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01-11-2021 | Breast Cancer | Original Article

Genitourinary symptoms in women with breast cancer: what do oncology health professionals think and do about them?

Authors: Antonia Pearson, Haryana M. Dhillon, Belinda E. Kiely

Published in: Breast Cancer | Issue 6/2021

Abstract

Objectives

We aimed to improve understanding of health professional knowledge and management of genitourinary symptoms (GUS) in women with early breast cancer (EBC).

Methods

A survey was sent to 872 health professionals caring for women with EBC. Questions addressed most common GUS seen, experience treating GUS, and attitudes to treatment options.

Results

144 surveys were completed. Respondent characteristics: median age 50 years; 76% female; 42% medical oncologists; 24% nurses; 20% breast surgeons; 8% radiation oncologists. Most (68%) reported prescribing endocrine therapies for EBC, 99% were aware endocrine therapies can cause GUS, and 55% reported “often” or “always” asking patients on endocrine therapy if they have GUS. Respondents thought vaginal dryness was the most bothersome symptom for their patients (66%), followed by dyspareunia (11%). 81% of respondents reported seeing women stop endocrine therapy prematurely due to GUS. Respondents reported receiving “none” (19%) or “a little” (46%) training or education in managing GUS and only 16% reported feeling “very confident” managing GUS. The proportions of respondents reporting “often” and “very often” recommending the following vaginal treatments were: lubricants (81%); moisturisers (68%); oestrogens (21%); and laser (3%). Vaginal oestrogens were considered “safe” or “probably safe” by 77% and 90% of respondents for women with hormone receptor positive and negative EBC, respectively.

Conclusions

Despite health professionals frequently encountering GUS in women with EBC and seeing patients stop endocrine therapies prematurely, only 16% felt confident managing these symptoms. Education and training for health professionals are needed to better address this common problem.

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Title: Genitourinary symptoms in women with breast cancer: what do oncology health professionals think and do about them?
Authors: Antonia Pearson
Haryana M. Dhillon
Belinda E. Kiely
Publication date: 01-11-2021
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Dyspareunia
Breast Cancer
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Estrogens
Laser
Published in: Breast Cancer / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 1340-6868
Electronic ISSN: 1880-4233
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-021-01260-x

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Abstract

Objectives

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Conclusions

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