as prevention of recurrence and clinician recommendation. Side effects, length of treatment, impact on QoL, low survival benefits and clinician recommendation influenced decisions to decline chemotherapy. The majority (80%) were satisfied with information provision, the communication with their clinician and explanation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Older women with EBC preferred to be involved in clinical decision making. Clinician recommendation plays a significant role in either accepting or declining chemotherapy. Well-informed decision making and effective communication between clinicians, older women and their family members are therefore important. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Psycho-Oncology

ISSN

1057-9249

Publisher

John Wiley & Sons

Issue

12

Volume

22

Page range

2729-2735

Department affiliated with

  • Sussex Health Outcomes Research & Education in Cancer (SHORE-C) Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2013-07-12

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