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CHAPTER 3:

ANALySIS OF

QUALITy OF LIFE

RESEARCH ON LIvING

WITH MBC

Musa Mayer , Katherine Crawford-Gray 2
1
2
1 AdvancedBC.org, Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance

Abstract

Targeted treatment options and advances in supportive care are transforming MBC from a
terminal illness with short survival into a disease many patients can live with over long periods.
This lengthened survival of MBC patients has had an impact on quality of life research.
Methods: Over 150 published, peer-reviewed research articles relevant to the experiences
and needs of people with advanced cancers, including quantitative and qualitative studies Targeted
of patients living with MBC and their families, were read and reviewed to summarize research treatment options
findings about the reality of living with MBC. In addition, 13 MBC patient surveys were analysed. and advances in
Results: The research base around MBC quality of life issues is extensive, permitting summary supportive care
of findings into 6 categories: psychosocial distress; emotional support; information about are transforming
the disease, its treatment, and resources; communication and decision making about care; MBC from a
relief of physical symptoms; and practical concerns: work, health insurance, and finances. terminal illness
Sources of emotional support, individual and group psychotherapy, and counseling, as well as associated with
short survival, into
adequate information about the disease, its treatments, and methods to alleviate symptoms a disease some
and side effects have been shown to be useful in helping patients to cope with and adapt to patients are living
MBC. However, MBC patients are typically not well informed in areas required for decision with over longer
making about their care, and patient–clinician communication can be difficult to navigate. MBC periods of time.
symptoms and side effects of continuous treatment interfere with daily life and cause fatigue,
sleeping difficulties, and pain as well as emotional distress for most patients; supportive and
palliative care is often insufficient. Financial hardship is a fact of life for many families affected
by MBC. Conclusions: The quality of life issues for patients with MBC and their caregivers are
well understood; however, resources and intent to address them are still lacking.

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