Abstract
Breast cancer is a significant health concern in New Zealand, affecting both the well-being of patients and their families. Despite advancements in treatment, patient preferences regarding treatment risks and benefits are often neglected. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by qualitatively exploring the unique experiences and preferences of breast cancer patients in New Zealand, shedding light on the factors influencing their treatment decisions. The study involved a series of interviews with a group of 26 women living with breast cancer. The interview revealed four main themes that shape patients’ preferences for breast cancer treatment:
1. Positive outcomes: Patients revealed a strong preference towards treatments that yield longer survival, achieve remission, and prevent cancer recurrence.
2. Quality of life: Treatment-related side effects negatively impacted patients’ quality of life, affecting them physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and psychosocially. Patients preferred a treatment that entailed few side effects with minimal impact on their quality of life.
3. Treatment accessibility and timeliness: Patients expressed concerns about administrative complexities, long distances to healthcare facilities, timely treatment, and restricted access to treatment options in the country. There was a notable preference for treatments that were easily accessible and available in a timely manner.
4. Cost of treatment: Balancing the cost of treatments with their benefits posed challenging decisions for patients, who consistently voiced a preference for treatments supported by government funding or medical insurance.
The study highlights diverse perspectives and preferences among breast cancer patients in New Zealand about treatment preference. Patients frequently find themselves making trade-offs concerning various attributes of a treatment that align with their individual values and beliefs. Integrating these preferences and trade-offs into future studies and healthcare policies can help healthcare professionals and policymakers better support patients in making informed choices aligned with their values, fostering a more patient-centered healthcare system.