Understanding the Experience and Management of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors on Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

Abstract

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To explore the perception of women currently receiving or who have received adjuvant AI therapy of the side effects (specifically MSK symptoms) and their methods of managing these symptoms

RESEARCH APPROACH: Qualitative inquiry

SETTING Participant’s choice for interviews, based out of East Carolina University College of Nursing in Greenville, NC

PARTICIPANTS: 3 women: one identified as White, 2 identified as Black; age range 36-75

METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Qualitative, descriptive study using content analysis

FINDINGS: Four themes were identified: 1. Living with constant and intense pain, 2. Fear of cancer recurrence due to new pain, 3. Use of AIs: suppression of cancer versus quality of life, 4. Cancer is not only a physical battle, but a mental one.

CONCLUSIONS: Every woman interviewed described musculoskeletal symptoms, such as arthralgia, ostealgia, and myalgia. Each felt these side effects have negatively impacted their lives and their ability to perform self-care.

INTERPRETATIONS: Individuals who undergo AI therapy are susceptible to many adverse effects, including musculoskeletal pain. These individuals also face mental health declines and a decrease in ability to care for themselves related to these adverse effects. Some individuals find it necessary to discontinue their therapy due to these effects, and as such increase the possibility of cancer recurrence. Participants in this research have not established effective ways of managing their pain and this suggests that nurses and doctors must work together to establish treatment plans for patients that encompass both treating the cancer and treating the effects on the individual.