An Irish breast cancer survivorship study: Are we meeting our patient's needs?

Irish breast cancer survivor's needs have not been studied. Physical, psychological, social and spiritual concerns were investigated. Patient satisfaction with hospital discharge, GP follow-up, and the benefit of a discharge pack was investigated. A cohort of patients from the South East Cancer Centre was identified. Inclusion criteria: localized breast cancer, completion of adjuvant therapy, GP-led follow-up in the last 5 years. An anonymous questionnaire was developed, and ethical approval obtained. Subgroup analyses for age and time since diagnosis and discharge were completed. 80 patients were identified. 44 patients (55%) completed the questionnaire, 5 (6%) were excluded. Commonest concerns included: fatigue (51%), fear of recurrence (69%) and second cancers concerns (69%.) 23 (59%) and 25 patients (64%) were satisfied with discharge and GP follow-up respectively. 27 patients (67%) reported benefit from a discharge pack. Irish breast cancer survivors had concerns, and were satisfied with GP follow-up.