Karen-Leigh Edward1,2,3, Mitchell Chipman4, John Stephenson5, Kayte Robinson4, Jo-Ann Giandinoto6, Roth Trisno7,8. 1. Nursing and Practice-based Research, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. 2. St Vincent's Private Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. 3. School of Human and Health Science, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK. 4. Victorian Breast and Oncology Care, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 5. School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK. 6. Australian Catholic University, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine (Melbourne), Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia. 7. Albury Wodonga Health, Wodonga, Victoria, Australia. 8. Albury Wodonga Health, Albury, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The majority of breast cancer patients will experience some level of emotional distress, with some patients having long-term psychological maladjustment. Personal and social resources play a role in recovery yet the interplay between these factors warrants further examination. This study aimed to investigate the interaction of psychosocial factors impacting women in their breast cancer trajectory, at 2 years or less following diagnosis (stages I-III). DESIGN: A longitudinal cohort study approach was used in this study. METHODS: The sample consisted of n = 49 participants. Data were collected between June 2013 and October 2013 and followed for 12 months across the trajectory of the disease. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.6 years (SD 11.6 years). Most participants had stage I or stage II breast cancer. Time (over three time points-4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months) after diagnosis was significantly associated with the body image (P = .003) and age (P = .004). CONCLUSION: Older women with breast cancer reported less concern regarding body image than their younger peers. These findings suggest that posttreatment younger women may require access to psychological support posttreatment.
BACKGROUND: The majority of breast cancerpatients will experience some level of emotional distress, with some patients having long-term psychological maladjustment. Personal and social resources play a role in recovery yet the interplay between these factors warrants further examination. This study aimed to investigate the interaction of psychosocial factors impacting women in their breast cancer trajectory, at 2 years or less following diagnosis (stages I-III). DESIGN: A longitudinal cohort study approach was used in this study. METHODS: The sample consisted of n = 49 participants. Data were collected between June 2013 and October 2013 and followed for 12 months across the trajectory of the disease. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.6 years (SD 11.6 years). Most participants had stage I or stage II breast cancer. Time (over three time points-4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months) after diagnosis was significantly associated with the body image (P = .003) and age (P = .004). CONCLUSION: Older women with breast cancer reported less concern regarding body image than their younger peers. These findings suggest that posttreatment younger women may require access to psychological support posttreatment.