Overview
Project status: In progress
Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer diagnosed in women (AIHW 2006). The relative survival after breast cancer diagnosis has increased dramatically over the past two decades. However, breast cancer survivors usually undergo extensive cancer treatments which induce early menopause. Consequently, the number of women with breast cancer living with menopausal symptoms is also rising (Saunders & Stuckey 2005). This rapid inducement of menopause by breast cancer treatment is typically characterised by a sharp fall in levels of endogenous oestrogen, which can result in severe menopausal symptoms which significantly impact on women's and their partners' quality of life. As a whole women treated for breast cancer rate the treatment-induced menopausal symptoms as equally or more distressing than the cancer treatment itself.
- Grantor
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- Cancer Council Queensland
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
- Research team
-
QUT
Professor Debra Anderson
Professor Patsy Yates
Professor Nuala Byrne
Professor Katherine White
Dr Eliza Whiteside
Associate Professor Alexandra McCarthy
Dr Anne Walsh
- Adjunct A/Professor Maryanne Hargraves, A/Chief Executive Officer Haematology and Oncology Clinics of Australia
- Adjunct A/Professor Nicole McCarthy, Medical Oncologist, The Wesley Hospital
- Organisational unit
- Lead unit Faculty of Health Other units
- Research area
- Chronic Disease, Supportive and Palliative Care
Details
Current evidence indicates that the use of standard hormone replacement therapies may be contraindicated in the management of menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer. This study aims to decrease distressing menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer whose access to standard hormone replacement interventions may be contraindicated. Using a randomised controlled trial the study's primary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of, compliance and satisfaction with an evidence-based behavioural program designed specifically for women with breast cancer for managing menopausal symptoms. The secondary aims of this study are to identify biomarkers that predict improvements in menopause related symptoms in women with breast cancer.
Outcomes and Significance: There is currently no effective treatment for women with breast cancer who are suffering from severe menopausal symptoms as a result of their breast cancer treatment. This study will address this issue by developing and evaluating an evidence-based, behavioural intervention aimed at managing menopausal symptoms in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Study outcomes will include a new program and program materials that can be used across all breast cancer settings.
