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PO80 Addressing the unique psychosocial needs of young women with breast cancer post-treatment
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Advocacy and Nursing / The Breast 21S1 (2012) S25–S27
and needs young women with breast cancer face.” 100% strongly agreed that HPEP “increased my knowledge of fertility issues in young women with breast cancer.” 90% strongly agreed that it “increased [their] knowledge of YSC” and their “willingness to refer new patients to YSC.” Before the HPEP, 40% were “very likely” and 25% “somewhat likely” to refer young women diagnosed with breast cancer to YSC. After the event, 98% were “very likely” and 2% “somewhat likely”. HCPs who attended the HPEPs are now our most frequent source of referrals and distributors of educational resources. Conclusions: HPEPs are an innovative and effective method of educating HCPs on the uniqueness of breast cancer in young women and directing them to resources like those at YSC. PO80 Addressing the unique psychosocial needs of young women with breast cancer post-treatment J. Rowe, S. Lewis *, M. Esser, M. McCann, N. Singh. Young Survival Coalition, Department of Programs, New York, USA Background: As breast cancer treatment concludes, women diagnosed before the age of 45 (YW) experience varied emotions. They are relieved to move forward in an attempt to get back to normal, but undergo a loss of control because they are not being closely followed. Young survivors experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Methods: In 2010, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) assessed the concerns and experiences of its post-treatment population and conducted a survey through self reporting, electronic survey administration. 268 qualified participants under age 45 responded. Results: Results showed YW wanted more information about longterm fear of recurrence (63%); emotional changes (63%); chemo brain (59%); and sexuality and intimacy (51%). YW indicated they wanted support with maintaining a healthy diet and weight (50%); being physically active (45%); and managing relationships (36%). Other concerns post-treatment included follow-up care anxieties, fertility, short and long-term treatment side effects, life adjustments, and self-image particularly after surgery. Conclusions: Cancer presents a deep disruption to the normal life course because as young women they now face many new issues. They are at the threshold of establishing their careers. They are naturally considering life partners and starting a family. They may face not being able to have children. They ponder when to tell a potential partner that they are breast cancer survivors. It is clear that YW surviving breast cancer need education, validation of fears, and support about long-term recovery. YSC’s Post-Treatment Navigator was created in direct response to the results from this survey and will be released in Summer 2012. YSC strives to provide young women with resources and connections at every stage of their breast cancer journey. PO81 Considering the young, long-term breast cancer survivor: identifying needs of young women five or more years post-treatment N. Singh, M. Esser *, S. Lewis, M. McCann, J. Rowe. Young Survival Coalition, Department of Programs, New York, USA Background: Although the incidence of young women with breast cancer is lower than in older women, young women are often an underrepresented population in research studies especially those on long-term survivorship. There is limited information about the longterm quality of life in disease-free young breast cancer survivors. The care of this population requires a unique understanding of medical needs, psychosocial patterns, and recognition of their desire for support and camaraderie many years after diagnosis and treatment.
Methods: YSC administered an online survey in Fall of 2011, which examined many areas of concern that still exist for long-term young breast cancer survivors. The women surveyed were five years or more out of treatment; qualifying them as a long-term survivor. There were 461 qualified respondents. Results: The results showed that the biggest concerns are: long-term side effects of treatment, like chemo brain (60%); recurrence (59%); sexuality/intimacy (51%); and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (50%). Anecdotally, several women also noted: their fear of passing on a “cancer gene” to their families; not knowing how long emotional distress will last; and ongoing frustration in defining their lives outside of cancer. Conclusions: Survey results show that a young survivor’s fear of recurrence, long-term side effects, and finding support are still prominent five years or more post-treatment. YSC’s goal in surveying this population is to better address and tailor resources to meet young long-term survivor needs. Further evaluations are required to explore needs and quality of life and will be reported through results of future focus groups and other outcomes measures. These additional results will be completed and compiled by September, 2012 and together will drive the development and content of YSC’s upcoming Long-Term Treatment Navigator program. PO82 Sexual functioning in young women after breast cancer treatment M. Jankowska *. The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Clinical Psychology Unit, Poznan, Poland Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women both in developed and developing countries in Europe. Earlier diagnosis and advances in breast cancer treatment result in the growing number of breast cancer survivors. Young women under 40 years of age account for relatively small percentage of all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. However, their experience of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment require special attention because of the unique medical and psychosocial context of the disease. Numerous studies report that breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment may negatively impact female sexual functioning resulting in decreased frequency of sexual activity, low sexual desire, decreased arousal and lubrication, painfull intercourse, impaired orgasm and low sexual satisfaction. These side effects may last for many years after the end of treatment. Sexual life of young breast cancer survivors can be seriously disrupted because agressive treatment and the abrupt onset of medication-induced menopause strike at a time in their lives when sexual sphere is important to themselves and in relationships with their partners. Medical, psychological and relationship factors play an important role in the occurance and severity of sexual dysfunctions. Breast cancer affects both patients and their partners, but still little is known about the partners’ perspective. Understanding the impact that breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment have on sexual functioning in young women and their partners during treatment and recovery periods is neccesary to identify cuoples at risk for sexual dysfunctions and provide professional and adequate help at the right time. PO83 Beyond statistics: how analysing blog narratives enhances nursing’s understanding of the survivorship experience of younger women with breast cancer M. Ennis *. Europa Donna Ireland, Dublin, Ireland Background: The statistics of increased length of survival for women diagnosed with breast cancer give no indication of the quality of life (QOL) experienced. In describing the psychosocial adjustment to life after treatment, younger women convey a unique sense of loneliness, termed survivor loneliness (Rosedale 2009). Many are turning to
Advocacy and Nursing / The Breast 21S1 (2012) S25–S27
and needs young women with breast cancer face.” 100% strongly agreed that HPEP “increased my knowledge of fertility issues in young women with breast cancer.” 90% strongly agreed that it “increased [their] knowledge of YSC” and their “willingness to refer new patients to YSC.” Before the HPEP, 40% were “very likely” and 25% “somewhat likely” to refer young women diagnosed with breast cancer to YSC. After the event, 98% were “very likely” and 2% “somewhat likely”. HCPs who attended the HPEPs are now our most frequent source of referrals and distributors of educational resources. Conclusions: HPEPs are an innovative and effective method of educating HCPs on the uniqueness of breast cancer in young women and directing them to resources like those at YSC. PO80 Addressing the unique psychosocial needs of young women with breast cancer post-treatment J. Rowe, S. Lewis *, M. Esser, M. McCann, N. Singh. Young Survival Coalition, Department of Programs, New York, USA Background: As breast cancer treatment concludes, women diagnosed before the age of 45 (YW) experience varied emotions. They are relieved to move forward in an attempt to get back to normal, but undergo a loss of control because they are not being closely followed. Young survivors experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Methods: In 2010, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) assessed the concerns and experiences of its post-treatment population and conducted a survey through self reporting, electronic survey administration. 268 qualified participants under age 45 responded. Results: Results showed YW wanted more information about longterm fear of recurrence (63%); emotional changes (63%); chemo brain (59%); and sexuality and intimacy (51%). YW indicated they wanted support with maintaining a healthy diet and weight (50%); being physically active (45%); and managing relationships (36%). Other concerns post-treatment included follow-up care anxieties, fertility, short and long-term treatment side effects, life adjustments, and self-image particularly after surgery. Conclusions: Cancer presents a deep disruption to the normal life course because as young women they now face many new issues. They are at the threshold of establishing their careers. They are naturally considering life partners and starting a family. They may face not being able to have children. They ponder when to tell a potential partner that they are breast cancer survivors. It is clear that YW surviving breast cancer need education, validation of fears, and support about long-term recovery. YSC’s Post-Treatment Navigator was created in direct response to the results from this survey and will be released in Summer 2012. YSC strives to provide young women with resources and connections at every stage of their breast cancer journey. PO81 Considering the young, long-term breast cancer survivor: identifying needs of young women five or more years post-treatment N. Singh, M. Esser *, S. Lewis, M. McCann, J. Rowe. Young Survival Coalition, Department of Programs, New York, USA Background: Although the incidence of young women with breast cancer is lower than in older women, young women are often an underrepresented population in research studies especially those on long-term survivorship. There is limited information about the longterm quality of life in disease-free young breast cancer survivors. The care of this population requires a unique understanding of medical needs, psychosocial patterns, and recognition of their desire for support and camaraderie many years after diagnosis and treatment.
Methods: YSC administered an online survey in Fall of 2011, which examined many areas of concern that still exist for long-term young breast cancer survivors. The women surveyed were five years or more out of treatment; qualifying them as a long-term survivor. There were 461 qualified respondents. Results: The results showed that the biggest concerns are: long-term side effects of treatment, like chemo brain (60%); recurrence (59%); sexuality/intimacy (51%); and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (50%). Anecdotally, several women also noted: their fear of passing on a “cancer gene” to their families; not knowing how long emotional distress will last; and ongoing frustration in defining their lives outside of cancer. Conclusions: Survey results show that a young survivor’s fear of recurrence, long-term side effects, and finding support are still prominent five years or more post-treatment. YSC’s goal in surveying this population is to better address and tailor resources to meet young long-term survivor needs. Further evaluations are required to explore needs and quality of life and will be reported through results of future focus groups and other outcomes measures. These additional results will be completed and compiled by September, 2012 and together will drive the development and content of YSC’s upcoming Long-Term Treatment Navigator program. PO82 Sexual functioning in young women after breast cancer treatment M. Jankowska *. The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Clinical Psychology Unit, Poznan, Poland Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women both in developed and developing countries in Europe. Earlier diagnosis and advances in breast cancer treatment result in the growing number of breast cancer survivors. Young women under 40 years of age account for relatively small percentage of all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. However, their experience of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment require special attention because of the unique medical and psychosocial context of the disease. Numerous studies report that breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment may negatively impact female sexual functioning resulting in decreased frequency of sexual activity, low sexual desire, decreased arousal and lubrication, painfull intercourse, impaired orgasm and low sexual satisfaction. These side effects may last for many years after the end of treatment. Sexual life of young breast cancer survivors can be seriously disrupted because agressive treatment and the abrupt onset of medication-induced menopause strike at a time in their lives when sexual sphere is important to themselves and in relationships with their partners. Medical, psychological and relationship factors play an important role in the occurance and severity of sexual dysfunctions. Breast cancer affects both patients and their partners, but still little is known about the partners’ perspective. Understanding the impact that breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment have on sexual functioning in young women and their partners during treatment and recovery periods is neccesary to identify cuoples at risk for sexual dysfunctions and provide professional and adequate help at the right time. PO83 Beyond statistics: how analysing blog narratives enhances nursing’s understanding of the survivorship experience of younger women with breast cancer M. Ennis *. Europa Donna Ireland, Dublin, Ireland Background: The statistics of increased length of survival for women diagnosed with breast cancer give no indication of the quality of life (QOL) experienced. In describing the psychosocial adjustment to life after treatment, younger women convey a unique sense of loneliness, termed survivor loneliness (Rosedale 2009). Many are turning to