Australian women's distress levels, decision styles and decision satisfaction related to early breast cancer treatment

Women who are diagnosed with early breast cancer are now offered treatment options by their doctors such as, a mastectomy or lumpectomy with radiation therapy now offer women who are diagnosed with early breast cancer treatment options. These women are often required, in a short time, and under stressful conditions, to choose between treatment options. Many women are confused about what process they such use, to choose a treatment plan, which suit their preferences and lifestyle. Women frequently turn to nurses for support and information during this stressful time. Unfortunately, there are no studies currently published, which guide health professionals such as nurses, on how to structure this decision support. This model of care can lead to better psychological outcomes such as, greater decision satisfaction, better post-surgical adjustment, improved convalescence and less regret for women regarding their process of decision-making relating to treatment. However, in order for decision support interventions to be designed and tested, more information is needed about women’s unaided decision-making styles, levels of distress and decision satisfaction when choosing early treatment for breast cancer. This poster will briefly outline a longitudinal study, which is currently being conducted on three sites in Queensland, which is investigating women’s decision-making styles, distress levels and decision satisfaction relating to the selection of treatment for early breast cancer