Patients with metastatic breast cancer: their physical and psychological rehabilitation needs

Few studies have monitored the physical and psychological sequelae of a diagnosis and treatment of metastatic breast cancer and the findings of the present study enables members of the rehabilitation team to understand the range of problems patients encounter, refer patients to other rehabilitation, and plan appropriate treatment. The present study aimed to describe the levels of anxiety and depression; to describe their rehabilitation status; and to ascertain whether any relationship exists between mood disturbance and physical rehabilitation status in a sample of women with metastatic breast cancer. Eighty patients with staging confirmed metastatic breast cancer were interviewed at home every eight weeks from diagnosis of metastases, on eight occasions using the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System--Short Form, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and an interview schedule to ascertain demographic and disease details. Results suggested that patients had a range of rehabilitation needs throughout the course of their disease. Mood disturbance was a significant problem in this sample of patients with many patients scoring in the case range for anxiety and depression on the HAD. A positive and strong relationship was found to exist between mood disturbance and physical rehabilitation status. The results of the study are discussed in the context of previous research and future research and clinical implications for the rehabilitation team are discussed.