Abstract 248P
Background
People with metastatic breast cancer (PWMBC) are often frustrated and hurt at the insensitive things people say to them (MBC platitudes) which leaves them feeling unseen and misunderstood.
Methods
This online survey was conducted to uncover the platitudes that PWMBC find most upsetting and to identify what they would most like to hear instead. There were 249 responses – 167 in English; 82 in German. The German respondents were younger (17% <40), less well educated, more likely to be diagnosed with de novo MBC and had MBC for less time than the English respondents (7% <40).
Results
The most negatively ranked MBC platitudes were trite comments about the person’s appearance, the value of MBC treatments or that the MBC was caused by certain lifestyle choices. Commonplace sayings that downplayed the seriousness of MBC were also viewed as negative. PWMBC also disliked when others claimed to know what they were going through and when they were described using words like “sufferer” or “warrior”. Oncologists and others with breast cancer were least likely to say something inappropriate. Only a quarter of respondents told people directly when they had been insensitive. German respondents were more likely to do this (35% vs 16%) whereas English respondents were more likely to say nothing and continue the conversation (16% vs 8%). When asked what they would prefer to hear instead PWMBC said they most wanted offers of practical support. They also wanted to receive caring words and gestures, encouragement, authentic communication that leaves space for difficult conversations, to be treated as normal or for people to simply say nothing.
Conclusions
This survey shows that PWMBC are exposed to insensitive platitudes in their daily life. It can be difficult for them to respond directly to inappropriate comments. PWMBC would prefer offers of practical support that make their life easier and for people to be more empathetic and encouraging in what they say and do. PWMBC do not want to be excluded from social activities because of their condition and would prefer for people to say nothing when there is nothing to say. There is a need to raise awareness about hurtful MBC platitudes and to foster understanding of how we can engage in a more sensitive way with PWMBC.
Legal entity responsible for the study
Seagen International (now part of Pfizer).
Funding
Seagen International (now part of Pfizer).
Disclosure
L. Geltenbort-Rost: Financial Interests, Personal, Full or part-time Employment: Seagen International. K. Redmond: Financial Interests, Institutional, Advisory Role: Seagen International. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.