Abstract P4-19-02: Young women with early stage breast cancer and their supportive care needs: Results from a regional survey
Authors: Ratcliffe J , Hodgson N , Rana P , Forbes M , Levine M , Sussman J 
Published: March 2017

Background

Approximately 18% of all newly diagnosed breast cancer cases in Canada occur in women less than 50 years of age. Young women with breast cancer (YWBC) may experience unique physical and psycho-social issues yet there is a lack of data outlining their specific needs and concerns across the trajectory of care. This study described the unmet supportive care needs of YWBC at a regional cancer centre in southern Ontario, Canada.

Objectives

1. To describe unmet supportive care needs of young women (&lt;45 years) with early stage breast cancer in a representative region by using the Supportive Cancer Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34).

2. To describe the level of satisfaction with information to support cancer treatment decision making and causes of distress among YWBC (&lt;45 years) in a representative region.

Study Design

This study used a prospective survey design that was administered to consenting YWBC. The Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34) was used to measure respondents' need for cancer support and care. This instrument captures needs through 34-items that cover five domains: psychological needs, health system and informational needs, physical and daily living needs, patient care support needs and sexuality needs. In addition, an original 26-item survey questionnaire was administered. Survey items were developed from the recurring themes of an earlier project that informed 4 levels of inquiry: demographics, decision making/ informational support, disease and treatment characteristics, and causes of distress.

Results

Fifty-one patients were approached by a member of their circle of care. Of these patients, 35 completed the survey resulting in a 69% response rate. The majority of respondents were between the ages of 33 and 40 (48.6%), were diagnosed within 6 to 12 months of study entry (60.0%); had a university degree (51.4%); were married (82.9%) and (65.7%) have young children.

The three most common Moderate to High Unmet Supportive Care needs (rated 4 or 5 on a 5-point Likert scale) were: “Worries of those close to you” (34.3%), “Fears about the cancer spreading” (34.3%), “Anxiety” (28.6%) all of which reside in the psychological domain. Overall respondents agreed or strongly agreed to statements regarding their level of satisfaction with information to support cancer treatment decision making provided by their oncology team. Respondents did score lower in satisfaction with the information their oncology team provided regarding fertility. In terms of psychosocial support, 40% percent of respondents reported they had met with a social worker and 17% reported attending a breast cancer support group.

Conclusion

The results highlight that the supportive care needs of many YWBC are unmet, particularly those related to psychological burden and fertility concerns. Early identification and appropriate referral to fertility specialists and/or supportive care social workers could improve current practice. Further research is needed to explore how barriers to fertility and supportive care needs of young adults with cancer may best be overcome.

Citation Format: Ratcliffe J, Hodgson N, Rana P, Forbes M, Levine M, Sussman J. Young women with early stage breast cancer and their supportive care needs: Results from a regional survey [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-19-02.