Loading...
About 65% to 85% of women treated for breast cancer experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS; hot flashes and night sweats) that affect quality of life. Hormone therapy is generally contraindicated, and nonhormonal treatments are, at best, moderately effective (JW Womens Health Feb 26 2009). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a relatively untried therapy for menopausal symptoms. In a U.K. trial, 96 women who had completed active breast cancer therapy and were experiencing ≥10 bothersome VMS weekly for ≥2 months were randomized to usual care alone or with structured group CBT (one 90-minute session weekly) for 6 weeks. Usual care included advice about coping strategies.
At baseline, mean scores on a 10-point scale rating VMS-associated problems …