Cancer patients 'skip medication'

Pills can be a grim reminder of illness

More than half of female breast cancer patients admit they have skipped their medication, a survey has found.

Most have simply forgotten to take their drugs, but others have deliberately decided not to take them at some point during their treatment.

Reasons include finding tablets hard to swallow, difficulty in coping with side-effects and the fact that drugs were a constant reminder of illness.

The Cancer Research UK poll will appear in the European Journal of Cancer.

The findings are concerning because not taking a full course of medication could impact on how effective a treatment will be Louise Atkins

The researchers said their findings underlined the need for clear communication about the advantages and disadvantages of treatments.

Treatment for breast cancer usually involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, often followed by a daily hormone tablet or a monthly injection for up to five years.

The researchers held one-to-one interviews with 131 women who were at least two years on from their initial breast cancer diagnosis, and currently taking medication.

Cause for concern

Seventy-two women said there were times when they did not take their medication.

Sixty said this was simply because they had forgotten. However, 12 said there were times when they skipped medication intentionally.

Lead author Louise Atkins, based at the University of Sussex, said: "The findings are concerning because not taking a full course of medication could impact on how effective a treatment will be.

"If we can understand more about the reasons why some women don't take their medication then we'll be in a better position to help women overcome these difficulties."

Professor John Toy, medical director at Cancer Research UK, said: "It is vital that women with breast cancer do not deny themselves the chance of the maximum possible benefit from their medication.

"It is important that women are as well informed as possible about both the benefits and side effects of their medication and so know what to expect.

"Clear communication can help to ensure that doctors are better informed about how women are dealing with their treatment so as to help reduce any negative impact that treatments might have."

Dr Sarah Rawlings, from the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, agreed it was very important that everyone diagnosed with breast cancer received information on the potential benefits and side effects before starting treatment.

"Anyone concerned about their medication or thinking about stopping should discuss their concerns with their doctor - who can suggest ways of dealing with side effects and help with any difficulties in taking medication."

Each year more than 41,700 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer and it causes more than 12,400 deaths every year.