Health care experiences among women diagnosed with gestational breast cancer

Abstract

Gestational breast cancer (GBC) presents many challenges for women and the clinicians who care for them. The aim of this study was to explore the health care experiences of women diagnosed with GBC to inform and improve clinical care of women in this predicament. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 women who had been diagnosed with GBC in the previous 5 years. The overarching themes for perceived quality of care were "communication" and "comprehensive care." "Communication" had two sub themes: "interdisciplinary communication" (the way health professionals from different disciplines communicated with each other about the management of the woman's care) and "patient communication" (how they communicated this to the woman). The "comprehensive care" theme incorporated three sub themes: "the spirit" (psychological care); "the mind" (information provision); and "the body" (management of treatment side effects). Women's own accounts of positive and negative experiences of GBC care provide unique and specific insights which improve understanding of their concerns and needs. The findings can inform advances in quality and efficacy of clinical care; offer guidance for obstetricians, oncologists and allied health professionals about the needs of women diagnosed with GBC and how care can be optimised; and inform the development of resources to assist women and their families.

Psychological aspects of gestational cancer: A systematic review

“…Of the five studies included in the review, [26][27][28][29][30] four limited their analyses to the perspectives of pregnant women diagnosed with cancer only, 26,27,28,30 while one also included partners' perspectives. 28 Four studies comprised predominantly multiparous women.…”

“…27 In three studies, no information on cancer staging was provided. 26,29,30 Across all five studies, the participants' age at cancer diagnosis ranged from 22 to 43 years. Most women were pregnant at the time of their cancer diagnosis while other women had miscarriages, terminations or were within 12 months post-partum.…”

Câncer na gestação: avaliação de depressão, ansiedade, autoestima e vínculo materno-fetal

“…Nos estudos [19][20][21][22][23] Além disso, terem engravidado estando doentes de câncer deu a elas um sentimento de estarem saudáveis, uma vez que a ideia de gravidez está associada à saúde 19 .…”

“…Os estudos 17 sobre depressão e ansiedade em gestantes com câncer são escassos. A maioria dos estudos [19][20][21][22][23]…”

“…Dois 17,18 deles utilizaram metodologia quantitativa e avaliaram os níveis de sofrimento psicológico neste contexto. Os outros8,[19][20][21][22][23] seis avaliaram, por meio de metodologia qualitativa, as representações sociais Não foram encontrados estudos sobre a avaliação de autoestima em gestantes com diagnóstico de câncer.…”