Researchers at Hong Kong Metropolitan University conducted the study and published their findings in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing.
The goal of their study was to understand how women with breast cancer view potential cardiovascular toxicity associated with cancer treatment, as well as how they used self-management behaviors to address their cardiovascular health, “monitor for symptoms, and adhere to clinical surveillance.”
A total of 12 women aged 40-74 years participated in the study, which used a “qualitative descriptive design.” Investigators performed semi-structured interviews with participants, which were recorded for audio and “transcribed verbatim.” To prepare the data for analysis, investigators used NVivo 12 and conducted an “inductive thematic analysis” to identify themes and subthemes within participant responses.
According to the findings, multiple barriers and challenges to recognizing and understanding cardiovascular toxicity, in addition to associated toxicity symptoms and treatment-related symptoms, as a potential result of breast cancer treatment were identified.
Four themes were illuminated by participant interviews, such as “(1) overwhelming physical and functional burden of treatment; (2) fragmented knowledge and awareness of potential cardiovascular toxicity; (3) healthcare communication gaps and unmet informational needs; and (4) psychosocial and systemic barriers to overall well-being and health management.”
Within the first theme, investigators identified sub-themes of neuropathy and mobility-related challenges that made physical function difficult and limited for participants, as well as gastrointestinal issues and nutritional deficits that aggravated declines in physical functioning.
Sub-themes within theme 2 involved a “disconnect between symptoms and cardiac health literacy,” as well as issues with medication management and a lack of “lifestyle guidance” from healthcare professionals.
Theme 3 revealed sub-themes of communication-related and informational gaps with healthcare professionals, in addition to a lack of understanding or limited understanding surrounding the potential of cardiovascular toxicity.
Lastly, theme 4 identified 3 sub-themes of financial burden, “emotional distress and mental health burden,” and “loss of independence, diminished social participation, and communication barriers.”
Challenges faced by patients with breast cancer that were identified in interviews underscored the need for continued development of “proactive, patient-centered interventions,” investigators wrote.
They concluded by proposing various strategies to enhance awareness of potential cardiovascular toxicity in breast cancer care, such as “tailored education, symptom-reporting tools, and structured follow-up models.”