Breast cancer survivorship program: Assessing and addressing patients’ needs.

Abstract

e13795 Background: Breast cancer (BC) survivors face diverse physical and psychological challenges, often due to treatment (Tx) side effects and possible premature menopause. A structured survivorship program may enable prompt need detection, health education, and provision of recommendations to address patients’ concerns and offer comprehensive, personalized care. This study documented survivors’ symptoms and needs, and their oncologist’s recommendations in a recently-implemented BC survivorship program in Mexico. Methods: Patients with BC who have completed chemotherapy (CT) or are receiving endocrine therapy (ET) at Hospital Zambrano Hellion TecSalud are invited to the survivorship program. In the waiting room, they answer the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) (score 0-none to 4-very severe) and 2 questions exploring lymphedema symptoms and interest in nutritional advice. During their consultation, the oncologist reviews their results and offers education materials, Tx and/or practical recommendations, or specialty referrals accordingly. Results: From Sep-Dec 2025, 127 survivors had received care through the program. Their median age was 53 years (IQR 48-61). Clinical stage distribution was: 0 (5%), I (39%), II (37%), III (15%), IV (4%). Most patients had undergone mastectomy (53%), sentinel lymph node biopsy (75%), radiotherapy (74%), CT (57%), and were receiving ET (80%). Most (73%) survivors had at least 1 concern, mainly regarding nutrition/weight control advice (46%), vaginal dryness (30%), and arthralgias (23%). Oncologists’ most frequently recommended physical exercise (42%), vaginal lubricants (29%), and antidepressants (27%). No associations were found between the type of cancer Tx received and having particular needs or experiencing multiple needs. Conclusions: This initial assessment of a BC survivorship program confirms a high prevalence of unmet needs, particularly related to lifestyle and menopausal health, irrespective of patients' prior cancer Tx. These findings support the value of dedicated survivorship care with systematic assessments to enable oncologists to provide timely, personalized recommendations to address the ongoing needs of BC survivors. Survivors’ needs and provided recommendations. N=127 (%) Score ≥3 Medical Tx Recommendation Referral Hot flushes 9 (7) 16 (13) Non-pharmacological Tx: 1 (1) Gynecology: 2 (2) Insomnia 26 (21) 31 (24) Exercise: 2 (2)Sleep hygiene: 1 (1)Mindfulness: 1 (1) Psychology: 4 (3) Depressive mood, irritability, or anxiety 18 (14) 13 (10) Mindfulness: 1 (1) Psychology: 6 (5) Fatigue 19 (15) - Exercise: 11 (9)Mindfulness: 1 (1) Psychology: 6 (5) Sexual problems 26 (21) - - Sexology counseling: 4 (3) Vaginal dryness 38 (30) 37 (29) - Gynecology: 12 (9) Arthralgias 29 (23) 12 (9) - Acupuncture: 5 (4) Lymphedema 10 (8) - Compression sleeve: 1 (1) Rehabilitation: 4 (3) Nutrition advice (Yes/No) Yes: 58 (46) - Exercise: 32 (25) Nutrition/Endocrinology: 8 (6)