In breast cancer (BC) there are different therapies available with different side effects affecting the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients. Here we report a novel tool, the BC-specific Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI). This work includes a survey that is part of the validation process to allow a larger cohort and comparisons with clinical characteristics. We report the concerns that BC patients would like to discuss in the outpatient clinic – using the PCI – and also their choice of multidisciplinary team members they would like to see.
Methods and Study Design
We carried out a cross-sectional survey – using the BC-specific PCI, the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the EORTC BC QLQ-BR23 – of patients who had completed their initial treatment and were attending a review outpatient clinic. 249 patients were recruited from February to July 2012.
Results
Survey responses were obtained from 80% (200/249). The three most frequent items were fear of cancer coming back (62%, 124), breast sensitivity/pain (46%, 92), and fatigue/tiredness and low energy levels overall (46%, 92). The most frequently selected members of the multidisciplinary team that patients wished to see were the breast care nurse (46%, 92), the medical oncologist (28%, 55) and the psychologist (20%, 40).
Conclusions
The PCI provides the opportunity for multiprofessional engagement across a range of issues specific to BC. It can identify issues relating to physical, psychological, sexual and social functioning, as well as issues relating to body image and lifestyle.
Data were provided by the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance, http://www.wales.nhs.uk/, September 2012.
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