Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the relationships among patient self-advocacy, patient-centered communication, pain intensity, and opioid stigma in female breast cancer survivors aged 65 years or older. SAMPLE & SETTING: 73 women in a longitudinal study of symptoms experienced during the first year and as many as three years after breast cancer surgery. METHODS & VARIABLES: This prospective, cross-sectional study employed a descriptive, correlational design. Participants completed instrument assessments measuring self-advocacy, patient-centered communication, pain intensity, and opioid stigma. RESULTS: Self-advocacy correlated moderately positively with patient-centered communication. Patient-centered communication correlated moderately positively with informed decision-making. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses can empower patients with the necessary skills to self-advocate for their needs and facilitate a patient-centered clinical environment to improve outcomes.