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is an important component of self-efficacy, enabling patients to regain a sense of control.

In 1 survey, feeling informed was statistically associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression,
[3]
and fatigue as patients reported a greater sense of control, despite uncertainty .
At least three quarters of surveyed patients say they seek information about MBC and
treatment options “very frequently” [3, 59] , a finding confirmed in face-to-face interviews with
a broader, international patient population [60] . Information on coping with and managing side
effects and symptoms is also strongly desired by most patients. Almost all MBC patients
surveyed say that being informed about treatments and the progression of disease helps their
quality of life [61] .

Nearly half of MBC patients surveyed say they find the information they need difficult to
locate and confusing and that what they do find does not fully address their needs. In fact, Information is
informational needs of patients change throughout the course of MBC. There are significant perceived as a
times when patients and family members seek information from HCPs and elsewhere: initial primary need
MBC diagnosis, treatment failure, symptom crisis, disease progression, and end of life. Patients by about 75% of
also vary in their response to the information formats available—websites and webinars, MBC patients.
teleconferences, videos, print materials, meetings, presentations, and conferences. Thus,
information is probably best delivered in several of these formats. In addition, the type of
information sought varies. For example, young MBC patients express concerns related to
genetic testing, fertility, dating, children, career, and other issues and want resources and
support dedicated to their specific needs [59] . In addition, information and support are not
distinct from one another. MBC patients find information to be supportive and seek information Feeling informed is
associated with lower
[3]
from their support systems; thus, services for MBC patients should offer both . levels of anxiety,
depression, and
Access to information is not only associated with patients’ ability to cope but also affects fatigue as patients
clinical trial enrollment. Surveys show that MBC patients who seek out information are more reported a greater
likely than others to participate in clinical trials [60, 61] . Patients are often motivated to participate sense of control,
in trials because they believe that access to new treatments is vital to extending life; treatment despite uncertainty.
choices may be limited by cost, insurance coverage, and delays in trial completion. However,
patients say they are rarely informed about new treatments or clinical trials available and even
more rarely about those beyond their hospital or oncology practice [61] . When they do enroll in
clinical trials, MBC patients most commonly cite encouragement from their HCPs
as the reason for their participation [75] .

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