Symptom burden and symptom clusters in patients with breast cancer undergoing endocrine therapy: a cross-sectional survey.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

In China, many breast cancer (BC) patients opt for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to manage unpleasant symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the symptom clusters among patients with BC who are undergoing endocrine therapy and actively seek TCM treatment in China.

Methods

Patients with BC who were undergoing endocrine therapy were recruited. Data on symptom burden were gathered using the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Traditional Chinese Medicine (MDASI-TCM) and a BC-specific symptom questionnaire. The patient's quality of life (QoL) over the previous week was assessed using single-item QoL scales.

Results

A total of 214 patients were enrolled in the study. The most common moderate to severe symptoms were sleep disturbance (n = 122, 57%), difficulty

SUBMITTER: Han B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12179226 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature