Knowledge, expectations and experiences of patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

The experiences of a cohort of 60 women receiving chemotherapy in treatment of breast cancer were monitored in an in-depth prospective study. The purpose of the investigation was to identify ways in which nurses could improve the preparation and support of patients undergoing chemotherapy. It was found that patients' knowledge of chemotherapy was limited and that the side-effects they experienced, and their reactions to these, were rather different and more diverse than had been expected. The study illustrates the value of exploring patients' perceptions of their problems and needs for information and support.