Open AccessA qualitative comparison of how older breast cancer survivors process treatment information regarding endocrine therapy
Author(s) -
Huibrie C. Pieters,
Emily Green,
Sally Khakshooy,
Miriam Sleven,
Annette L. Stanton
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0210972
Subject(s) - breast cancer , tamoxifen , medicine , thematic analysis , qualitative research , medical prescription , meaning (existential) , cancer , oncology , gynecology , family medicine , psychology , psychotherapist , pharmacology , social science , sociology
Background It remains unclear how information about aromatase inhibitors (AI) impacts women’s decision-making about persistence with endocrine therapy. Purpose To describe and compare how women treated for primary early stage breast cancer either persisting or not persisting with an AI received, interpreted, and acted upon AI-related information. Design Thematic analysis was used to sort and compare the data into the most salient themes. Participants Women (N = 54; 27 persisting, 27 not persisting with an AI) aged 65–93 years took part in qualitative interviews. Results Women in both subgroups described information similarly in terms of its value, volume, type, and source. Aspects of AI-related information that either differed between the subgroups or were misunderstood by one or both subgroups included: (1) knowledge of AI or tamoxifen prior to cancer diagnosis, (2) use of online resources, (3) misconceptions about estrogen, hormone replacement therapies and AI-related symptoms, and (4) risk perception and the meaning and use of recurrence statistics such as Oncotype DX. Conclusions Persisters and nonpersisters were similar in their desire for more information about potential side effects and symptom management at AI prescription and subsequent appointments. Differences included how information was obtained and interpreted. Interactive discussion questions are shared that can incorporate these findings into clinical settings.