Breast cancer and menopause: perceptions of diagnosis, menopausal therapies and health behaviors

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the perception and experience of menopause diagnosis and therapies, the information provided and health behaviors in younger women with breast cancer.

Methods The questionnaire study was completed by 114 women, aged 40–51 years, with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women were recruited from outpatient clinics and the community. Descriptive statistics were completed.

Results Most women were satisfied with the manner in which they were informed of the breast cancer (69%) and the menopause (59%) diagnoses. Although 80% of women were given breast cancer information, only 54% were given menopause information at diagnosis. Women were least satisfied (26%) with information regarding the long-term complications of menopause. Women perceived exercise (68%) and improving lifestyle (61%) as most effective in alleviating symptoms of menopause. The majority of women reported that they did not understand the risks/benefits of ‘bioidentical’ hormones (79%) and herbal therapies (78%), while 58% perceived hormone replacement therapies as associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Most women reported weight gain (68%) and osteoporosis (67%) as the most common problems/fears regarding menopause. However, regarding health behaviors, only 56% reported having relevant tests including a blood sugar test or a bone density test.

Conclusion While information needs regarding breast cancer appear well met in younger women, unmet information needs regarding menopause after breast cancer persist. Further education and support are required for these women to optimize health screening and prevention behaviors and to ensure informed decision-making regarding menopause treatment options.

Key words::

• BREAST CANCER
• MENOPAUSE
• DIAGNOSIS
• PERCEPTION
• MENOPAUSE THERAPIES
• HEALTH BEHAVIORS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank the patients who participated in this study, Breast Cancer Network Australia, The Jean Hailes for Women's Health Education Unit, staff of outpatient menopause and breast oncology clinics at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton and Moorabbin, funding from the Victoria Cancer Agency (VCA) for a Bench to Bedside Collaboration award 2009.

Conflict of interest The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Source of funding This study was supported by a grant from the Victoria Cancer Agency Early Career Bench and Bedside Collaboration awards 2009. Professor Helena Teede is a NHMRC research fellowship holder and Padaphet Sayakhot is a Monash Graduate Scholarship holder.