title: Perceived symptoms and the supportive care needs of breast cancer survivors six months to five years post-treatment period.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study characterized the range and levels of perceived symptoms and unmet needs reported by breast cancer survivors in the half-year to five year post-treatment period, and determined whether the symptoms can be a predictor of unmet needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a cross-sectional study, 150 breast cancer survivors (mean age: 55.1 ± 8 years) at the half-year to five year post-treatment period were enrolled for analysis. The measuring scales used included the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS), and the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form (SCNS-SF34).
  
  
  RESULTS
  88% of the survivors reported having at least one symptom, while 51% reported at least one unmet need. Lack of energy was the most prevalent symptom (47%), followed by numbness/tingling in hands/feet (41%). Most of the survivors had unmet needs in the Health care system/Information domain (37% reported at least one unmet need for help), followed by Psychological needs (29%). The mean scores for the SCNS-SF34 domains, except for sexuality, were significantly higher in the high-symptom group (mean 17.6-32.2) compared with the low-symptom group (mean 3.5-22.3) (p < 0.01). Regression of the SCNS-SF34 domain scores against the MSAS scores revealed an increase in the explained variance of from 14% to 54%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that breast cancer survivors continue to experience a multitude of symptoms, and the burden of symptoms may be associated with unmet needs across a range of domains.
authors: Alice Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Hospital System, Singapore. Electronic address: karis_cheng@nuhs.edu.sg.
authors: K K F
authors: KK
authors: Cheng
authors: Alice Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Hospital System, Singapore.
authors: Rajasegeran
authors: R
authors: Darshini Devi
authors: National University Hospital, Singapore.
authors: W H
authors: WH
authors: Wong
authors: National University Hospital, Singapore.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Koh
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010465:Perception; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D063189:Symptom Assessment; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Breast cancer survivors; Supportive care needs; Symptoms; Unmet needs