Supportive care needs of women undergoing breast diagnostics and their families: A focus for nursing interventions

This article reviews the literature regarding the supportive care needs of women undergoing breast diagnostics. The experience of undergoing a diagnostice work-up for a breast abnormality is extremely stressful for most women, when fears of breast cancer are either allayed or realized. If their needs are not identified and addressed, individuals and their families rish experiencing psychosocial distress. Nurses are in an excellent position to provide supportive care services which meet the needs of women during this time. The Supportive Care Framework (Ontario Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, 1994) directs the review of supportive care needs and resulting nursing interventions. Conclusions are drawn for nursing practice and future research.