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Borders TF, Hammerslag L. Discussions of Cancer Survivorship Care Needs: Are There Rural Versus Urban Inequities? Med Care 2024; 62:473-480. [PMID: 38775667 PMCID: PMC11155275 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000002014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rural cancer survivors may face greater challenges receiving survivorship care than urban cancer survivors. PURPOSE To test for rural versus urban inequities and identify other correlates of discussions about cancer survivorship care with healthcare professionals. METHODS Data are from the 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), which included a cancer survivorship supplement. Adult survivors were asked if they discussed with a healthcare professional 5 components of survivorship care: need for follow-up services, lifestyle/health recommendations, emotional/social needs, long-term side effects, and a summary of treatments received. The Behavioral Model of Health Services guided the inclusion of predisposing, enabling, and need factors in ordered logit regression models of each survivorship care variable. RESULTS A significantly lower proportion of rural than urban survivors (42% rural, 52% urban) discussed in detail the treatments they received, but this difference did not persist in the multivariable model. Although 69% of rural and 70% of urban ssurvivors discussed in detail their follow-up care needs, less than 50% of both rural and urban survivors discussed in detail other dimensions of survivorship care. Non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and time since treatment were associated with lower odds of discussing 3 or more dimensions of survivorship care. CONCLUSIONS This study found only a single rural/urban difference in discussions about survivorship care. With the exception of discussions about the need for follow-up care, rates of discussing in detail other dimensions of survivorship care were low among rural and urban survivors alike.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsey Hammerslag
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Zhang A, Koroukian S, Owusu C, Moore SE, Momotaz H, Albert JM. Loneliness and Crowded Living Predicted Poor Health in a Sample of Cancer Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin Nurs Res 2024:10547738241252889. [PMID: 38773912 DOI: 10.1177/10547738241252889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH), healthcare services, and health behaviors on mental and physical health outcomes of cancer patients between the first winter and the following post-vaccine summer of the COVID-19 pandemic. A three-wave online survey of individuals diagnosed with incident cancer between January 2019 and January 2020 was conducted between November of 2020 and August of 2021 in northeast Ohio. Descriptive analysis and mixed-effect regression analyses were performed. A total of 322 newly diagnosed cancer patients, with 40 African Americans and 282 Whites (215 from metropolitan areas and 67 nonmetropolitan) responded to the survey questions. In Wave 3 ending in August 2021, the survey respondents reported significantly reduced depression (p = .019) on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and improved global health (p = .036) on PROMIS. With age, comorbidity, and other demographic and medical variables controlled in the analyses, the feeling of loneliness (p < .001) and crowded living space (p = .001, p = .015) were the two most prominent factors associated with depression, irritability, and poor global health at baseline, with the lowest p values and persistent effect. Self-efficacy of taking preventive measures was associated with reduced depression (p = .001) and improved global health (p = .029). Increasing access to medicine (p < .01) and satisfaction with telehealth appointments (p < .01) were significantly associated with better global health and reduced irritability. Respondents who had private health insurance reported better health than those that had Medicare coverage only (p < .05). This longitudinal, observational study demonstrated the impact of SDOH on health outcomes of cancer patients. Substandard living conditions resulting in loneliness and crowdedness, quality of medical care (e.g., quality telehealth and access to medicine), and personal behaviors (e.g., self-efficacy) were significantly associated with health outcomes in newly diagnosed cancer patients during the pandemic and should be given adequate consideration for the purpose of improving clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Zhang
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Siran Koroukian
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Cynthia Owusu
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Scott E Moore
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hasina Momotaz
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Albert
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Telles R, Zimmerman MB, Thaker PH, Slavich GM, Ramirez ES, Zia S, Goodheart MJ, Cole SW, Sood AK, Lutgendorf SK. Rural-urban disparities in psychosocial functioning in epithelial ovarian cancer patients. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 184:139-145. [PMID: 38309031 PMCID: PMC11179980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although rural residence has been related to health disparities in cancer patients, little is known about how rural residence impacts mental health and quality of life (QOL) in ovarian cancer patients over time. This prospective longitudinal study investigated mental health and QOL of ovarian cancer patients in the first-year post-diagnosis. METHOD Women with suspected ovarian cancer completed psychosocial surveys pre-surgery, at 6 months and one-year; clinical data were obtained from medical records. Histologically confirmed high grade epithelial ovarian cancer patients were eligible. Rural/urban residence was categorized from patient counties using the USDA Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Linear mixed effects models examined differences in psychosocial measures over time, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Although disparities were not observed at study entry for any psychosocial variable (all p-values >0.22), urban patients showed greater improvement in total distress over the year following diagnosis than rural patients (p = 0.025) and were significantly less distressed at one year (p = 0.03). Urban patients had a more consistent QOL improvement than their rural counterparts (p = 0.006). There were no differences in the course of depressive symptoms over the year (p = 0.17). Social support of urban patients at 12 months was significantly higher than that of rural patients (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Rural patients reported less improvement in psychological functioning in the year following diagnosis than their urban counterparts. Clinicians should be aware of rurality as a potential risk factor for ongoing distress. Future studies should examine causes of these health disparities and potential long-term inequities and develop interventions to address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Telles
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - M Bridget Zimmerman
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Premal H Thaker
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - George M Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Edgardo S Ramirez
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sharaf Zia
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael J Goodheart
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Steven W Cole
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- Departments of Gynecologic Oncology, Cancer Biology and Center for RNA Interference and Noncoding RNA, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Susan K Lutgendorf
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Bikomeye JC, Awoyinka I, Kwarteng JL, Beyer AM, Rine S, Beyer KMM. Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease-Related Outcomes Among Cancer Survivors in the United States: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Heart Lung Circ 2024; 33:576-604. [PMID: 38184426 PMCID: PMC11144115 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States (US). Cancer survivors have increased risks for CVD and CVD-related mortality due to multiple factors including cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity. Disparities are rooted in differential exposure to risk factors and social determinants of health (SDOH), including systemic racism. This review aimed to assess SDOH's role in disparities, document CVD-related disparities among US cancer survivors, and identify literature gaps for future research. METHODS Following the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS) guidelines, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched on March 15, 2021, with an update conducted on September 26, 2023. Articles screening was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020, a pre-defined Population, Exposure, Comparison, Outcomes, and Settings (PECOS) framework, and the Rayyan platform. A modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias, and RAW Graphs for alluvial charts. This review is registered with PROSPERO under ID #CRD42021236460. RESULTS Out of 7,719 retrieved articles, 24 were included, and discussed diverse SDOH that contribute to CVD-related disparities among cancer survivors. The 24 included studies had a large combined total sample size (n=7,704,645; median=19,707). While various disparities have been investigated, including rural-urban, sex, socioeconomic status, and age, a notable observation is that non-Hispanic Black cancer survivors experience disproportionately adverse CVD outcomes when compared to non-Hispanic White survivors. This underscores historical racism and discrimination against non-Hispanic Black individuals as fundamental drivers of CVD-related disparities. CONCLUSIONS Stakeholders should work to eliminate the root causes of disparities. Clinicians should increase screening for risk factors that exacerbate CVD-related disparities among cancer survivors. Researchers should prioritise the investigation of systemic factors driving disparities in cancer and CVD and develop innovative interventions to mitigate risk in cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean C Bikomeye
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; PhD Program in Public and Community Health, Division of Epidemiology & Social Sciences, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Iwalola Awoyinka
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; PhD Program in Public and Community Health, Division of Epidemiology & Social Sciences, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; MCW Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jamila L Kwarteng
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; MCW Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Andreas M Beyer
- Department of Medicine and Physiology, Division of Cardiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sarah Rine
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; PhD Program in Public and Community Health, Division of Epidemiology & Social Sciences, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kirsten M M Beyer
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; PhD Program in Public and Community Health, Division of Epidemiology & Social Sciences, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; MCW Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Cheng TYD, Chaudhari PV, Bitsie KR, Striley CW, Varma DS, Cottler LB. The HealthStreet Cancer Survivor Cohort: a Community Registry for Cancer Research. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:366-374. [PMID: 35089522 PMCID: PMC9329490 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01173-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This report describes a cancer survivor cohort from a community engagement program and compares characteristics and willingness to participate in health research between the cancer survivors and non-cancer community members. METHODS Among 11,857 members enrolled in HealthStreet at the University of Florida (10/2011-03/2020), 991 cancer survivors were identified and 1:1 matched to control members without cancer on sex, age, and zip code. Demographics, body weight, height, social determinants of health, history of cancer, and willingness to participate in research were recorded by Community Health Workers as a part of the baseline Health Needs Assessment. RESULTS Among the cancer survivors, 71.6% were female and 19.2% lived in rural areas with a mean age of 56.7 years in females and 60.8 years in males. At baseline, 44.7% received a cancer diagnosis within 5 years, while 15.8%, more than 20 years. Cancer survivors (vs. matched non-cancer controls) were less likely to be Black (31.1% vs. 63.6%) but more likely to be divorced, separated, or widowed (49.5% vs. 41.2%), be normal/underweight (34.0% vs. 25.6%) and have health insurance (80.0% vs. 68.6%; all p < 0.05). Cancer survivors versus matched controls reported higher rates of ever being in a health research study (32.4% vs. 24.9%) and interest in participating in studies ranging from minimal risk to greater-than-minimal risk. CONCLUSIONS Cancer survivors from this community engagement program agnostic to cancer types and treatment are diverse in geography, race, and social determinants of health and can be a valuable resource for observational, interventional, and biospecimen research in cancer survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yuan David Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Piyush V Chaudhari
