During 2011 BCAC reported on a research study underway through the University of Auckland designed to look at the psychological impact of fears about cancer recurrence in women who’ve been treated for breast cancer.
The pilot study for this research has now been completed and the main study is well underway. It is being run by doctoral student, Loshni Rogers and she says the response from women has been excellent and many have been happy to share their experiences. One hundred and eight women have been recruited so far and the researchers are looking to recruit a further 22.
The women involved are completing two questionnaires, each a month apart, 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 their experience with cancer.
Research aims
The study aims to add to current knowledge by exploring the following:
· Identifying what influences the fear of cancer recurrence, depression, anxiety and quality of life in women post therapy
· The influences of the various cancer treatments on fears of recurrence
· How women cope specifically with fears of recurrence
· To what extent coping with fears of recurrence influences psychological adjustment
· The influences of doctor-patient communication on cancer fears.
While the study is not complete some preliminary results are already evident. For example, the more recent the cancer diagnosis the greater the degree of cancer worry and the greater the women’s perception of the likelihood of recurrence.
Ms Rogers says, “Younger women tended to experience higher levels of cancer worry than older women and increasing age was associated with a greater degree of confidence that their body can control the cancer and stop it from spreading.
“Women who experienced a higher degree of cancer worry also experienced greater symptoms of, for example, depression, anxiety and avoidance. And perhaps not surprisingly, higher perceived levels of control over cancer recurrence were associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety and avoidance.”
Higher levels of satisfaction with the information women received from their medical professionals about cancer fears were also associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.
Benefits of the research
The researchers hope the study will benefit women who are treated for breast cancer by identifying what increases worry about cancer recurrence and by then using this information to shape support services. In addition, the findings may assist in the early identification and treatment of individuals at risk for developing post-treatment psychological distress.
A further benefit of better understanding doctor-patient communications about fears of recurrence is that this could help inform what should be discussed with patients prior to treatment so that any future psychological distress may be minimised.
BCAC deputy chair, Dr Chris Walsh, says “It is encouraging to hear that women have been so willing to share their experiences. Research that focuses on this area of psychological and social support for women with breast cancer is welcome as it is an area of their care that has been lacking in the past.
“If the results can help influence the quality and type of information women receive early on in their treatment and thus avoid distress later on it will be hugely beneficial for their on-going health and quality of life after cancer treatment.”
The research team is still looking for more participants so if you are interested in taking part or to find out more about the study please contact Loshni Rogers. Those who participate will not be personally identified on their questionnaires. The study has been approved by the National Ethics Committee.
