A qualitative analysis of clinical implications and unmet needs in a sample of Italian female breast cancer survivors

Journal title PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE
Author/s Maria Rosa Stanizzo, Ada Ghiggia, Cristina Di Nardo, Giuliano Carlo Geminiani, Mario Airoldi, Fulvia Pedani
Publishing Year 2025 Issue 2025/2
Language Italian Pages 12 P. 73-84 File size 157 KB
DOI 10.3280/PDS2025-002005
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Surviving cancer involves facing the risk of possible long-term consequences and, as a result, a need for psychosocial support. The aim of the present study is to explore, in the Italian context, the support needs of a sample of breast cancer survivors and their clinical experiences in the post-treatment period during order to provide more accurate guidance to clinicians. A sample of 465 women diagnosed with breast cancer completed an online survey concerning clinical data, unmet support needs and use of psychological services in Italy. Participants were divided into three age groups (<45 years old, 45-65 years old, >65 years old) and comparisons were made to assess differences among age groups in clinical and psychosocial information. The data showed that 45% of the sample (n=209) were under 45 years old, 35% (n=164) were between 45 and 65 years old, and 20% (n=92) were over 65 years old. Most participants (59%) were currently employed, and 62% worked in a job that required interaction with the public. Differences between age groups were also found in the psycho-oncological counselling provided to participants. From the data collected, it appears that there are several unmet support needs in Italy. Raising awareness of psychosocial needs among hospital staff could help to identify critical issues and promote the implementation of public service solutions to meet these needs.

Keywords: unmet needs, breast cancer, cancer survivors, psychosocial support, psychological services.

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Maria Rosa Stanizzo, Ada Ghiggia, Cristina Di Nardo, Giuliano Carlo Geminiani, Mario Airoldi, Fulvia Pedani, Analisi qualitativa delle implicazioni cliniche e bisogni non soddisfatti su un campione di donne italiane sopravvissute al cancro al seno in "PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE" 2/2025, pp 73-84, DOI: 10.3280/PDS2025-002005