Synopsis
The document 'Psychosocial clinical practice guidelines: information, support and counselling for women with breast cancer' was developed by the National Breast Cancer Centre's Psychosocial Working Group in conjunction with the NHMRC to assist members of the treatment team in providing evidence-based supportive care to meet psychosocial needs of women with breast cancer.
Approximately 10,000 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and up to 45% of women with early breast cancer experience an anxiety or mood disorder.
These Guidelines provide clear recommendations on the most effective ways of treating such disorders, including the most appropriate interventions to minimise the distress for women in the early stages of breast cancer.
The implementation of the Guidelines has the potential to improve health care outcomes, including a reduction in psychological morbidity and emotional distress, improved wellbeing and satisfaction with care.
