Exploring late-effects issues after radiotherapy for breast cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring coping and experiences of care for women living with radiotherapy late effects after being treated for breast cancer over 30 years ago. Comparing their experiences to women treated recently - What can we learn?
IRAS ID
155084
Contact name
Claire Howard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
With breast cancer survival rates improving, and over 60% of patients living over 20 years, the extent of physical and psychological consequences following breast cancer treatments are now becoming more evident. Radiotherapy treatment is now highly sophisticated and has advanced over recent decades, however, there are a small cohort of women living with permanent brachial nerve damage as a result of obsolete forms of radiotherapy in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Since 2012, these women can now access a specialist rehabilitation service to help address long-term treatment-related effects and help improve their quality of life. In comparison, most women treated for breast cancer nowadays are expected to recover well and have longer longevity, due to more effective treatments and rehabilitation. However, treatment-related effects still remains an issue and some individuals continue to experience poor health, disability, psychological difficulties and a reduced quality of life. These problems can emerge months or years after treatment.
This research aims to explore in-depth the stories and coping mechanisms for women that were treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer over 30 years ago and who developed brachial plexus neuropathy as a result of this treatment. The issues identified will be used to compare and contrast the experiences of women treated recently with radiotherapy for breast cancer to further our understanding of the issues that are common to, or which differentiate, the two groups. 10-12 semi-structured interviews will be conducted to explore beliefs and interpretations around diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, living with any ongoing treatment-related consequences as well as experiences of care. This data will help us consider whether current services are meeting the needs of both groups, any gaps in health care provision, and options for future development. It will also identify whether further research on a larger scale is warranted.REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1953
Date of REC Opinion
24 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion