title: The information needs of men with breast cancer.
abstract: The information needs of men with breast cancer are under-researched. This article uses questionnaire data from 161 men with breast cancer, and in-depth interview data from a sample of 30 of these men, to explore perceptions of information needs and how best to meet these needs. These men typically received verbal information or written information in the form of leaflets or booklets. Generally this information was helpful, was pitched at about the right level and contained the right amount of information, but was of variable relevance given that it had not been developed specifically for men. Men with breast cancer would benefit from receiving gender-specific information, given the limitations of existing information sources. Of all healthcare professionals, breast care nurses were described as being most helpful in terms of providing both information and practical support.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Iredale
authors.forename: Buddug
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Brain
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: France
authors.forename: Jonathon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gray
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D018567:Breast Neoplasms, Male / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013664:Teaching Materials; D006113:United Kingdom