Perceived concerns of pregnant women with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To identify concerns of women who had received chemotherapy for breast cancer while pregnant.


METHODS
Exploratory, descriptive, retrospective pilot study.


METHODS
Large cancer center in the Southwestern United States.


METHODS
Six women (mean age of 35.5 years) who had been treated for breast cancer while pregnant within the previous five years.


METHODS
Mailed survey using a demographic form and the Bandyk Concerns Questionnaire--a 30-item Likert-type scale.


METHODS
Concerns about the effects of breast cancer treatment on the pregnancy and the fetus.


RESULTS
The primary concern was "living to see my child grow up." Of least concern was "other people's opinion of me."


CONCLUSIONS
Although an informational pamphlet was written based on these results, more extensive examination of the special group of patients is needed to draw any conclusions.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses are in a good position to offer accurate information to women who must make the choices involved with receiving chemotherapy during pregnancy and to support the women during and after the treatment and the child's birth.
Bandyk
E A
EA
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.
Gilmore
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents