TITLE:
Needs and Opportunities for Information in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania—A Qualitative Study
AUTHORS:
Nazima Dharsee, Kisa Mwakatobe, Mary Haule, Queen Tarimo, Mohammed Mbwana
KEYWORDS:
Metastatic Breast Cancer, Information, Needs, Qualitative
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Breast Cancer Research,
Vol.12 No.3,
June
15,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: The majority of breast cancer patients in Tanzania present with advanced
disease, and a significant proportion has metastatic breast cancer (MBC) on presentation or
develops it
during the course of their follow-up. With few treatment options to choose from, such patients often
benefit from empathic support and access to information to help them make
treatment decisions based on their individual circumstances and needs. Patients
with MBC have been shown to present with unique physical, social and psychological
needs that require additional time, counselling and availability of health care
providers in addition to the routine options available to other patients. In
resource-limited settings, the needs of such patients are often unknown and
unaddressed, which adds to the anxiety associated with the diagnosis and its
treatment. Materials and methods: This descriptive qualitative study was
conducted using 3 focus group discussions with a total of 17 participants with
metastatic breast cancer (MBC) attending Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es
Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were purposively selected for the study from
outpatient clinics and inpatient wards. A semi-structured FGD guide was used to
moderate discussions and analysis was done using a thematic approach. Results: The median age of
participants was 51 (range 33 - 81 years) with an average of
4 months (range 1 - 12 months) from diagnosis of BC to the interview. 4 (24%) were diagnosed
with MBC on first presentation (denovo). Participants spoke about the importance
of accurate BC-related information in allowing timely referral and treatment
both in the community and within the health system. They recognized the role of
mass and social media in increasing awareness about BC and identified myths
surrounding cancer treatment especially mastectomy. Correct and timely
information at points of care, through media platforms and via
ambassadors/patient support groups was perceived as a means to avoiding delays
and securing early and effective treatment. Conclusion: Patients with MBC in Tanzania have many unmet informational needs in
relation to their disease. Accurate BC-related information is important in
allowing early detection and diagnosis. At the community level, provision of
information through established media platforms and the use of patient
advocates may help to enable early referral and treatment of patients.