Dataset Information

Adherence to adjuvant tamoxifen and associated factors in breast cancer survivors.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Adjuvant endocrine therapy reduces the recurrence and mortality of early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate adjuvant tamoxifen adherence and associated factors in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

This descriptive, prospective study was conducted in 2019-2020 with the participation of 531 women who survived breast cancer and were under follow-up at the Senology Institute of a hospital in Istanbul. Inclusion criteria were having completed treatment for early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, being prescribed tamoxifen, and being 18 years or older. Data were collected using a patient information form and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8).

Results

The mean age of the participants was 44.9 ± 6.5 years, and the mean duration of tamoxifen use was 834.4 ± 685.7 days. The women's mean MMAS-8 score was 6.86 ± 1.39. Medication adherence was significantly positively correlated with current age (p = 0.006) and age at diagnosis (p = 0.002). There was a statistically significant difference between tamoxifen adherence according to participants' employment status (p = 0.028), chronic disease status (p = 0.018), loss of libido (p = 0.012), treatment-related changes in mood changes (p = 0.004), and having negative effects affecting daily life (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Overall, breast cancer survivors in this study reported moderate adherence to tamoxifen. The women's individual characteristics and the adverse effects of treatment influenced medication adherence. Healthcare professionals can help increase adherence to this treatment, which reduces the risk of mortality, by explaining the importance of the medication, identifying and eliminating barriers to adherence, and informing women about evidence-based interventions to increase medication compliance.

SUBMITTER: Uslu Y

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10116476 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Adherence to adjuvant tamoxifen and associated factors in breast cancer survivors.

Uslu Yasemin Y Kocatepe Vildan V Sezgin Derya Subaşı DS Uras Cihan C

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer 20230420 5

<h4>Purpose</h4>Adjuvant endocrine therapy reduces the recurrence and mortality of early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate adjuvant tamoxifen adherence and associated factors in breast cancer survivors.<h4>Methods</h4>This descriptive, prospective study was conducted in 2019-2020 with the participation of 531 women who survived breast cancer and were under follow-up at the Senology Institute of a hospital in Is ...[more]

PMID: 37079089

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Project description:Adjuvant hormonal therapy significantly improves long-term survival of breast cancer patients with hormone receptor-positive disease. Despite the proven clinical efficacy of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, many breast cancer survivors either fail to take the correct dosage at the prescribed frequency (adherence) or discontinue therapy (persistence). This systematic review aims to: (1) determine the prevalence of adherence and persistence to adjuvant hormonal therapy among breast cancer survivors in clinical practice, and (2) identify correlates of adherence and persistence. We searched Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL for studies that measured rates and/or correlates of adherence and/or persistence to adjuvant hormonal therapy. Studies were reviewed in a multi-step process: (1) the lead author screened titles and abstracts of all potentially eligible studies; (2) each coauthor reviewed a random 5 % sample of abstracts; and (3) two sets of coauthors each reviewed half of all "maybe" abstracts. Any disagreements were discussed until consensus was reached. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Prevalence of adherence ranged from 41 to 72 % and discontinuation (i.e., nonpersistence) ranged from 31 to 73 %, measured at the end of 5 years of treatment. Extremes of age (older or younger), increasing out-of-pocket costs, follow-up care with a general practitioner (vs. oncologist), higher CYP2D6 activity, switching from one form of therapy to another, and treatment side effects were negatively associated with adherence and/or persistence. Taking more medications at baseline, referral to an oncologist, and earlier year at diagnosis were positively associated with adherence and/or persistence. Adherence and persistence to adjuvant hormonal therapy among breast cancer survivors is suboptimal. Many of the correlates of adherence and persistence studied to date are not modifiable. Our review reveals a critical need for further research on modifiable factors associated with adherence to adjuvant hormonal therapy, and the development of behavioral interventions to improve adherence in this population.

Project description:BackgroundAdjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) significantly decreases the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality. Notwithstanding the demonstrated efficacy of AET, 31-73% of breast cancer survivors do not persist with AET. The purpose of this study was to explore breast cancer survivors' experiences and perspectives of persisting with AET and to identify the psychosocial and healthcare system factors that influence AET persistence.MethodsInformed by interpretive descriptive methodology and relational autonomy theory, individual interviews were conducted with 22 women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer who had been prescribed AET. These participants also completed a demographic form and a survey that assessed their perceived risk of recurrence. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic and constant comparative analysis to iteratively compare data and develop conceptualizations of the relationships among data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the quantitative data.ResultsThe personal, social, and structural factors found to influence AET persistence included AET side effects, perception of breast cancer recurrence risk, medication and necessity beliefs, social support, the patient-provider relationship, and the continuity and frequency of follow-up care. For most women, over time, the decision-making process around AET persistence became a balancing act between quality of life and quantity of life. The interplay between the personal, social, and structural factors was complex and the weight women placed on some factors over others influenced their AET persistence or non-persistence.ConclusionExpanding our understanding of the factors affecting breast cancer survivors' AET persistence from their perspective is the first step in developing efficacious, patient-centered interventions aimed at improving AET persistence. In order to improve AET persistence, enhanced symptom management is required, as well as the development of supportive care strategies that acknowledge the values and beliefs held by breast cancer survivors while reinforcing the benefits of AET, and addressing women's reasons for non-persistence. Improved continuity of health care and patient-healthcare provider communication across oncology and primary care settings is also required. The development and evaluation of supportive care strategies that address the challenges associated with AET experienced by breast cancer survivors hold the potential to increase both women's quality and quantity of life.

Dataset Information

Adherence to adjuvant tamoxifen and associated factors in breast cancer survivors.

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Adherence to adjuvant tamoxifen and associated factors in breast cancer survivors.

Similar Datasets

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