Abstract P5-10-04: Care guidelines for young women diagnosed with breast cancer

Background: Rethink Breast Cancer has been offering educational resources and front-line psychosocial and practical support to younger women with breast cancer for over ten years. We have heard first-hand the unique issues that these women face. Some of these challenges include diagnosis during pregnancy, effects of chemotherapy on fertility, risk of menopausal symptoms or osteoporosis, feelings of isolation, questions about sexuality, childcare, relationships, dating, employment and money. Purpose: Health Canada and the Canadian Medical Association have established comprehensive Clinical practice guidelines for the care and treatment of breast cancer and our Provincial Cancer Agencies, the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) and the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO) all have developed excellent Standards of Care. However, our report, Breast Cancer in Young Women in Canada – A Needs Assessment, finds that younger women9s needs continue to fall through the cracks. The report also shows that despite a growing array of peer support based interventions and community resources for young women with breast cancer, their needs are often not being met by current healthcare systems. In response to the feedback from young women experiencing breast cancer in Canada provided in our report, Rethink Breast Cancer has developed a set of recommended Care Guidelines for Young Women with Breast Cancer to ensure their special needs are addressed (in a timely matter). They serve as a compliment to the guidelines mentioned above. Methods: The care guidelines have been developed in consultation with Rethink9s Young Women9s Network, a group comprised of young women across the Canada that have personal experience with breast cancer and are interested in Rethink9s unique role within the breast cancer community. The network provides important input and feedback on our resources and campaigns for young women dealing with breast cancer. The care guidelines were also developed through consultation with our professional advisors in oncology, nursing and psychosocial support. They are based on original work by UK specialist breast cancer support charity Breast Cancer Care. Results & Conclusions: These guidelines provide information about key issues individuals may want to discuss with their healthcare providers involved in their breast cancer treatment and care. They are recommendations on the kind of information and support to which individuals should be given access to as a younger woman with breast cancer. They will also serve to guide the care these individuals receive from healthcare professionals. Citation Format: DeCoteau MJ. Care guidelines for young women diagnosed with breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-10-04.