The Role of Community Pharmacists in Addressing Medication-related Issues for Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally. To prevent relapse and prolong disease-free survival, adjuvant endocrine treatment such as selective oestrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors are being used. However, such oestrogen-blocking agents can cause serious adverse events. Community pharmacists are ideally positioned to ensure that such adverse events are addressed promptly and competently through their comprehensive knowledge of medicines. To identify the skills and training required to improve community pharmacists' communication in breast cancer settings regarding adjuvant endocrine treatments and to propose a conceptual framework for setting up such breast cancer service, we reviewed the literature using PubMed and performed a brief survey of eight community pharmacists using semi-structured interview method. To improve pharmacists' competencies in breast cancer settings, a clear framework for the proposed service on the national level is required. In addition to communication skills training programmes and problem-solving competences, reviewing the pharmacy pre-registration training curriculum and creating appropriate platforms that monitor medications in breast cancer patients are advocated.