Abstract P3-10-04: Prevalence of pain and barriers to pain management in breast cancer survivors in Vietnam

Introduction: Breast cancer-related pain significantly affects quality of life and is well-documented in developed countries. However, little is known about the extent of breast cancer-related pain in developing countries. A study at the National Cancer Institute of Vietnam reported that 44% of breast cancer patients experienced moderate to severe pain. However, this study did not include breast cancer survivors, and little is known about the prevalence of pain and its management in this patient population. Objectives: Determine the prevalence of pain, adequacy of pain management, and barriers to care in breast cancer survivors in Vietnam. Methods: We administered previously validated and published symptom assessment tools (the BPI and MDASI) to 160 unselected Vietnamese women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in 2007. Here we present a preliminary description of the results for the first 40 breast cancer survivors enrolled in this study. Results: The most frequently reported symptoms were pain (62.5%, with 40% reporting the pain as severe), memory loss (50%), numbness/tingling (50%), sleep disturbance (45%), and appetite loss (32.5%). Only 23% reported adequate symptom management, with the costs of treatment and the false belief that no treatments existed for the pain being frequently cited as barriers to care. Discussion: Cancer-related pain is highly prevalent in breast cancer survivors treated at the largest cancer hospital in Vietnam. The majority of patients report inadequate management of pain, often attributable to costs and false beliefs regarding pain management. Initiatives aimed at patient education and improving accessibility to pain management could significantly improve the quality of life in this patient population. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-10-04.