The University of Sydney is conducting a research study about the perceptions and practices of GPs on the delivery of services for female breast cancer survivors with long term effects of diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.
Long term effects of diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer is an important issue for many female breast cancer survivors (BCS).
We know that 20-30 per cent of BCS can expect to experience side effects that negatively affect quality of life, health and wellbeing that can persist long-term.
Around 30 per cent of BCS are left with difficulties in everyday life (fatigue, lymphoedema, cognitive impairments and psychological distress), which could be unrecognised and untreated.
Allied health practitioners in primary care are perfectly positioned to provide effective interventions alongside GPs and practice nurses. GPs are the coordinator of BCS care in the community and are integral to the identification of concerns and timely referral to services.
The overall aim of the study is to determine the current practice of GPs and their collaboration with allied health practitioners regarding BCS.
It is hoped that the findings will inform future viable delivery of services to better support breast cancer survivors.
Click here to complete the survey.
Ethics approval has been gained (2024/HE000114) and and the participant information statement can be found here (.pdf).
Investigators: Prof Lynette Mackenzie (OT and breast cancer survivor), Prof Meredith Makeham (GP) and A/Prof Zakia Hossain (expert on psychosocial impacts of cancer).
Disclaimer: This article was provided by The University of Sydney. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
