Anti-hormonal Medication Adherence in Breast Cancer Patients
1. INTRODUCTION
Patients with breast cancer, who required anti-estrogenic therapy, were traditionally treated with tamoxifen. However, with the introduction of newer anti-estrogenic treatments, patients may now be taking one of several of these therapies (tamoxifen, anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane). Also, patients are often required to take these medications for several years. In general, we know that people who take medication for a long period of time have unique medication information needs during their course of treatment. What is less well understood is what these information needs are, as well as strategies that can be used to better support them.
We are conducting a study to help better understand the medication-taking practices and information needs of breast cancer patients, such as yourself, who are taking or have taken anti-estrogenic therapy. To this end, we invite you to fill out our survey that aims to capture your personal experiences with breast cancer, in particular anti-estrogen therapy. If you agree to participate, it will take approximately 30 minutes.
Please know that your participation is anonymous and voluntary. You may choose not to participate or you may stop participating at any time without giving any reason. By filling out the survey, you will be giving your consent to participate in our study. If you change your mind, simply exit the survey at any time by (to exit, click "Exit this survey" in the top right corner of the screen).
We look forward to hearing from you. Sharing your unique experiences and personal views would be instrumental in enhancing the care and support offered to patients who will be going through the difficult journey of breast cancer treatments.
If you have any questions, concerns or additional comments or would like to learn more about our study, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Jana Bajcar EdD
Mark Pasetka Pharm.D.
Email: mark.pasetka@sunnybrook.ca
Phone: (416)480-6100 ext. 83692
We wish you the very best in your continued journey towards good health.
NOTES:
Although some questions may appear to be repeated throughout the survey, this is intended. The reason for this is to determine similar themes during the different stages of your treatment.
Unless otherwise indicated, only one answer may be chosen for each question.
Please be sure to read any notes present at the top of each page of questions.
The term "Anti-estrogenic treatment" = "Anti-estrogenic therapy" = "Anti-estrogenic medication".
The term anti-estrogenic therapy covers four different medications - Tamoxifen, Anastrozole, Exemestane, and Letrozole.
Tamoxifen is classed as a selective estrogen receptor modulator or SERM.
Anastrozole, Exemestane, and Letrozole are referred to as aromatase inhibitors, or AIs (aromatase is an enzyme in the body which is involved in the production of estrogen).