Targeting psychological and menopausal factors linked to non‐adherence to anti‐estrogen therapy in women with early‐stage hormone‐receptor positive breast cancer: A web‐based feasibility study of Finding My Way

Abstract

Key Points Reduced adherence to anti‐estrogen therapy (AET; tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors) in women with early‐stage hormone‐receptor‐positive (HR+) breast cancers leads to adverse clinical outcomes. Modifiable psychological factors (e.g., depressive symptoms and anxiety) and menopausal symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbance and hot flashes) are linked with diminished adherence. An intervention targeting psychological and menopausal symptoms has potential to improve AET adherence. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of a remotely administered behavioral intervention in women with early‐stage HR+ breast cancer taking AET at‐risk for non‐adherence with psychological and menopausal symptoms. Findings from this preliminary study show that a web‐based behavioral intervention is feasible and may be a potential method of reducing risk for AET non‐adherence in some patients.