title: Factors associated with supportive care needs of patients under treatment for breast cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed at gaining insight into supportive care needs and cancer treatment-related symptoms, and to determine factors associated with supportive care needs. Breast cancer and its treatment cause emotional trauma and health complaints. These lead to supportive care needs in some patients, while others are more able to cope with these consequences themselves. To be able to address these needs, it is important to identify patients' needs at the time they arise.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women (n = 175) with newly-diagnosed breast cancer, under treatment in two Swiss breast cancer clinics, participated in a cross-sectional survey. Standardized instruments were used: Supportive Care Needs Survey, Cancer- and Cancer Treatment-related Symptom Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Distress Thermometer, and Interpersonal Relationship Inventory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients' most needed help with psychological issues. Many had treatment-related symptoms like fatigue (87.7%), hot flashes (71.5%), and a changed body appearance (55.8%). The majority suffered from distress (56.2%), fewer from anxiety (24.1%) and depression (12.1%). Physical and social impairment, impaired body image, distress, anxiety and depression, a lack of social support and conflicts in their personal relationships were associated with supportive care needs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings can help to identify more vulnerable patients with unmet needs and a higher demand for support. Assessment of patients enables health care professionals to provide support and counselling. In these assessments, the patients' relationship to close relatives should also be addressed.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Zurich, Department of Nursing, Zurich, Switzerland. silvia.schmid@bluewin.ch
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schmid-Büchi
authors.forename: Ruud J G
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Halfens
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Theo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dassen
authors.forename: Bart
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: van den Borne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013557:Switzerland