From: Evaluation of the current knowledge limitations in breast cancer research: a gap analysis
What do we know? | There are psychosocial effects of genetic testing, prophylactic mastectomy and breast screening. |
Descriptive studies of the experiences of breast cancer patients using quantitative and qualitative methods show women still experience psychosocial distress despite improvements in treatment and prognosis. | |
Psychosocial interventions have been shown to benefit women, including those identified as experiencing high levels of distress. | |
What are the gaps? | Evaluation of decision aids for risk management and the choice of preventative surgery amongst high-risk women. |
Ways of effectively communicating information and aiding patient treatment decision-making. | |
Defining patient experiences in early, chronic and end stage breast cancer. | |
Limited research into co-morbidities amongst breast cancer patients. | |
Experiences of ethnic minority populations and older women. | |
The need to develop and evaluate appropriate psychosocial interventions for high-risk women and those diagnosed as having breast cancer. | |
Use of psychological theories in behaviour change that could enhance compliance to lifestyle and chemoprevention trials. | |
Problems | The need for the long-term follow-up in psychosocial research. |
Barriers to the uptake of research findings. | |
Translational implications | Direct improvement in the experience of patients, their families and those at increased risk. |
Recommendations | Develop and rigorously evaluate appropriate psychosocial interventions. |
Encourage cross-speciality collaboration to incorporate psychosocial issues and psychological theory (for example, psychological theories in relation to behaviour change are relevant to those researching prevention with diet and exercise or chemoprevention). | |
Ensure research gives greater attention to all stages of breast cancer and that the needs of older women and those from a range of ethnic groups are included. |