Completed Research Project
Radiation therapy information for breast cancer patients: Appropriate timing, sources and content
Investigators: Halkett GKB, Kristjanson LJ, Lobb E, Spry N, Taylor M, O’Driscoll C.
Funding: The Cancer Council of Western Australia, Early Career Grant ($25,000)
Administering institution: Curtin University
Although radiation therapy is commonly used for treating patients diagnosed with breast cancer, many patients know little about the treatment, carry myths about side effects and experience treatment related fears and anxiety prior to treatment. The aims of this project were to: (1) determine the radiation specific information needs of breast cancer patients, (2) prioritise these information needs, preferred information sources and preferences for sequencing of different types of information.
Questionnaires were developed, pilot tested and used to determine patient’s preferences for information and how these information needs changed over time. Patients completed questionnaires at the following time points: following their appointment with their radiation oncologist, following their treatment planning appointment, following their first day of treatment and following treatment completion.
One hundred and twenty patients participated in the study. The median age of participants was 54 (SD= 9.27, Min = 35, Max= 78). Approximately 85% of participants reported that they had minimal to moderate understanding of radiation therapy prior to receiving their breast cancer diagnosis. At Time 1, patients were most concerned about (1) the possibility of skin reactions as a result of treatment, (2) the impact of treatment on their health in the future; (3) the possibility of tiredness as a result of treatment and (4) the impact of treatment on their life. These concerns continued throughout the patients’ treatment.
The data collected enabled us to identify the patients’ information needs at each time point. At Time 1 the Top 5 information needs were: (1) Whether my lungs will be damaged by treatment, (2) Whether the radiation will effect my heart, (3) Why I need to receive radiation therapy, (4) What side effects I might experience and (5) How much of my breast will be treated. The data was also used to identify to what extent patient felt their information needs were met, partially met and unmet at each of the time points.
Patients identified that their most preferred information sources were written and verbal information. They also indicated that additional one-on-one information sessions from radiation therapists would be beneficial. A manuscript about these results is currently under preparation.
This research extends knowledge in the areas of patient communication and information provision by focusing on patient’s specific needs related to radiation therapy. The results from this research will be relevant to practicing health professionals, those involved in educating radiation therapists and other cancer researchers endeavouring to develop relevant approaches to patient education.
The results of this work have been used to develop a tailored information intervention to assist in reducing patient anxiety and distress prior to planning and treatment. This intervention consists of radiation therapists providing patients with tailored information prior to their planning appointment and prior to treatment. Funding has been obtained from the National Breast Cancer Foundation to pilot this intervention.
