Women with metastatic breast cancer supportive care needs

Supportive care needs may increase in women with metastatic breast cancers concerning disease burden. The study's purpose was to determine the supportive care needs of women with metastatic breast cancer. The study was conducted in a cross-sectional design between January and December 2022. The sample of the study consisted of 92 women with metastatic breast cancer who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Individual Descriptive Information Form and the Supportive Care Needs Scale. A significant majority of the women with metastatic breast cancer reported having supportive care needs. The participants' supportive care needs were as follows: 93.5% for physical and daily life, 88% for spiritual/psychological needs, 86% for healthcare system and information, 56.5% for sexuality and 43.5% for patient care and support. This study determined the supportive care needs of women with metastatic breast cancer and revealed that the majority of patients have support needs related to physical, psychological, access to information, sexuality and patient care. The findings emphasise the necessity for individualised care processes and the importance of nurses taking an active role in symptom management, psychological support and information services. The effectiveness of digital health solutions and multidisciplinary care approaches should be investigated to ensure the creation of evidence-based health policies. It is recommended that future studies evaluate the changing care needs of patients in the long term, thereby contributing to the development of evidence-based health policies.