Adaptation of an Evidence-Based Arthritis Program for Breast Cancer Survivors on Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy Who Experience Joint Pain

Prev Chronic Dis. 2015 Jun 11:12:E91. doi: 10.5888/pcd12.140535.

Abstract

Adding aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer significantly reduces cancer recurrence. A common side effect of AIs is noninflammatory joint pain and stiffness (arthralgia) similar to arthritis symptoms. An evidence-based walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation - Walk With Ease (WWE) - reduces arthritis-related joint symptoms. We hypothesized that WWE may also reduce AI-associated arthralgia. However, the potential for different barriers and facilitators to physical activity for these 2 patient populations suggested a need to adapt WWE before testing it with breast cancer survivors. We conducted qualitative research with 46 breast cancer survivors to explore program modification and inform the development of materials for an adapted program (Walk With Ease-Breast Cancer). Our process parallels the National Cancer Institute's Research-Tested Intervention Programs (RTIPs) guidelines for adapting evidence-based programs for cancer populations. Findings resulted in a customized 8-page brochure to supplement existing WWE materials.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Arthralgia / chemically induced
  • Arthralgia / therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cancer Care Facilities
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / standards
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Grounded Theory
  • Health Promotion / methods
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • North Carolina
  • Pamphlets
  • Pilot Projects
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Program Evaluation
  • Qualitative Research
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Walking

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors