Comparison of Informational Needs among Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Women Undergoing Different Surgical Treatment Modalities

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women worldwide. Almost all women with breast cancer will have some type of surgery in the course of their treatment either breast conservation surgery or modified radical mastectomy. Informational needs for such types of patients are critical step in providing high quality care. Aim: Comparing the informational needs among newly diagnosed breast cancer women with different surgical treatment modalities. Sample: A purposeful sample of 100 adult women with breast cancer undergoing surgery divided into two equal groups according to type of surgery. Design: Comparative descriptive design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at National Cancer Institute affiliated to Cairo University. Tools: Structured Interview Questionnaire and The Arabic translated version of Toronto Informational Needs Questionnaire of Breast Cancer, scored with likert scale as low, moderate and high important informational needs. The study findings revealed that newly diagnosed women with breast cancer undergoing surgery either breast conservation surgery or modified radical mastectomy were different in regard to age, marital status, residence, education, income and type of breast cancer. Although both groups had informational needs in different rates related to disease, investigative tests and treatment; they expressed that the highest informational needs was related to physical information, while the least important was related to psychosocial needs. Conclusion: information related to physical, disease, investigative tests and treatment are important needs for newly diagnosed breast cancer women regardless their type of surgery.

Key words: newly diagnosed , breast cancer women, informational needs, different surgical treatment modalities.