Characteristics of breast cancer patients who experience menopausal transition due to treatment

Abstract

Objective To identify patient-related and treatment-related factors associated significantly with climacteric symptoms in young patients who experience menopausal transition due to adjuvant treatment for breast cancer.

Methods This cross-sectional study used questionnaire data collected to screen breast cancer patients for participation in a multicenter trial on the efficacy of supportive interventions for treatment-induced menopausal symptoms. The screening instrument included questions on sociodemographics, menopausal history and current menopausal status and symptoms, treatment history and lifestyle factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated significantly with two major menopausal symptoms, hot flushes/night sweats and vaginal dryness.

Results In total, 435 patients were included in this study. Hot flushes/night sweats exhibited a significant, negative association with education and a significant positive association with alcohol consumption, and having been treated with the combination of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Vaginal dryness was positively associated with combined treatment with chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

Conclusions Menopausal symptoms among young breast cancer patients who experience menopausal transition due to adjuvant treatment are associated with a number of sociodemographic, lifestyle and treatment-related factors. Carefully designed interventions to prevent or alleviate these symptoms should take these factors into account.

Key words:

• BREAST CANCER
• MENOPAUSE
• HOT FLUSHES
• NIGHT SWEATS
• VAGINAL DRYNESS

Conflict of interest

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

Source of funding

This study was supported by a grant from the Dutch Cancer Society (grant number NKI 2006–3470).