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.