RESUMO
Aromatase inhibitors are the drug of choice for the treatment of estrogen receptor- or progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Aromatase is an enzyme that catalyzes the final and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of estrogen. Inhibitors of this enzyme are an effective therapy for breast cancer. The benefits of these agents have been clearly shown through various clinical trials, yet adherence may be challenging for some patients due to issues of drug interactions, proper first dose education, and adverse effects. Education to prevent and treat adverse effects is of the utmost importance to promote adherence.
RESUMO
Many patients undergoing cancer treatment experience alopecia. To support patients, scalp cooling programs can be coordinated and implemented to educate patients and their caregivers on the benefits of and best practices for using cold caps to limit the extent of hair loss. In addition, fundraising events can alleviate the cost of cold caps and ensure that the treatment is more widely available to qualified patients. This article reviews the implementation of a cold cap program at a community breast health center. The results of the program indicate that patients who receive detailed education on scalp cooling with a cold cap, as well as have a trained cold capper to assist them with using the device, have an increased chance of limiting alopecia and retaining the majority of their hair.
Assuntos
Alopecia/prevenção & controle , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/efeitos adversos , Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológico , Centros Comunitários de Saúde/organização & administração , Crioterapia/métodos , Couro Cabeludo , Alopecia/induzido quimicamente , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/administração & dosagem , Neoplasias da Mama/diagnóstico , Feminino , Humanos , Enfermagem Oncológica/organização & administração , Satisfação do Paciente , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de SaúdeRESUMO
Tamoxifen is a lifesaving treatment for millions of breast cancer patients worldwide. Yet taking tamoxifen may be challenging for some patients due to issues of compliance, drug interactions, and surgical considerations. Educating patients with a one-page teaching sheet, "Precautions for Patients Taking Tamoxifen," may improve tamoxifen's effectiveness and prevent complications. Advanced practitioners are in a position to prescribe tamoxifen, review medication interactions, educate patients, impact patients' quality of life, improve patients' sense of control, and increase patients' partnerships with their oncology providers.