Psychosocial support needs of women with breast cancer in the Waikato region

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women and the third most common cancer in New Zealand. Despite improved survival rates, significant psychosocial distress is experienced by breast cancer patients. To address this, the Cancer Psychological and Social Support Service (CPSSS) provides supportive care to cancer patients and their families. We aimed to understand the characteristics and psychosocial support needs of women with breast cancer who were referred to the CPSSS at the Waikato District Health Board (WDHB). Breast cancer data from 2016 to 2018 was obtained from the Waikato Breast Cancer Register (WBCR) and compared to psychosocial support referrals from the CPSSS for the same period.