Survey on the Current State of Care for Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer (mammary carcinoma) is a malignant disease of the breast tissue characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of breast cells. Regardless of the stage of the disease, those affected must seek medical treatment and usually undergo intensive therapy. This is physically and psychologically taxing, which is why the relationship between the patient and the medical staff plays a central role in this situation. A treatment plan tailored to the individual patient is of great importance. Due to potential side effects, regular discussions should take place between the patient and the doctor to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the treatment or possible changes to the treatment plan. The COVID-19 pandemic has once again highlighted the importance and challenges of providing adequate and continuous patient care. To identify potential gaps in care and develop improvements, it is crucial to assess the current state of affairs.

The goal of the WAVES project is to analyze the current care situation for patients with breast cancer and to evaluate communication between patients and physicians. This also includes the therapies used, their tolerability, side effects, and concomitant medications. This is based on a questionnaire that is completed once after confirmation of participation. Participants can answer the questions either by mail or electronically. In addition, the treating physicians receive a questionnaire with questions about the current treatment, side effects, communication, and non-personally identifiable data. No new medications or therapies are being investigated as part of this study.

Women and men aged 18 and older with breast cancer are eligible to participate in this study.