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Kevin R Bitsie
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Catherine W Striley
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Deepthi S Varma
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Linda B Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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Choudry M, Dindinger‐Hill K, Ambrose J, Horns J, Vehawn J, Gill H, Murray NZ, Hunt TE, Martin C, Haaland B, Chipman J, Hanson HA, O'Neil BB. Urban relatives ameliorate survival disparities for genitourinary cancer in rural patients. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7058. [PMID: 38477496 PMCID: PMC10935886 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients living in rural areas have worse cancer-specific outcomes. This study examines the effect of family-based social capital on genitourinary cancer survival. We hypothesized that rural patients with urban relatives have improved survival relative to rural patients without urban family. METHODS We examined rural and urban based Utah individuals diagnosed with genitourinary cancers between 1968 and 2018. Familial networks were determined using the Utah Population Database. Patients and relatives were classified as rural or urban based on 2010 rural-urban commuting area codes. Overall survival was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS We identified 24,746 patients with genitourinary cancer with a median follow-up of 8.72 years. Rural cancer patients without an urban relative had the worst outcomes with cancer-specific survival hazard ratios (HRs) at 5 and 10 years of 1.33 (95% CI 1.10-1.62) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.24-1.73), respectively relative to urban patients. Rural patients with urban first-degree relatives had improved survival with 5- and 10-year survival HRs of 1.21 (95% CI 1.06-1.40) and 1.16 (95% CI 1.03-1.31), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest rural patients who have been diagnosed with a genitourinary cancer have improved survival when having relatives in urban centers relative to rural patients without urban relatives. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms through which having an urban family member contributes to improved cancer outcomes for rural patients. Better characterization of this affect may help inform policies to reduce urban-rural cancer disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouneeb Choudry
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- Department of UrologyMayo ClinicPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | | | - Jacob Ambrose
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Joshua Horns
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Jeffrey Vehawn
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Hailie Gill
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Nicole Z. Murray
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Trevor E. Hunt
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- Department of UrologyUniversity of RochesterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Benjamin Haaland
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Jonathan Chipman
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Heidi A. Hanson
- Division of UrologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- Computational Sciences and Engineering DivisionOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTennesseeUSA
| | - Brock B. O'Neil
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
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Nelson D, Selby P, Kane R, Harding-Bell A, Kenny A, McPeake K, Cooke S, Hogue T, Oliver K, Gussy M, Lawler M. Implementing the European code of cancer practice in rural settings. J Cancer Policy 2024; 39:100465. [PMID: 38184144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2023.100465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Existing evidence often indicates higher cancer incidence and mortality rates, later diagnosis, lower screening uptake and poorer long-term survival for people living in rural compared to more urbanised areas. Despite wide inequities and variation in cancer care and outcomes across Europe, much of the scientific literature explicitly exploring the impact of rurality on cancer continues to come from Australia and North America. The European Code of Cancer Practice or "The Code" is a citizen and patient-centred statement of the most salient requirements for good clinical cancer practice and has been extensively co-produced by cancer patients, cancer professionals and patient advocates. It contains 10 key overarching Rights that a cancer patient should expect from their healthcare system, regardless of where they live and has been strongly endorsed by professional and patient cancer organisations as well as the European Commission. In this article, we use these 10 fundamental Rights as a framework to argue that (i) the issues and needs identified in The Code are generally more profound for rural people with cancer; (ii) addressing these issues is also more challenging in rural contexts; (iii) interventions and support must explicitly account for the unique needs of rural residents living with and affected by cancer and (iv) new innovative approaches are urgently required to successfully overcome the challenges faced by rural people with cancer and their caregivers. Despite equitable healthcare being a key European policy focus, the needs of rural people living with cancer have largely been neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nelson
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK; Macmillan Cancer Support, London, UK.
| | - Peter Selby
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Lincoln Medical School, Universities of Nottingham and Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Ros Kane
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | - Amanda Kenny
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK; La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Kathie McPeake
- Macmillan Cancer Support, London, UK; NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, Sleaford, UK
| | - Samuel Cooke
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Todd Hogue
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | - Mark Gussy
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK; La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Mark Lawler
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Buller DB, Sussman AL, Thomson CA, Kepka D, Taren D, Henry KL, Warner EL, Walkosz BJ, Woodall WG, Nuss K, Blair CK, Guest DD, Borrayo EA, Gordon JS, Hatcher J, Wetter DW, Kinsey A, Jones CF, Yung AK, Christini K, Berteletti J, Torres JA, Barraza Perez EY, Small A. #4Corners4Health Social Media Cancer Prevention Campaign for Emerging Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Stepped-Wedge Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e50392. [PMID: 38386396 PMCID: PMC10921336 DOI: 10.2196/50392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many emerging adults (EAs) are prone to making unhealthy choices, which increase their risk of premature cancer morbidity and mortality. In the era of social media, rigorous research on interventions to promote health behaviors for cancer risk reduction among EAs delivered over social media is limited. Cancer prevention information and recommendations may reach EAs more effectively over social media than in settings such as health care, schools, and workplaces, particularly for EAs residing in rural areas. OBJECTIVE This pragmatic randomized trial aims to evaluate a multirisk factor intervention using a social media campaign designed with community advisers aimed at decreasing cancer risk factors among EAs. The trial will target EAs from diverse backgrounds living in rural counties in the Four Corners states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. METHODS We will recruit a sample of EAs (n=1000) aged 18 to 26 years residing in rural counties (Rural-Urban Continuum Codes 4 to 9) in the Four Corners states from the Qualtrics' research panel and enroll them in a randomized stepped-wedge, quasi-experimental design. The inclusion criteria include English proficiency and regular social media engagement. A social media intervention will promote guideline-related goals for increased physical activity, healthy eating, and human papillomavirus vaccination and reduced nicotine product use, alcohol intake, and solar UV radiation exposure. Campaign posts will cover digital and media literacy skills, responses to misinformation, communication with family and friends, and referral to community resources. The intervention will be delivered over 12 months in Facebook private groups and will be guided by advisory groups of community stakeholders and EAs and focus groups with EAs. The EAs will complete assessments at baseline and at 12, 26, 39, 52, and 104 weeks after randomization. Assessments will measure 6 cancer risk behaviors, theoretical mediators, and participants' engagement with the social media campaign. RESULTS The trial is in its start-up phase. It is being led by a steering committee. Team members are working in 3 subcommittees to optimize community engagement, the social media intervention, and the measures to be used. The Stakeholder Organization Advisory Board and Emerging Adult Advisory Board were formed and provided initial input on the priority of cancer risk factors to target, social media use by EAs, and community resources available. A framework for the social media campaign with topics, format, and theoretical mediators has been created, along with protocols for campaign management. CONCLUSIONS Social media can be used as a platform to counter misinformation and improve reliable health information to promote health behaviors that reduce cancer risks among EAs. Because of the popularity of web-based information sources among EAs, an innovative, multirisk factor intervention using a social media campaign has the potential to reduce their cancer risk behaviors. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05618158; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05618158. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/50392.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew L Sussman
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Cynthia A Thomson
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Deanna Kepka
- College of Nursing and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Douglas Taren
- Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Kimberly L Henry
- Department of Psychology, College of Natural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Echo L Warner
- College of Nursing and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | | | - Kayla Nuss
- Klein Buendel, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Cindy K Blair
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Dolores D Guest
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Evelinn A Borrayo
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Judith S Gordon
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - David W Wetter
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - Christopher F Jones
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Angela K Yung
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Kaila Christini
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - John A Torres
