PD740 - NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOM CLUSTERS IN HOSPITALIZED WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUPPORTIVE CARE

PD740

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOM CLUSTERS IN HOSPITALIZED WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUPPORTIVE CARE

L. C. Barreto Silva Neto^1,*, M. B. Nascimento Carlini², R. J. Gomes Silva², R. M. Pessanha¹, M. I. P. Barreto³, L. M. G. Graziolla ¹, W. Rocha Grippa¹, L. C. Lopes-Junior⁴

¹Program of Post-Graduation in Public Heath, ²Program of Post-Graduation in Nutrition and Health, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ³School of Medicine of Campos, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil, ⁴Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), Pan American Health Organization– World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), Washington, United States

Rationale: Symptom burden is a major challenge in breast cancer care and may impair functional status and quality of life. Understanding how symptoms co-occur may support more effective strategies. This study aimed to identify the most prevalent symptom clusters and explore their clinical relevance in women hospitalized with non-metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: Observational study included 100 women with stage I–III breast cancer admitted to comprehensive cancer center in Brazil. Symptoms were assessed using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS), which evaluates frequency, intensity and distress of cancer-related symptoms. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to to identify symptom groupings by Ward method. Descriptive statistics were used for clinical and sociodemographic characterization.

Results: The mean age was 59.1±10.3 years. Most patients were diagnosed at early stages, with ductal carcinoma being the most frequent histological type. The most fequently reported symptoms were pain (67%), lack of energy (63%), worrying (62%) and sleep difficulties(57%). Cluster analysis identified a predominant neuropsychological symptom cluster composed of pain, fatigue, psychological distress and sleep disturbances. These symptoms frequently co-occurred  and were associated with Higher overall  symptom burden.

Conclusion: Neuropsychological symptoms were highly prevalent and strongly clustered in hospitalized women with breast cancer. Early identification of these symptom patterns may support targeted supportive care intervations, pottentially improving functional status and patient well-being during cancer treatment.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared