Please note this resource is designed to be read as a complete reference however individual sections can be accessed through the left hand menu as required.

1. Introduction: Why is it important that nurses are knowledgeable regarding menopause occurring in women diagnosed with breast cancer?

Women diagnosed with breast cancer may develop menopause or menopausal symptoms either as:

(i)   menopause occurring at time of breast cancer (BC) diagnosis

(ii)  menopause occurring as a result of BC treatment (chemotherapy or  oophorectomy)

(iii) menopausal symptoms secondary to adjuvant endocrine therapy, or

(iv)  recurrence of menopausal symptoms following cessation of hormone replacement 
       therapy when BC is diagnosed.

Significant short term and long term psychological and physical consequences may be associated with menopause, including menopausal symptoms, psychological distress and sexual dysfunction. In addition, early menopause may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Past studies have shown that young women have a more negative perspective about menopause compared to older women (Hunter 1992). The diagnosis of early menopause after BC can be emotionally traumatic and difficult for women (Ganz, Greendale et al. 2003).

Providing information may have positive effects on treatment compliance,(Hadji 2010) patient satisfaction,(Weiss, Wengert et al. 1996) and quality of life (Fallowfield 1997; Street and Voigt 1997) in women with breast cancer. A randomised controlled trial reported significant improvement in menopausal symptoms and sexual function in breast cancer survivors following a comprehensive menopausal assessment by a nurse practitioner and intervention involving symptom assessment, counselling and education and where appropriate, specific treatment (Ganz, Greendale et al. 2000) (Gupta, Sturdee et al. 2006). An Australian study of a nurse-led intervention for women with advanced breast cancer reported that a face-to-face session and follow-up phone call with a breast care nurse significantly reduced the psychological and emotional needs of those with high initial needs (Aranda, Schofield et al. 2006).

This education website is designed to increase nurses’ understanding and awareness of menopause and related issues and provide an avenue to:

(i)  facilitate menopause education/information for BC  women

(ii)  provide guidance as to when and where to refer women for further management, and

(iii) provide an overview of menopause management including relevant 
       non-pharmacological therapies.

In each section, natural menopause is discussed in addition to menopause associated with breast cancer to enable the reader to gain an understanding of the normal process of menopause and how it may differ for women with breast cancer.

 2. Test your knowledge

 Acknowledgements

This online module is made possible with thanks to funding from
the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign seeding grants and
the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre.

Content updated May 16, 2011