A new tool may be able to help clinicians and researchers monitor and assess the side effects of the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. The tool may also be able to help women who are looking for information on what to expect from breast cancer treatment or chemoprevention, according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Annette L. Stanton, Ph.D., of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, and colleagues used the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) Symptom Checklist to develop the BCPT Symptom Scales to assess side effects among four groups of women participating in different breast cancer studies.

They identified eight factors corresponding to the physical symptoms associated with cancer treatment, chemoprevention, menopause, and normal aging: hot flashes, nausea, bladder control, vaginal problems, musculoskeletal pain, cognitive problems, weight problems, and arm problems.

The authors conclude that the BCPT Symptom Scales is a valuable tool to assess side effects associated with treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

SOURCES:
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, March 16, 2005
UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center (http://www.mednet.ucla.edu)