scholarly journals Social constraints and fear of recurrence in couples coping with early stage breast cancer.

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 874-884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily C. Soriano ◽  
Elizabeth C. Pasipanodya ◽  
Stefanie T. LoSavio ◽  
Amy K. Otto ◽  
Christine Perndorfer ◽  
...  
2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 661-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Pasipanodya ◽  
Brendt P. Parrish ◽  
Jean-Philippe Laurenceau ◽  
Lawrence H. Cohen ◽  
Scott D. Siegel ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Perndorfer ◽  
Emily C. Soriano ◽  
Scott D. Siegel ◽  
Jean‐Philippe Laurenceau

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 108-108
Author(s):  
Andrea Marie Covelli ◽  
Nancy N. Baxter ◽  
Margaret Fitch ◽  
Frances Catriona Wright

108 Background: Rates of both unilateral (UM) and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) for early stage breast cancer (ESBC) have been increasing since 2003. More extensive surgery is not a benign procedure without the risk of complications. Studies suggest that the increase is due to women choosing UM and CPM; we do not know what factors are influencing the choice for more extensive surgery. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using grounded theory to identify factors for the choice of mastectomy. Purposive sampling was used to identify women across the Toronto Area (Ontario, Canada), who were suitable candidates for breast conserving surgery (BCS) but underwent UM or CPM. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Constant comparative analysis identified key concepts and themes. Results: Data saturation was achieved after 29 in-person interviews. 12 interviewees were treated at academic cancer centers, 6 at an academic non-cancer center and 11 at community centers. 15 women underwent UM; 14 underwent UM+CPM. Median age was 55. ‘Taking control of cancer’ was the dominant theme. Fear of breast cancerwas expressed at diagnosisand remains throughout decision making. Fear translates into the overestimated risk of local recurrenceand contralateral cancer. Despite discussion of the equivalence of BCS and UM, patients chose UM due to fear of recurrence and misperceived survival advantage. Similarly, patients chose CPM to eliminate the risk of contralateral cancer and misperceived survival advantage. Women were actively trying to Control Outcomes, as more surgery was seen as greater control. Conclusions: Women seeking UM and CPM for treatment of their early stage breast cancer manage their fear of cancer by undergoing more extensive surgery which in turn drives mastectomy rates. It is important to understand this process so that we may improve our ability to discuss issues of importance to women and facilitate informed decision-making.


2006 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 234-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon L. Manne ◽  
Jamie S. Ostroff ◽  
Tina R. Norton ◽  
Kevin Fox ◽  
Lori Goldstein ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney Andrews ◽  
Timothy C. Childers ◽  
Kimberly D. Wiseman ◽  
Valerie Lawhon ◽  
Stacey Ingram ◽  
...  

Abstract Background As the combination of systemic and targeted chemotherapies is associated with severe adverse side effects and long-term health complications, there is interest in reducing treatment intensity for patients with early stage breast cancer (EBC). Clinical trials are needed to determine if it is feasible to reduce treatment intensity while maintaining 3-year recurrence-free survival of greater than 92%. In order to recruit patients for de-implementation trials, it is important to understand patient perspectives on barriers and facilitators to reducing treatment intensity. Methods We collected qualitative interview data from patients with Stage II-III breast cancer (N=24) and patient advocates (N=16). Interviews explored interest in de-implementation trial participation and identified potential barriers and facilitators to participation. 17 participants were asked about the potential impact of COVID-19 on de-implementation efforts. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and researchers used qualitative content analysis (NVIVO and Atlas.ti) to code for dominant themes. Results 17 participants (42.5%) expressed interest in participating in a trial of reduced chemotherapy. Barriers to reducing chemotherapy included (1) fear of recurrence and inefficacy, (2) preference for aggressive treatment, (3) disinterest in clinical trials, (4) lack of information about expected outcomes, (5) fear of regret, and (6) having young children. Facilitators included (1) avoiding physical toxicity, (2) understanding the scientific rationale of reducing chemotherapy, (3) confidence in providers, (4) consistent monitoring and the option to increase dosage, (5) fewer financial and logistical challenges, and (6) contributing to scientific knowledge. Of those asked, nearly all participants said they would be more motivated to reduce treatment intensity in the context of Covid-19, primarily in order to avoid exposure to the virus while receiving treatment. Conclusions We recommend framing de-implementation strategies and recruitment to trials in terms of customizing treatment to the individual patient and added benefit—reduced toxicities, higher quality of life during treatment and lower risk of long-term complications—rather than in terms of taking treatments away or doing less than the standard of care. Doctor-patient rapport and provider support will be crucial in this process.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9571-9571
Author(s):  
Andrea Marie Covelli ◽  
Nancy N. Baxter ◽  
Margaret Fitch ◽  
Frances Catriona Wright

9571 Background: Rates of both unilateral (UM) and bilateral mastectomy (BM) for early stage breast cancer (ESBC) have been increasing since 2003. Studies suggest that this is due to women playing a more active role in their decision making, however they do not describe why women are choosing this option. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using grounded theory to identify factors influential in women’s choice for mastectomy. Purposive sampling was used to identify women across the Greater Toronto Area (Ontario, Canada), who were suitable candidates for breast conserving surgery (BCS) but underwent UM or BM. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Constant comparative analysis identified key ideas and themes. Results: Data saturation was achieved after 29 in-person interviews. 12 interviewees were treated at academic cancer centres, 6 at an academic non-cancer centre and 11 at community centres. 15 women underwent UM; 14 underwent BM. Median age was 55. ‘Taking control of cancer’ was the dominant theme that emerged. There were 7 subthemes: 1.the Diagnosis of cancer was received with shock and fear; 2.during Surgical Discussion both BCS and UM were discussed; BM was discouraged by the surgeon 3.women Misperceived Risk, misunderstanding recurrence and survival rates 4.Women’s choice for UM was due to fear of recurrence and/ or radiation 5.Women’s choice for BM was due to fear of recurrence, ‘never wanting to do this again’ and/or need for cosmetic balance 6.Sources of Information varied in importance, previous cancer experience had the greatest impact 7.women were actively Controlling Outcomes, more surgery was seen as greater control. Conclusions: Women seeking UM and BM for treatment of their early stage breast cancer manage their fear of recurrence and ‘never wanting to go through this again’ by undergoing more extensive surgery. The patient’s effort to control the cancer outcome is the driving factor behind women choosing mastectomy.


2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 665-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber J. Belcher ◽  
Jean-Philippe Laurenceau ◽  
Elana C. Graber ◽  
Lawrence H. Cohen ◽  
Kimberly B. Dasch ◽  
...  

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