Assess the Prevalence for Needs of Breast Cancer Survivors' in the Oncology Ward at a Selected Tertiary Care Hospital

The unmet needs of breast cancer survivors are not being addressed as the number of survivors continues to climb.

Aim and Objective: To determine the prevalence of post-treatment unmet needs and association between unmet needs of breast cancer survivors with selected demographic variables. A descriptive research study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital's oncology outpatient clinic and wards.

Materials and Methods: Data was gathered in two sections: I – baseline data, and section II – Modified needs assessment questionnaire. 35 needs were categorized as physical, emotional, family, spiritual, practical routine, and sexual relationship needs, with ‘Yes’ scored as ‘1’ and ‘No’ scored as ‘0’. Data was collected for one month. Data tabulation and analysis was done.

Results: The majority of BCS had a monthly income of Rs.3000- 10000/- (50.8%) and menopause had occurred in 54 (45%) of the women under the age of 45. Majority 65 (78%) did not have health insurance, whereas 42 (35%) had it. Majority 108 (90.33%) breast cancer survivors had high level of needs, whereas 12 (10%) had moderate level of needs. High physical needs reported by 87 (72.50 %) and 32 (26.67%) moderate physical needs. All 100% BCS reported high emotional need. Whereas 2(1.67%) less need, 14(11.67%) moderate, 56 (46.67%) high needs and 48 (40%) very high reported family and spiritual need and 39 (32.5 %) BCS reported moderate level of practical needs. Participants 14(11.67%) less needs, 39 (32.50%) moderate, 22(18.33%) high and very high 8(6.67%) reported practical needs. 100% of breast cancer survivors (BCS) reported physical includes Hot flashes, a change in appetite or eating pattern. High emotional needs followed by physical needs. Family and spiritual requirements of BCS were found to be strongly related to age, P 0.036. Age, education, occupation, income, stage of cancer, and health insurance are not associated with the overall and physical needs of breast cancer survivors (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Breast cancer survivors' needs are more prevalent and have an impact on quality of life, prognosis, and recovery of clients. Real, appropriate assessment of breast cancer survivors needs is an important steps in development of need base intervention to improve quality of life. As a result, health care providers should address the needs of BCS patients as soon as possible in order to make better use of scarce health resources.