Managing Menopausal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Abstract

Abstract : Symptoms Qf estrogen deprivation commonly occur in breast cancer survivors as a result of natural menopause, or menopause that is precipitated prematurely by chemotherapy or anti-estrogen therapy with tamoxifen. In this research program we are evaluating the role of a comprehensive menopausal assessment (CMA) and intervention program for management of menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors. During the past funding year we have recruited and trained our research staff, developed the intervention and outcome assessment procedures, and pilot-tested the intervention in 9 subjects. We are about to initiate the randomized trial in which we will assign symptomatic postmenopausal breast cancer survivors to an experimental or usual-care group. The experimental group will receive immediate assessment and intervention for their symptoms while the control group will receive no menopause related intervention during a four month period of observation. Systematic assessment of each breast cancer survivor assigned to the intervention will permit treatment of multiple symptoms simultaneously with a variety of non-estrogen pharmacologic, educational and behavioral interventions. We will be assessing the impact of the intervention on quality of life and the resolution of specific menopausal symptoms.