Metastatic breast cancer caregiver: Needs and quality of life evaluation

Objectives of the study were: a) to analyze the quality of life in metastatic breast cancer caregiver and to monitor the trend during a and after the support; b) to divide caregivers in different profiles and risk categories; c) to analyze the predictor elements of major or minor physic, psychological and social well-being. 15 subjects were enrolled in this study (mean age 52 yo; DS ± 11); they underwent two questionnaires for the evalution of caregiver’s needs CNAT-C: Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for cancer Caregivers) and fot the analysis of the quality of life (CQOLC: Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer). The CNAT-C made out that the most frequent needs are physical and psychological health, to information and to the care staff. Female caregivers have more needs if compared to men in physical and psychological problems (p < 0,01), social and familiar support (p < 0,05), and spiritual help (p < 0,05). There is a statistically significativity correlation between the two scales. Data consent to personalize intervention and resources in patient-caregiver couple; the caregiver can be included in the metastatic breast cancer caregiver with the aim of optimize the quality of life.