Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Alleviate Treatment-Induced Menopausal Symptoms in Women With Breast Cancer

A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background 

Numerous women with breast cancer (BC) exhibit early menopausal symptoms after undergoing cancer treatments. Medications that control menopausal symptoms can cause severe side effects and are contraindicated for patients with BC. Therefore, complementary and alternative medicines should be used. This study investigates the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with menopausal symptoms after BC treatment.

Objective 

A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy and availability of CBT interventions in reducing treatment-induced menopausal symptoms in female patients with BC.

Methods 

Keywords were searched in Medical Subject Headings and 5 databases. The search criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and single-group pre- and post-studies. Because of the risk of bias in non-RCTs using Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal tools and single-group studies, the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies and RCTs was appraised using the Jadad scale.

Results 

After the review, 9 suitable studies were identified. Standard CBT programs lasted for 6 consecutive weeks, with 1 session of 1.5 hours weekly. The follow-up time was approximately 9 to 26 weeks. Women receiving CBT exhibited improvement in physical function and psychological state. This review supported the use of CBT to effectively improve the mental health of and reduce treatment-induced menopausal symptoms in BC survivors.

Conclusions 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions yielded positive outcomes in patients with BC, particularly in those experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Implications for Practice 

Cancer treatment generated severe menopausal symptoms in patients with BC. However, health professionals may use CBT to alleviate patients’ menopausal symptoms.