LIBERATE Living better with advanced breast cancer: Symptom-monitoring, self-management and sign-posting support for women living with secondary breast cancer

Project start date: November 2017

End date: July 2021 (project is now complete and findings will be available soon)

Funding: Breast Cancer Now

Despite significant steps forward in treatment of breast cancer over the past 20 years, the risk of relapse remains considerable. In approximately 30-40% of cases, cancerous cells spread from the breast to other regions of the body, usually the brain, bones, liver or lungs. This is known as secondary, metastatic or stage 4 breast cancer.

Quality of life (QOL) is a central concern for those living with secondary breast cancer, yet it is frequently compromised for survival benefit. Whilst this advanced stage of disease remains incurable, it is increasingly treatable. Many patients are living longer, yet they are faced with ongoing issues secondary to both disease and treatment, often in the absence of supportive resources which are relevant to their needs.

Aims and objectives

This research has two main aims, which will be met across two distinct phases of research.

To understand the factors affecting the QOL of women living with secondary breast cancer.
To evaluate the feasibility of an online self-management & symptom monitoring intervention tailored to address the identified supportive needs of these patients.

Phase I: Designing a tailored supportive intervention

Primary objectives are to;