Lessons learned from the metastatic breast cancer community

Abstract

Objective: To present findings from two large surveys that explored the needs for information, emotional support, provision of services, perceptions, and attitudes of women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Data sources: Published articles and surveys.

Conclusion: Results from an online needs assessment of 618 women with MBC and a global survey of 1,342 women with MBC living in 13 countries interviewed following referral by their physicians revealed that the most urgent needs are for good, accurate, in-depth information about their disease, standard and emerging treatments, and ways of coping with side effects and symptoms.

Implications for nursing practice: Much research has focused on coping with early breast cancer, but little has been studied about the needs and experiences of women living with MBC. Nurses can learn from what patients have told us about what they want, to better respond to these needs.