title: Informing women with breast cancer about endocrine therapy: effects on knowledge and adherence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy in women with breast cancer is low, and patients are not informed sufficiently. This study analyzes the effects of a structured treatment information on patients' satisfaction, knowledge, and adherence.
  
  
  METHODS
  An interventional single cohort study of postoperative women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer was conducted to study the effects of enhanced information about endocrine therapy given additionally to clinical routine information. Knowledge and satisfaction with additional information given 1-3 weeks after surgery were assessed before and after informing patients; adherence and knowledge were measured 3 months after start of treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 137 patients were analyzed before and after provision of enhanced treatment information as well as 3 months after start of endocrine therapy. Enhanced information increased satisfaction with information and knowledge. The percentage of patients who knew their estrogen receptor status increased from 50% to 93%. At 3 months follow-up, 60% still had correct knowledge. Patients who learned their receptor status were older, and those who forgot had lower cognitive abilities and lower educational level. Patients with higher satisfaction, better learning, and comprehension directly after enhanced information showed better adherence at 3 months follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients, especially older ones, can benefit from enhanced treatment information given additionally to routine care. Enhanced information about mode of action and potential side effects of endocrine therapy when included into clinical routine might foster patient autonomy and prevent early disruptions in adherence.
authors: Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Hamburg University, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: Sarah R
authors: SR
authors: Heisig
authors: Meike C
authors: MC
authors: Shedden-Mora
authors: Pia
authors: P
authors: von Blanckenburg
authors: Franziska
authors: F
authors: Schuricht
authors: Winfried
authors: W
authors: Rief
authors: Ute-Susann
authors: US
authors: Albert
authors: Yvonne
authors: Y
authors: Nestoriuc
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003071:Cognition; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D013629:Tamoxifen
keywords: adherence in oncology; adjuvant endocrine therapy; breast cancer; disease knowledge; treatment information