Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40347441›Full record

ArticlePsycho-oncology2025

Qualitative Findings From a Survey Measuring Informational Needs and Quality of Life of Women Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Rachel Starkings, Lesley Fallowfield, Stephanie Russ, Valerie Jenkins

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Psycho-oncology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Rachel StarkingsSHORE-C, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Brighton and University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.ORCID 0000-0002-1947-018X
Lesley FallowfieldSHORE-C, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Brighton and University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
Stephanie RussSHORE-C, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Brighton and University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
Valerie JenkinsSHORE-C, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Brighton and University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.ORCID 0000-0001-8939-0081

Funding

Make 2nds Count
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPeople living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) may have different support requirements to those with early stage breast cancer (EBC). These differences can be substantial, particularly as care pathways and information are often designed around the latter. There is limited understanding of how these discrepancies impact patients with MBC.

aimsIn the LIMBER study (Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer), we explored the distinct and unmet needs of people living with MBC.

methodsIn collaboration with people living with MBC and healthcare professionals (HCPs), we developed an online survey comprising fixed and free text responses. Fixed responses and overall study demographics from the main LIMBER study have been published elsewhere. A framework analysis of the free text comments is reported here.

resultsThe resulting thematic map has seven main themes - friends and family, reactions of others, healthcare professionals, systems & processes, knowledge & information, outlook & goals and wellbeing. Participants reflected that comments made by friends and family were often well-meaning but showed misunderstanding of the disease. This was particularly noticeable in understanding the difference between MBC and EBC. There were references to the lack of support and information from HCPs.

conclusionsThe analysis of free text comments from this survey demonstrates the impact that MBC can have, particularly without robust support or accessible information. Understanding areas where patients have outstanding needs provides insight into how best to promote coping strategies and improved quality of life, while informing those who provide informal and formal care.

Indexed as

Breast NeoplasmsQuality of LifeAdultAgedFamilyFemaleFriendsHumansMiddle AgedNeeds AssessmentNeoplasm MetastasisQualitative ResearchSocial SupportSurveys and Questionnairesbreast cancercancercopingmetastaticoncologyqualitativequality of life

Identifiers

PMID40347441
PMCPMC12065527

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.