Kirsten A Nyrop1,2,3, Leigh F Callahan4,5,6,7, Christine Rini8,9, Mary Altpeter10, Betsy Hackney5, Amy DePue11,4, Anne Wilson12, Arielle Schechter12, Hyman B Muss11,8,4. 1. Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 7305, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7305, USA. kirsten_nyrop@med.unc.edu. 2. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. kirsten_nyrop@med.unc.edu. 3. Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. kirsten_nyrop@med.unc.edu. 4. Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 5. Thurston Arthritis Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 6. Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 7. Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 8. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 9. Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 10. Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 11. Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 7305, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7305, USA. 12. , Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors (AI) often experience side effects of joint pain, stiffness, or achiness (arthralgia). This study presents findings from a qualitative study of survivors on an AI regarding their knowledge of potential joint pain side effects and how both AI side effects and their management through moderate physical activity could be discussed during routine visits with their oncology provider. METHODS: Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were content analyzed for emergent themes. Descriptive statistics summarize sample characteristics. RESULTS: Our sample included 36 survivors, mean age of 67 (range 46-87); 86 % Caucasian and 70 % had education beyond high school. AI experience are as follows: 64 % anastrozole/Arimidex, 48 % letrozole/Femara, and 31 % exemestane/Aromasin. Participants expressed interest in having more information about potential joint pain side effects when the AI was prescribed so they could understand their joint symptoms when they appeared or intensified. They were relieved to learn that their joint symptoms were not unusual or "in their head." Participants would have been especially motivated to try walking as a way to manage their joint pain if physical activity had been recommended by their oncologist. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors who are prescribed an AI as part of their adjuvant treatment want ongoing communication with their oncology provider about the potential for joint pain side effects and how these symptoms may be managed through regular physical activity. The prescription of an AI presents a "teachable moment" for oncologists to recommend and encourage their patients to engage in regular physical activity.
PURPOSE:Breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors (AI) often experience side effects of joint pain, stiffness, or achiness (arthralgia). This study presents findings from a qualitative study of survivors on an AI regarding their knowledge of potential joint pain side effects and how both AI side effects and their management through moderate physical activity could be discussed during routine visits with their oncology provider. METHODS: Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were content analyzed for emergent themes. Descriptive statistics summarize sample characteristics. RESULTS: Our sample included 36 survivors, mean age of 67 (range 46-87); 86 % Caucasian and 70 % had education beyond high school. AI experience are as follows: 64 % anastrozole/Arimidex, 48 % letrozole/Femara, and 31 % exemestane/Aromasin. Participants expressed interest in having more information about potential joint pain side effects when the AI was prescribed so they could understand their joint symptoms when they appeared or intensified. They were relieved to learn that their joint symptoms were not unusual or "in their head." Participants would have been especially motivated to try walking as a way to manage their joint pain if physical activity had been recommended by their oncologist. CONCLUSIONS:Breast cancer survivors who are prescribed an AI as part of their adjuvant treatment want ongoing communication with their oncology provider about the potential for joint pain side effects and how these symptoms may be managed through regular physical activity. The prescription of an AI presents a "teachable moment" for oncologists to recommend and encourage their patients to engage in regular physical activity.
Authors: Catherine M Sabiston; Jennifer Brunet; Jeff K Vallance; Sarkis Meterissian Journal: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev Date: 2014-04-21 Impact factor: 4.254
Authors: Leigh F Callahan; Jack H Shreffler; Mary Altpeter; Britta Schoster; Jennifer Hootman; Laura O Houenou; Kathryn R Martin; Todd A Schwartz Journal: Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) Date: 2011-08 Impact factor: 4.794
Authors: C A DeNysschen; H Burton; F Ademuyiwa; E Levine; S Tetewsky; T O'Connor Journal: Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) Date: 2013-12-02 Impact factor: 2.520
Authors: Catherine M Alfano; Jeannette M Day; Mira L Katz; James E Herndon; Marisa A Bittoni; Jill M Oliveri; Kathleen Donohue; Electra D Paskett Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2009-02 Impact factor: 3.894