RESUMO
AIM: This paper aims to identify factors that influence the psychological wellbeing of patients newly diagnosed with localized breast cancer. BACKGROUND: Psychological wellbeing plays a significant part in the personal experience of patients during their cancer journey. However, despite progress in treatments and outcomes in breast cancer, psychosocial services and emotional support of cancer patients have been given less attention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected through a retrospective review of 274 charts of women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2012 and 2017 that received care in a single cancer center. Disease specific parameters, social and demographic variables, and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores were extracted from the patient charts. RESULTS: Self-reported scores of psychological-related symptoms were low (suggesting no or minimal psychological distress) at baseline and remained low in the majority of patients with breast cancer. Pain, depression, anxiety and wellbeing scores of 0-2 were observed in 78.5%, 81.4%, 63.5% and 70.1% of patients, respectively. Higher scores of anxiety at baseline were observed in patients with physical restrictions on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) (14.9%), current smoking (20.5%) and history of mental illness (19.1%). Increasing scores for pain were observed in older patients during treatment as compared to baseline. Mastectomy was associated with increased scores for wellbeing (worsening wellbeing) as compared to lumpectomy. Of the patients with a history of mental illness (17.3%), 19.1% had more often increased scores for anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight patients that may benefit from additional social and psychological supports at diagnosis and while undergoing treatment.
RESUMO
RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: Different health agencies in Canada including Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) have developed guidelines for the baseline staging of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients but adherence to them is unknown. We sought to investigate adherence to CCO staging guidelines in a single cancer center in addition to the factors that influence this adherence. METHOD: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 212 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients between 2015 and 2017. Baseline patient demographic and disease characteristics as well as radiologic staging studies and subsequent treatments were recorded. The group of patients in whom the guidelines were observed was compared to the group of patients in whom the guidelines were not followed. RESULTS: Staging guidelines were not followed in 46.7% of the patients in the cohort (99 of 212 patients). In most cases, deviations from the guidelines consisted of performing more than the recommended baseline screening, most commonly in the form of a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a bone scan and chest x-ray (CXR)/ ultrasound (US) of the liver. Less commonly, a recommended staging evaluation was omitted or the suggested timing of the staging procedure (i.e., pre-operatively versus post-operatively) was not followed. Higher stage and grade of the disease and subsequent chemotherapy administration were associated with higher guideline non-adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Low adherence to staging guidelines for newly diagnosed breast cancer according to CCO is shown in a community cancer center. Incorporation of arising prognostic factors to staging procedure determination may increase acceptance and adherence to guidelines in the future.
