Unmet health needs of women with breast cancer

Abstract

The majority of post-treatment female breast cancer survivors (BCSs) report significant physical, psychological and socio-economic challenges and unmet supportive needs. The aim of this review is to investigate them since they constitute a critical step in planning appropriate supportive care. The frequency of unmet supportive needs varies between different studies with the percentage of BCSs reporting at least one unmet need as high as 93%. Factors associated with unmet supportive needs are age, time since diagnosis, stage of cancer, treatment, family history, level of education, employment and pay, family income, pain and physical activity. Concerning the physical domain, the most frequent unmet needs are related to the negative effects of hormone therapy, fatigue and feeling unwell, pain, sleep difficulties, mental weakness, physical limitations of the corresponding limb, body image, and sexual disorders. Regarding the psychological field, the most frequent unmet needs are related to the fear of recurrence or deterioration of the disease, insecurity about the future, feelings of sadness and depression. Generally, inadequate management of the unmet supportive needs of BCSs combined with a lack of social support after treatment appears to be related to deterioration in quality of life. Breast cancer specialist nurses can provide appropriate information and supportive care, while women who use their nursing care are significantly less likely to report unmet needs in various areas of their lives. Therefore, to ensure the supply of quality care in the period after breast cancer treatment, special emphasis should be placed on the early recognition of the unmet supportive needs of women with breast cancer. The ultimate aim is to successfully manage and improve women’s quality of life.