title: Young Women with Breast Cancer: A Focus Group Study of Unmet Needs.
abstract: Purpose:Young women with breast cancer suffer distress both at the time of diagnosis and afterwards. This study aimed to elucidate which issues are most disturbing to this population and which might be amenable to intervention.Methods:English-speaking women treated or involved in research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for stage I-III breast cancer while aged 18-42 years were invited to participate in one of four focus groups. A trained moderator led each 90-minute audio-recorded group using a semi-structured interview guide. All transcripts were coded using thematic content analysis with NVivo software.Results:Thirty-six women participated. Three major themes emerged from the analyses of these focus groups' data: (1) participants felt different from older breast cancer patients with regard to relationships, fertility, menopausal symptoms, treatment side effects, and work/finances; (2) participants faced unique challenges transitioning into the survivorship phase of care; and (3) participants desired assistance, including connections with other young patients, help navigating the healthcare system, educational materials, and lists of appropriate counselors.Conclusion:Young women with breast cancer have unmet needs for psychosocial support, education, and symptom management, and can identify potential support that may help meet these needs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Kathryn J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Ruddy
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island , Kingston, Rhode Island.
authors.forename: Mary L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Greaney
authors.affiliation: Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sprunck-Harrild
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Meghan E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.affiliation: Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Emmons
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Ann H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Partridge
keywords: breast cancer; oncofertility; social support; survivorship