Perspectives of Survivorship Care Plans Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The Commission on Cancer’s standard 3.3 represents a paradigm shift in the care of cancer survivors, recommending that survivors receive a treatment summary and survivorship care plan (SCPs). A focus on older breast cancer survivors is needed, as they are the majority of the breast cancer population and their experiences and perspectives of SCPs is limited in the literature. This pilot study utilized a mixed methods approach (focus groups and self-report questionnaire data) to gather information on older (≥65 years) breast cancer survivors’ perspectives of their SCPs, cancer survivorship, and communication with their health-care providers. The questionnaire was completed individually by the participants prior to the focus group and contained items on basic demographics and their health status following cancer treatment. The focus groups indicated that only a minority of women actually developed a SCP. Those who developed a SCP in collaboration with their providers valued the personal care and attention received. However, some participants reported poor communication with their providers and within their health-care team, resulting in frustration and confusion. Participants’ suggestions for ideal SCPs included better education and personalization, particularly in appropriate nutrition and exercise, and managing side effects and comorbidities. Lastly, the women believed that additional long-term care resources, such as health coaches, were important in improving their survivorship. These findings provide insight into enhancing the content, communication, and application of SCPs to improve the survivorship experience of older breast cancer survivors.