P7 Are women commencing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) for Primary Breast Cancer (PBC) more likely to experience distress compared to women undergoing surgical intervention or Adjuvant Chemotherapy (AC)?

Abstract

Background and purpose In the wake of the burgeoning use of NAC as a first-line treatment for PBC, it is imperative for the multidisciplinary team to assess the manifestations of distress among this group of women to enable initiation of timely supports aimed at easing the burden of distress (Lo-Fo-Wong et al. 2016). This study aimed to compare the prevalence and aetiological contributors of distress experienced by women across three treatment modality groups. Methods This cross-sectional pilot study involved retrospective review of data extracted from validated Distress Screening Tools (DSTs) completed by 58 women upon commencement of either NAC, undergoing surgery or AC for PBC. The prevalence of distress according the distress thermometer and aetiological contributors of distress as per the 34-point problem checklist incorporating practical, family, emotional, spiritual/religious and physical problems experienced by women commencing NAC were compared to women undergoing surgical intervention or commencing AC. Results Elevated distress was experienced by 80% (n=8) of women upon receipt of NAC, compared to 67% (n=18) of women in the surgical group and 71% (n=15) of women commencing AC. Moreover, despite baring the youngest mean age of the three modality groups, yet to endure surgical recovery or potential adversities associated with chemotherapy treatment, women who underwent NAC also identified a greater number of aetiological contributors of distress. Women commencing NAC were more likely to identify emotions such as fear, nervousness and sadness, possibly generated from uneasiness associated with the back-to-front treatment regimen, questioning treatment efficacy, and being of younger age with associated additional demands imparted by family and lifestyle commitments (Beaver et al. 2016). Conclusion These results suggest the need for timely distress screening among this cohort, alerting the potential for referrals for supportive care aimed at optimising emotional well-being and easing the burden of distress. References: Beaver, K., Williamson, S. and Briggs, J. 2016. Exploring patient experiences of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 20:77-86. doi:10.1016.j.ejon.2015.06.001 Lo-Fo-Wong, D.N.N., de Haes, H.C.J.M., Aaronson, N.K., van Abbema, D.L., den Boer, M.D., van Hezewijk, M., Immink, M., Kaptein, A., Menke-Pluijmers, M.B.E., Reyners, A.K.L., Russell N.S., Schreik, M., Sijtsema, S., van Tienhoven G and Sprangers, M.A.G. 2016. Predictors of enduring clinical distress in women with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 158(3):563-572. 3896-7Copyright © 2020

Background and purpose In the wake of the burgeoning use of NAC as a first-line treatment for PBC, it is imperative for the multidisciplinary team to assess the manifestations of distress among this group of women to enable initiation of timely supports aimed at easing the burden of distress (Lo-Fo-Wong et al. 2016). This study aimed to compare the prevalence and aetiological contributors of distress experienced by women across three treatment modality groups.