The Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) Early Breast Cancer Survey

Toronto, ON - A recent Ipsos Reid/Canadian Breast Cancer Network survey uncovers a need for further information on breast cancer recurrence and treatment options.

The survey of breast cancer survivors who completed 4 years of Tamoxifen therapy for the treatment of early, non-metastatic breast cancer finds that most women recall being provided with information on their tumour size (88%) and stage (77%), as well as prescription medication (87%) from their treating physician, but only 64% of the women surveyed recall discussing risk of recurrence and less than half (43%) remember receiving information from their physician on support groups. Moreover, recall of any discussions around other prescription medication and/or risk of recurrence decrease at the time of tamoxifen completion (54% and 53%, respectively). These issues, along with others, are areas the women surveyed researched on their own in addition to/instead of with their treating physician. The women consulted a variety of sources on prescription medications (other than tamoxifen) to prevent recurrence an all were considered useful by a majority.

The survey indicates that the completion of 4-5 years of tamoxifen therapy is a critical point in survivors' lives, but also one of psychosocial conflict. Three-quarters (76%) agree that completing tamoxifen made them feel optimistic about the future, 63% felt they had won the battle, and 50% celebrated completing this treatment. Still, 40% felt vulnerable and less than half felt cured (38%) and/or confident that they didn't need additional treatment (35%).

In addition, upon completion of tamoxifen treatment, 8% of the women surveyed felt it was extremely/very likely that their breast cancer would return and another 61% were unsure of the likelihood (somewhat likely/unlikely). A large proportion of the women surveyed (72%) indicate that they were willing to take additional prescription medication after their tamoxifen was completed. Additional prescription after tamoxifen is received very positively by women: It is seen as a preventative means (85%), a way to take control (90%), and a source of hope (79%). Still, some (16%) may benefit from more info.

These are the findings of an Ipsos Reid survey conducted on behalf of the Canadian Breast Cancer Network/SOLARIS Group and sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Novartis. The survey was administered online and by mail April 12th-May 28th, 2007 to breast cancer survivors who completed 4 years of Tamoxifen therapy for the treatment of early, non-metastatic breast cancer. Invitations to complete either online or mail-back surveys were sent to women from a list obtained from the Canadian Breast Cancer Network and qualifying Ipsos Online Household Panel Members. Breast cancer associations, including CBCN, also posted invitations to complete the survey on their websites. A total of 230 respondents were surveyed, resulting in an overall confidence interval of +/-6.5%.

Please see attached PowerPoint slides and detailed data tables for further information.

For more information on this news release, please contact:
Karin Weindel
Vice President
Ipsos Reid
Ipsos Insight Health
(416) 324-2302
[email protected]

Jennifer McLeod Macey
Senior Research Manager
Ipsos Reid
Public Affairs
(416) 324-2101
[email protected]

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