A survey of women diagnosed with breast cancer experiencing oncology treatment–induced hot flushes: identification of specific characteristics as predictors of hot flush occurrence, frequency, and severity

Abstract

Abstract Purpose More women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) are living with oncology treatment–induced hot flushes (HFs). This Australian-based survey explores why some women experience more severe or ongoing HF and whether specific population characteristics are predictive of HF occurrence, frequency, and/or severity. Methods A non-probabilistic anonymous survey distributed online (Register4) and two Australian hospitals collected demographic and clinical information. Eligibility was consenting Australian-based women, 18 years and over, with a primary BC diagnosis. Analysis included linear and logistic regression models. Results A total of 324 survey responses were analyzed. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy were each associated with HF occurrence (aOR = 2.92, 95% CI [1.27, 6.70], p = 0.01; and aOR = 7.50, 95% CI [3.02, 18.62], p < 0.001) and in combination (aOR = 5.98, 95% CI [2.61, 13.69], p < 0.001). Increased self-reported anxiety at BC diagnosis was significantly associated with HF frequency and severity scores (aCO = 0.71, 95% CI [0.31, 1.12], p = 0.001; and aCO = 0.44, 95% CI [0.33, 0.55], p < 0.001). Postmenopausal women had significantly lower HF severity and frequency scores than premenopausal women (aCO = −0.93, 95% CI [−1.62, −0.25], p = 0.008; and aCO = −2.62, 95% CI [−5.14, −0.11], p = 0.041). Conclusions Women with BC receiving chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy and premenopausal or experiencing elevated anxiety and/or stress will likely experience more severe oncology treatment–related HFs. Implications for Cancer Survivors HFs continue across the BC treatment trajectory with women >5-year survivorship still reporting life impacts, with premenopausal women at the time of BC diagnosis at higher risk of experiencing severe and more frequent oncology treatment-induced HFs than postmenopausal women. Women at high risk require information on methods to moderate HF potential life impacts and maintain treatment compliance.