Experience of hormone therapy among postmenopausal women diagnosed with early breast cancer receiving a multimodal exercise and health education programme: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Hormone therapy (HT) is safe and effective in reducing breast cancer (BC) relapse rates and increasing disease-free periods. However, its various adverse physical and psychological effects could affect women's quality of life. These could be improved through a multimodal programme including physical exercise and health education. There is limited evidence regarding the experience of HT and the impact such a programme might have among women with breast cancer.

METHODS: This is a qualitative phenomenological study with a descriptive approach. Data were collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews; the content analysis technique was applied. The study population were women diagnosed with localized BC under treatment with HT, who were participating in a multimodal physical exercise and health education programme as a supplementary oncological therapy.

RESULTS: Fifteen interviews were conducted. Four main themes emerged: adverse effects of the HT, experience with professionals, support from family and friends with the HT and the programme, and the impact of the multimodal exercise programme as a therapeutic complement.

CONCLUSION: The participants identified physical and psychological adverse effects of HT. Most of them reported that when receiving usual care, they received reduced attention to their mental health, observed a lack of time in their appointments with professionals, and an absence of information about HT and the self-care it entails to maintain health. The multimodal programme was seen as a tool for improving their physical, emotional and social health, reducing the adverse effects of the adjuvant HT, a comprehensive source of information and a motivational boost for performing their self-care.