A study is currently underway through the University of Auckland to look at the psychological impact of fears about cancer recurrence in women who’ve been treated for breast cancer.

The research project will involve up to 130 New Zealand women who have been treated for breast cancer and is being run by doctoral student, Loshni Rogers.

It is hoped the research will help to improve the psychological services available to women who have had or are going through breast cancer.

The women involved will be asked to complete two questionaires asking about their mental wellbeing, quality of life, perceptions of breast cancer, coping strategies, cancer concerns, communication with medical professionals and the positive and negative consequences of your experience with cancer.

The aim is to learn more about:

  • the concerns women have about cancer returning
  • the links between cancer fears and symptoms
  • the coping mechanisms used to deal with fears about cancer
  • those who are more likely to experience significant distress following treatment.


Ms Rogers says, “The findings of this study will hopefully benefit future women with breast cancer by identifying how particular ideas or beliefs about cancer may affect psychological wellbeing and coping strategies.

“I hope this will help to guide psychological services for women with breast cancer so that their adjustment following treatment is improved.”

BCAC deputy chair, Dr. Chris Walsh, says the research is valuable.

“BCAC has identified a lack of psychological and social support for women with breast cancer so anything that focuses on this area and helps to target resources more effectively is welcomed.”

Chris says she’d encourage women who’ve received treatment for breast cancer in the past five years to participate in the study in the hope that their experiences can help those who may be diagnosed in future.

Those who participate will not be personally identified on their questionaires and the study has been approved by the National Ethics Committee.

 

To find out more about the study or to participate, please contact Loshni Rogers.