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Lee M, Tsai MH, Tillewein H, Luckey GS. Rural-Urban Disparities in Telemedicine Use Among U.S. Adults with Cancer. Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 38301205 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes in health care delivery worldwide, including the widespread adoption of telemedicine. This study examines the prevalence of telemedicine use among cancer survivors in the United States based on rurality and investigates its association with telemedicine use. Methods: The 2021 National Health Interview Survey was used to analyze telemedicine use among cancer survivors during the pandemic. Telemedicine use was the primary outcome, and rurality was the main exposure. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association. Results: Out of 27,500 eligible cancer survivors, 51.6% reported using telemedicine in 2021. Telemedicine usage varied across rural areas, with 41.4% of rural cancer survivors using telemedicine compared with 57.5% of cancer survivors in large metropolitan areas (p < 0.001). Rural cancer survivors had significantly lower odds of using telemedicine during the pandemic compared with large metropolitan cancer survivors. Cancer survivors residing in rural areas were 0.56 times less likely (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41-0.75), and those residing in medium and small metropolitan areas were 0.69 times less likely (OR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.56-0.86) to report telemedicine use compared with cancer survivors in large metropolitan areas. Conclusions: Substantial disparities in telemedicine use were observed between rural and urban areas among cancer survivors. Rural cancer survivors were less likely to utilize telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring equitable access to telemedicine requires continued reimbursement for telemedicine services, along with additional efforts to improve access to and utilization of health care for rural cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjee Lee
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
- Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Meng-Han Tsai
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Cancer Prevention, Control, & Population Health Program, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Heather Tillewein
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Georgia S Luckey
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
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10
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Choi KY, Patel SD, Lane C, Tucker J, Chan K, Pradhan S, Mahase SS, Tam SH, King TS. Elucidating survival and functional outcomes in patients with primary head and neck malignancies treated in academic versus community settings. Head Neck 2024; 46:398-407. [PMID: 38087455 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in treatment outcomes between community or academic centers are incompletely understood. METHODS Retrospective review of head and neck cancer patients between 2010 and 2020 in a rural health region. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to evaluate survival outcomes, along with bivariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Linear regression was used for functional outcomes of tracheotomy and gastrostomy tube dependence. RESULTS Two hundred and forty-eight patients treated at an academic center were compared with 94 patients treated in community centers. In multivariable analysis, the risk of death (HR = 0.60, p = 0.019), and risk of recurrence were lower (HR = 0.29, p < 0.001) for patients treated in academic centers. Patients treated in community centers had longer gastrostomy tube dependence (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that treatment at an academic center was associated with a lower risk of recurrence and shorter gastrostomy tube dependence compared to treatment in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Y Choi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shivam D Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ciaran Lane
- Department of Otolaryngology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Tucker
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kimberly Chan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sandeep Pradhan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sean S Mahase
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samantha H Tam
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tonya S King
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Okado I, Liu M, Elhajj C, Wilkens L, Holcombe RF. Patient reports of cancer care coordination in rural Hawaii. J Rural Health 2024. [PMID: 38225683 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rural residents experience disproportionate burdens of cancer, and poorer cancer health outcomes in rural populations are partly attributed to care delivery challenges. Cancer patients in rural areas often experience unique challenges with care coordination. In this study, we explored patient reports of care coordination among rural Hawaii patients with cancer and compared rural and urban patients' perceptions of cancer care coordination. METHODS 80 patients receiving active treatment for cancer from rural Hawaii participated in a care coordination study in 2020-2021. Participants completed the Care Coordination Instrument, a validated oncology patient questionnaire. FINDINGS Mean age of rural cancer patients was 63.0 (SD = 12.1), and 57.7% were female. The most common cancer types were breast and GI. Overall, rural and urban patients' perceptions of care coordination were comparable (p > 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between rural and urban patients' perceptions in communication and navigation aspects of care coordination (p = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). Specific differences included a second opinion consultation, clinical trial considerations, and after-hours care. 43% of rural patients reported traveling by air for part or all of their cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that while overall perceptions of care coordination were similar between rural and urban patients, differential perceptions of specific care coordination areas between rural and urban patients may reflect limited access to care for rural patients. Improving access to cancer care may be a potential strategy to enhance care coordination for rural patients and ultimately address rural-urban cancer health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Okado
- Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Michelle Liu
- Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Carry Elhajj
- Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Lynne Wilkens
- Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Randall F Holcombe
- Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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12
