A survey of women diagnosed with breast cancer experiencing oncology treatment–induced hot flushes: identification of specific characteristics as predictors of hot flush occurrence, frequency, and severity
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Publication Type:
- Journal Article
- Citation:
- Journal of Cancer Survivship, 2024, 2024
- Issue Date:
- 2024-08-01
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Purpose: More women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) are living with oncology treatment–induced hot flushes (HFs). This Australian-based survey explores why some women experience more severe or ongoing HF and whether specific population characteristics are predictive of HF occurrence, frequency, and/or severity.
Methods: A non-probabilistic anonymous survey distributed online (Register4) and two Australian hospitals collected demographic and clinical information. Eligibility was consenting Australian-based women, 18 years and over, with a primary BC diagnosis. Analysis included linear and logistic regression models.
Results: A total of 324 survey responses were analyzed. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy were each associated with HF occurrence (aOR = 2.92, 95% CI [1.27, 6.70], p = 0.01; and aOR = 7.50, 95% CI [3.02, 18.62], p < 0.001) and in combination (aOR = 5.98, 95% CI [2.61, 13.69], p < 0.001). Increased self-reported anxiety at BC diagnosis was significantly associated with HF frequency and severity scores (aCO = 0.71, 95% CI [0.31, 1.12], p = 0.001; and aCO = 0.44, 95% CI [0.33, 0.55], p < 0.001). Postmenopausal women had significantly lower HF severity and frequency scores than premenopausal women (aCO = −0.93, 95% CI [−1.62, −0.25], p = 0.008; and aCO = −2.62, 95% CI [−5.14, −0.11], p = 0.041).
Conclusions: Women with BC receiving chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy and premenopausal or experiencing elevated anxiety and/or stress will likely experience more severe oncology treatment–related HFs.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: HFs continue across the BC treatment trajectory with women >5-year survivorship still reporting life impacts, with premenopausal women at the time of BC diagnosis at higher risk of experiencing severe and more frequent oncology treatment-induced HFs than postmenopausal women. Women at high risk require information on methods to moderate HF potential life impacts and maintain treatment compliance.
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