• Gamze Temiz, Gul Cankaya, Aslıhan Ozturk, and Zerrin Ozgen.
• From the Department of Oncology Nursing (Temiz), Faculty of Hamidiye Nursing School, Health Science University; from the Department of Radiation Oncology (Cankaya, Ozgen), Marmara University Pendık Education Research Hospital; and from the Department of Oncology Nursing (Ozturk, Çetin), Izmir Bakircay University Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
• Saudi Med J. 2024 Feb 1; 45 (2): 199204199-204.

ObjectivesTo identify the unmet needs of breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy METHODS: A pretest-posttest single-group experimental design, a variation of the experimental research approach, was employed in this investigation. The study's sample consisted of 28 breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy at the radiation oncology clinic of a training and research hospital between November 2021 and April 2022. The sample size was determined using G*Power 3.1 software. Data were collected using an Information Form, Radiotherapy Acute Side Effects Follow-up Form, and the Supportive Care Needs Scale (SCNS-SF34).ResultsParticipants reported experiencing side effects such as difficulty swallowing, sore throat, cough, weakness, loss of appetite, skin sensitivity, discomfort, pain, and skin reactions. These reactions moderately impacted their daily activities, psychological well-being, and unmet needs in terms of patient care and support.ConclusionBreast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy may not express every side effect they experience to healthcare professionals. This study will contribute to the literature in terms of raising awareness by emphasizing the importance of addressing the comprehensive needs of breast cancer patients throughout their radiotherapy treatment journey.Copyright: © Saudi Medical Journal.

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