Patients with metastatic breast cancer are being asked to take part in a study, which aims to help better understand and address their quality of life needs.

Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of breast cancer. It refers to when the disease has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones or brain. Around 30% of women who are initially diagnosed with earlier stage breast cancer eventually develop metastatic disease.

According to the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), anecdotal evidence from a recent meeting of the Irish Consultant Medical Oncologists estimated that around 700 women present with metastatic breast cancer every year in Ireland and up to 3,000 women are currently living with it.

This new study is being conducted by a group of experts nationwide, along with patient representatives. It aims to record the life experiences of as many as 100 patients with metastatic breast cancer. The aim is to create a better overall understanding of this condition in relation to fatigue and cognitive concerns, such as memory problems.

According to one of the study's investigators, Dr Ronda Barron of Dublin City University, a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer ‘can be devastating and lead to an uncertain road ahead'.

"Due to medical advances, more individuals are living longer lives with the disease than ever before. Patients are often trying to cope with the trauma of their diagnosis all the while undergoing intense medical treatment, and this can have profound effects on their quality of life.

"Patients can experience severe fatigue, stress and over time begin to develop cognitive concerns such as, difficulty concentrating or remembering daily tasks," she explained.

As a result, it is ‘imperative' that the needs of these patients are fully understood so that supports can be adequately tailored to meet their needs. For example, the study will be examining whether supports for these patients can be provided to patients through the ICS Nurseline.

The Nurseline is staffed by specialist cancer nurses and it provides information and support to cancer patients, their carers, healthcare professionals and the general public.

Last year alone, almost 1,300 calls to the Nurseline came from breast cancer patients who needed advice.

This research will be conducted via the Nurseline. Those interested and eligible to take part will be asked to take around four phone calls over a 12-week period.

During the first call, participants will be asked to provide information on their background and complete a series of standardised questionnaires on quality of life, fatigue and cognitive concerns.

After this call, they will then be randomly allocated to one of two ICS support service programmes. The first consists of the package of supports which the ICS already provides to cancer patients, such as peer-to-peer support and access to counselling. The second programme is a modified version of this package.

Following this intervention, the participants will then be asked to complete some of the same questionnaires again. They will also take part in a brief interview at the end to better understand their experiences and opinions of the study.

"Our Nurseline staff work tirelessly to address the needs of our callers who seek support and advice on cancer for themselves or a loved one. We constantly strive to ensure all our services are relevant and accessible, so this opportunity to assess the feasibility of the Cancer Nurseline to deliver supports to metastatic breast cancer patients and to improve our services is hugely welcome and valuable," commented Nurseline manager, Naomi Fitzgibbon.

If you are a metastatic breast cancer patient and would like to get involved or fine out more about this research, contact the Nurseline on 1800 200 700 or email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie. Calls are free of charge.

The Nurseline is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.