Managing menopausal symptoms after breast cancer – A multidisciplinary approach

摘要

Highlights ? Menopausal symptoms after breast cancer are common and may be severe. ? Menopausal symptoms may lead to decreased compliance with adjuvant hormonal therapy. ? Multidisciplinary care is associated with improved outcomes after breast cancer. Abstract More than 6 million women worldwide are living with a past diagnosis of breast cancer. Most survive their illness, and management of the long-term consequences of treatment has become a priority in cancer care. Menopausal symptoms affect most breast cancer survivors and may significantly impair quality of life. We describe a multidisciplinary model to evaluate and manage these women using a patient-focused approach. The ‘Multidisciplinary Menopause After Cancer Clinic’ includes gynecologists, endocrinologists, GPs, a psychologist and a clinical nurse specialist. Benefits of this model include improved coordination of patient care, education, communication and evidence-based decision making.