Information needs and preferences of women with adjuvant and metastatic breast cancer (BC): Results of a survey in Germany

Abstract

6096 Background: An increasing number of breast cancer patients in western countries are accessing the Internet for medical information. Little is known about to why breast cancer patients access the Internet. The following study was condcuted to explore the information needs and preferences of patients with special focus on doctor-patient communication. Methods: During an eight months period of time, a questionnaire consisting of 62 questions was developed and validated in a phase-I study and was addressed both via internet (homepage) and via a print-version to breast cancer patients. Results: A total of 617 patients (pts), 552 online version and 65 by print version, were eligible. Pts who took part in the survey via the internet had a median age of 47 years; those used the print version, 53 years. 65% of the pts didn’t have distant metastases. There were no significant differences in the answers between pts with adjuvant and metastatic BC. The most relevant source of information concerning treatment was the physician (84%) followed by the internet (55%). Looking for alternative therapies beside the regular treatment was the most frequent reason for using the internet. Asking the pts what information refering their disease and therapy are of major importance to themthe responses were: do I receive the right therapy? (89%); How many patients with my disease my physician is treating? (46%); Can I participate in a trial? (46%). The most frequently mentioned recommendations to optimize the management were: more alternative therapies should be offered (54%); physicians should invest more time for explanations (51%); communication between all involved physicians should be improved (39%). 94% of all pts demand an independent advice cancer centre and 97% of all pts require more information of the impact of treatment on the everyday life. Conclusions: This study confirms an unspoilt trust of patients in their doctors and underlines the need to give patients with breast cancer all details on treatment options. (Supported by ESSEX Pharma Germany) This study underlines the need to give patients with breast cancer all details on treatment options and cancer managements. (Supported bei ESSEX Pharma Germany) No significant financial relationships to disclose.