We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
The social, emotional and financial implications of adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.
- Authors
McArdle, C. S.; Calman, K. C.; Cooper, A. F.; Hughson, A. V. M.; Russell, A. R.; Smith, D. C.
- Abstract
The incidence and severity of toxicity, the extent of emotional disturbance and cost of adjuvant chemotherapy were assessed in patients with early breast cancer randomized to receive either radiotherapy, chemotherapy (CMF) or radiotherapyfollowed by chemotherapy. Nausea and vomiting occurred in 85 per cent of patients receiving chemotherapy and contributed significantly to distress. Over one-third of patients required a wig or developed mucosal ulceration. Nevertheless, most patients were able to return to work during treatment. Leucopoenia was more commonly encountered in those patientswho received radiotherapy prior to chemotherapy. Twelve months after mastectomy, psychiatric morbidity was present in 13 of 34 patients receiving chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy, compared with only 1 of 18 receiving radiotherapy alone. Anxiety was common in both groups. This trend was still present 6 months after the completion of chemotherapy. The cost of chemotherapy is discussed.
- Publication
British Journal of Surgery, 1981, Vol 68, Issue 4, p261
- ISSN
0007-1323
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/bjs.1800680413