The Quality of Life of Elderly Women Who Underwent Radiofrequency Ablation to Treat Breast Cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore the effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), an investigational treatment for breast cancer, on the quality of life of elderly women. For this descriptive phenomenological study, the authors interviewed 12 White women (aged 60-81 years) 4 months to 1 year after treatment and analyzed these interviews for common themes. They asked questions regarding the lived experience of RFA treatment and its effects on quality of life. Analyses focused on the effects of deciding to have the RFA treatment and the treatment itself. They found quality of life improved because the women felt empowered by (a) their decision to have the procedure, (b) knowing that the procedure might kill the tumor, (c) and feeling that they were contributing to cancer research. The level of support received from the medical team, family and friends, and other cancer survivors also improved participant quality of life.

Challenging the perceptions of cancer service provision for the disadvantaged: evaluating utilisation of cancer support services in Western Australia

“…Firstly, it is speculated that elderly cancer patients often prefer to obtain their information directly from their clinician [18,19] and would therefore tend to seek out secondary sources of information, such as self-help groups, less often. They may also be less willing and accustomed to exploring information pertaining to cancer treatments and management thereof which may be outside the regimen suggested by the physician [19,20]. In addition, some of the supportive services offered may not be perceived by elderly cancer patients as relevant for them such as body image issues and embarking on a physical activity and fitness program.…”

Radiofrequency ablation for minimally invasive treatment of breast carcinoma. A pilot study in elderly inoperable patients

“…Mammograms, ultrasound This is the first study that investigated the effectiveness of RFA, not followed by surgical excision, for treatment of breast cancer in elderly patients. There is only another report on RFA in elderly women with breast cancer which was published after the first submission of the current study [21]. It is a descriptive phenomenological study addressing only quality of life aspects of the treatment, based on interviews to 12 women aged 60-81 years, and very limited follow-up (4 to 12 months).…”

Experiencing Cancer in Old Age: A Qualitative Systematic Review

“…It is described as provisional because the analytic process allows for later exclusions (Sandelowski & Barroso, 2006). Of the 12 studies included at this stage, three were studies of men with prostate cancer (Harden et al, 2006;Hedestig, Sandman, & Widmark, 2003;Navon & Morag, 2004) and four were studies of women with breast cancer (Adler et al, 1998;Feher & Maly, 1999;Overcash, 2004;Roberts et al, 2006). One study investigated the experience of older women with a range of gynecological cancers (Sinding, Wiernikowski, & Aronson, 2005), and the remaining four articles reported studies of men and women with a range of cancers (Duggleby, 2000;Ryan, 2005;Thomé et al, 2003;Thomé et al,2004).…”

“…Relationships with health care personnel and family members affected treatment decisions. For example, the approach to decision making was seen as a collaborative venture by women undergoing radio frequency ablation (RFA) for breast cancer (Roberts et al, 2006), in which women perceived their role as being informed about available treatments but leaving the final decision to the medical team on the basis of a trusting relationship. This was seen not as a decision to opt out of decision making but as a decision to view oneself as only one part of the decision-making process.…”