This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with nonadherence
to medication amongst a sample of breast cancer patients. 131 women with
stable disease were interviewed and completed standardised psychological measures.
55% of women reported non-adherence to medication frequently or occasionally, with
younger women and those who disliked taking their medication being significantly
less adherent (P =0.015, P =0.001). Women who deliberately omitted taking their
tablets occasionally or frequently had significantly lower scores, indicative of a
weaker influence, on ‘internal’ and ‘powerful others’ dimensions of health locus of
control (P =0.032, P =0.009). Despite a life-threatening diagnosis, patients may not
adhere to medication representing a potential missed opportunity for health gain and
waste of resources. Furthermore, interpretation of clinical trial data may be
misleading without adherence information. More research is needed to identify those
at risk for non-adherence. If other routes of administration are available these options
should be discussed with patients to maximise efficacy of therapy.