Perceptions of Treatment Side Effects in Women with Breast Cancer and Diabetes: A Qualitative Study

To evaluate patients’ perception of treatment side effects associated with breast cancer and concomitant diabetes. Breast cancer survivors who had received chemotherapy or hormonal therapy for stage I-IIIA breast cancer in the preceding five years and had pre-existing type II diabetes were interviewed about their illness beliefs and experiences of treatment side effects. 19 women were interviewed, with a mean age of 63. Five (26%) self-identified as Black, six (32%) as White, and five (26%) as Latina. Four themes were identified: (1) Types of side effects, (2) Impact of side effects, (3) Attribution of side effects, and (4) Communication about side effects. Participants reported more side effects and a greater emotional and physical burden due to breast cancer treatment. Participants also reported insufficient communication from providers regarding treatment side effects for both breast cancer and diabetes, which further impacted patients’ illness perception. Participants reported a greater frequency, impact, and range of side effects from breast cancer treatment than from diabetes treatment but experienced confusion about which side effects were attributable to which treatment. Enhanced communication between healthcare providers and patients may mitigate confusion about treatment side effects among breast cancer survivors with comorbidities.