Poor breast cancer patient medication compliance highlighted

According to a study to be published in the European Journal of Cancer, 72 of the 131 women interviewed, each of whom were at least two years on from their initial breast cancer diagnosis, stated that they sometimes failed to take their medication. Sixty reported forgot to take their drugs; 12 patients had deliberately chosen not to comply with treatment. Other specific reasons given included difficulty swallowing tablets and the side effects of medication.

Lead author Louise Atkins noted, “The findings are concerning because not taking a full course of medication could impact on how effective a treatment will be,” going on to state, “If we can understand more about the reasons why some women don’t take their medications, then we’ll be in a better position to help women overcome these difficulties.”

According to Professor John Toy, Medical Director at Cancer Research UK,
It is vital that women with breast cancer do not deny themselves the chance of the maximum possible benefit from their medication. It is important that women are as well informed as possible about both the benefits and side effects of their medication and so know what to expect. Clear communication can help to ensure that doctors are better informed about how women are dealing with their treatment so as to help reduce any negative impact that treatments might have.

Commentary

There is little surprising about the noncompliance detected by this study. It is not clear from this preliminary article if there is a specific reason to believe that increased patient information would have a significant impact on adherence in this situation, but, failing that, previous research would suggest that any improvement from efforts to further educate the patient will be minimal.

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