Assessment of Knowledge, Awareness, and Information Sources of Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Among the different types of cancers, breast cancer is the most common and the second leading cause of death in women aged 35-55 years. Patients' knowledge has a critical role in cancer management and control of treatment-related adverse events. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and information sources of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

This survey study was performed in 2019. The study population consisted of 190 women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy referred to two specialized cancer centers in Mashhad, Iran, within two months. The research tool was a valid and </em>reliable questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics.

Approximately half of the patients in the study (54.2%) considered the goal of chemotherapy to be the cure for the disease, which was used as adjunctive therapy after other treatments. Most patients knew about the cause of the blood test before chemotherapy. Most of them could meet their information needs through the information brochure. The most important source of information for patients to meet their information needs were physicians and nurses, respectively. Observance of public health (82.1%) and avoidance of sick people and crowded places (62.1%) were the most and least prevalent action done by patients during the treatment, respectively. Among the side effects of treatment, patients had the most attitudes about hair loss (91.6%) and fatigue (82.1%), and the least attitudes about the effect on fertility (9.5%) and reduced kidney function (8.4%).

Even though in many cases the knowledge of patients is at a good level, but in some cases, some training and empowerment of patients is required. Performing these interventions can improve the quality of life of this group of patients.