Managing Menopausal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors

摘要

Menopausal symptoms commonly occur in breast cancer survivors. In this research program we evaluated the efficacy of a comprehensive menopausal assessment (CMA) and intervention program for management of menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence) in this target population. Primary outcomes were symptom relief and energy/vitality, with sexual functioning as a secondary outcome. We recruited 72 moderately symptomatic breast cancer survivors who were randomly assigned to either usual care or the CMA intervention. All breast cancer survivors completed standardized assessment measures of symptoms and quality of life before randomization and at the end of the four-month follow-up period. Assessments of hormonal status and vaginal health were also part of the study. Results from the study show that the CMA program was effective in significantly reducing menopausal symptoms (using non- estrogen therapies) and that sexual functioning also improved in the intervention group; however, quality of life (as measured by energy/vitality) did not differ between the two treatment groups. Several publications/papers have resulted from this research with others in preparation that will be submitted shortly. The findings from this study suggest that it is feasible to provide effective relief of menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors with non-estrogen alternatives.