Symptom Burden and Palliative Care Needs in Advanced Breast Cancer Patients.

Abstract

This study examined the symptom burden and palliative care needs of Korean women with stage III and IV breast cancer. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, an online survey was conducted with 132 participants, assessing symptom burden with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General and palliative care needs with the Problems and Needs in Palliative Care questionnaire-short version. The results showed that the greatest burden was in social well-being, followed by physical, functional, and emotional well-being. Psychological support emerged as the most pressing need, followed by financial assistance and information provision. Hierarchical regression revealed that lower functional well-being and higher economic status were significantly associated with greater palliative care needs, explaining 31.7% of the variance. These findings highlight that Korean women with advanced breast cancer experience multifaceted burdens and unmet needs, emphasizing the importance of psychosocial support, financial counseling, and strategies to sustain daily functioning.