Understanding the Needs of Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: Results of the Make Your Dialogue Count Survey.

With more patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) living longer, patient-centered communication and shared decision making between patient and oncologist are vital to improve care and quality of life in patients with MBC. The Make Your Dialogue Count survey explored emotional needs of patients at initial diagnosis of MBC and treatment change to increase awareness about gaps and facilitate communication between patients and oncologists. The survey was conducted (June-August 2014) online, by telephone, or on paper among US women with MBC and US-licensed medical oncologists. Patient data were unweighted. Oncologist data were weighted by geographic region and years in practice by sex to match actual proportions in the population. Statistically significant differences between groups were determined by standard t-test of column proportions and means at the 95% confidence level. Between initial diagnosis of MBC and treatment change, some patients' attitudes and feelings adapted as their disease advanced. Fewer patients reported fear of the unknown (58% versus 44%) and distress over believing something could have been done to prevent disease progression (26% versus 12%), but more patients reported hope of keeping the disease stable (46% versus 59%) and confidence in treatment options (29% versus 37%). During their treatment journey, more women with children ≤17 years old were distressed because they believed something could have been done to prevent disease progression versus women with children 18+ years old or no children. There were instances of misalignment between patient expectations and what oncologists actually discussed with patients. Our findings suggest that patients exhibit an ability to adapt during their disease. Having a shared understanding of concerns and needs of patients serves to strengthen the patient-oncologist alliance and creates a framework for oncologists to tailor disease management and coping strategies to improve quality of life for patients of all ages with MBC.

Women's Knowledge of Genomic Testing and Precision Medicine in Breast Cancer Treatment Decision-Making.

PURPOSE: To understand awareness of genetic and genomic testing, as well as decision-making, in women diagnosed with breast cancer. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 29 African American/Black and Latina/Hispanic women diagnosed with breast cancer. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: A semistructured interview guide was used in focus groups conducted via videoconference. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Many of the women understood the concept of genetic testing to identify the BRCA1/BRCA2 variant, but none of them were aware of genomic testing and its implications for personalized medicine. Participants discussed provider and patient roles in treatment decision-making, identifying roles that the physician might play in treatment planning, from primary decision-maker to collaborator. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: As the number of precision cancer treatments expands, patients must be able to comprehend the information provided to make informed decisions about their treatment. Providers should do a better job of explaining potential treatments so that patients feel they are part of the decision-making process. Addressing gaps in treatment access and uptake requires providers to prioritize patient engagement and understanding.