Evidence-based psychosocial clinical practice guidelines for women with breast cancer

Abstract

Women diagnosed with breast cancer suffer significant emotional morbidity in addition to the medical aspects of the disease. Research shows that up to 45% of women suffer from anxiety or depressive disorders that can impact their own functioning, as well as that of their family. Therefore, the psychosocial needs for women diagnosed with breast cancer are an important consideration in providing medical care. Based on the best available evidence on the psychosocial aspects of breast cancer management, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) National Breast Cancer Centre Psychosocial Working Group developed clinical practice guidelines for application by all members of the treatment team. This multi-disciplinary working group included oncologists, psychiatrists, surgeons, general practitioners (GP's), nurses and consumers. These guidelines are simple, patient specific and user friendly. The aim of this paper is to introduce these evidence-based psychosocial clinical guidelines to health professionals involved in the care of women with breast cancer. The ultimate goal of introducing these guidelines is to improve psychosocial and quality of life outcomes for these women and their families.