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Saadat LV, Schofield E, Bai X, Curry M, Saskin R, Lipitz-Snyderman A, Soares KC, Kingham TP, Jarnagin WR, D'Angelica MI, Wright FC, Irish JC, Coburn NG, Wei AC. Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Pancreatic Cancer: A Comparative Analysis of Ontario and the USA. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:58-65. [PMID: 37833463 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14375-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comparative studies evaluating quality of care in different healthcare systems can guide reform initiatives. This study seeks to characterize best practices by comparing utilization and outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) in the USA and Ontario, Canada. METHODS Patients (age ≥ 66 years) with PC were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry and SEER-Medicare databases from 2006 to 2015. Demographics and treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or multimodality (surgery and chemotherapy)) were described. In resected patients, neoadjuvant therapy, readmission, and 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were calculated. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS This study includes 38,858 and 11,512 patients with PC from the USA and Ontario, respectively. More female patients were identified in the USA (54.0%) versus Ontario (46.9%). In the entire cohort, US patients received more radiation in addition to other therapies (18.8% vs. 13.5% Ontario) and chemotherapy alone (34.3% vs. 19.0% Ontario). While rates of resection were similar (13.4% USA vs.12.5% Ontario), multimodality therapy was more common in the UAS (9.0% vs. 6.4%). Among resected patients, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was uncommon in both groups, although more frequent in the USA (12.0% vs. 3.2% Ontario). The 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were lower in Ontario vs. the USA (30-day: 3.26% vs. 4.91%; 90-day: 7.08% vs. 10.96%), however, overall survival was similar between the USA and Ontario. CONCLUSIONS We observed substantive differences in treatment and outcomes between PC patients in the USA and Ontario, which may reflect known differences in healthcare systems. Close evaluation of healthcare policies can inform initiatives to improve care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily V Saadat
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Schofield
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xing Bai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Curry
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Refik Saskin
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Allison Lipitz-Snyderman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin C Soares
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - T Peter Kingham
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - William R Jarnagin
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael I D'Angelica
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frances C Wright
- Division of General Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan C Irish
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Natalie G Coburn
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alice C Wei
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Arriola KJ, Merken TM, Bigger L, Haardörfer R, Hermstad A, Owolabi S, Daniel J, Kegler M. Understanding the relationship between social capital, health, and well-being in a southern rural population. J Rural Health 2024; 40:162-172. [PMID: 37438857 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Social capital is thought to contribute to health and well-being, but its application to a rural context is poorly understood. This study seeks to examine how different forms of social capital relate to health and well-being among rural residents and the extent to which race and degree of rurality moderates these relationships. METHODS Data from a population-based survey of 6 counties in rural Georgia (n = 1,385) are used. We examined 3 forms of social capital (diversity of interaction, civic engagement, and voting behavior) in relation to 3 health and well-being measures (overall life satisfaction, general health status, and 30-day physical health). FINDINGS Interacting with more diverse social networks was associated with higher overall life satisfaction for White but not Black participants (P ≤ .001). For those living in more rural communities, interacting with a more diverse social network was more strongly associated with greater general health as compared to those who lived "in town" (P ≤ .01). Greater civic engagement and voting behavior were associated with greater general health for White but not Black participants (Ps < .05). Likewise, voting in all 3 elections was associated with greater overall life satisfaction and fewer days of poor physical health for White but not Black participants (Ps ≤ .05). CONCLUSION Social capital may be associated with positive health and well-being among those living in rural areas, but it may vary by race and degree of community rurality, suggesting the need to further understand how social capital operates in a rural context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Jacob Arriola
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tatenda Mangurenje Merken
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lauren Bigger
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Regine Haardörfer
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - April Hermstad
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shade Owolabi
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jerry Daniel
- Master of Social Work Program, Albany State University, Albany, Georgia, USA
| | - Michelle Kegler
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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14
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Choi E, Berkman AM, Cheung CK, Betts AC, Salsman JM, Andersen CR, Ochoa-Dominguez CY, Miller K, Milam J, Shah A, Peterson SK, Lu Q, Livingston JA, Hildebrandt MAT, Parsons SK, Freyer D, Roth ME. Psychological distress and mental health care utilization among Hispanic/Latino survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer. Psychooncology 2023; 32:1918-1929. [PMID: 37955581 PMCID: PMC10872722 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer experience psychological distress and insufficient access to mental health care. Few studies have investigated racial/ethnic disparities in psychological health outcomes in this population. This study compared psychological distress, mental health care use, and inability to afford mental health care between Hispanic/Latino survivors of AYA cancer and Hispanic/Latino controls. METHODS The National Health Interview Survey data (2010-2018) were analyzed to identify Hispanic/Latino survivors of AYA cancer and Hispanic/Latino age- and sex-matched non-cancer controls. Sociodemographic, chronic health, modifiable factors, and psychological outcomes were compared using chi-square tests. Logistic regression models with survey weights were used to assess the log-odds of psychological distress in relation to covariates, along with the cancer group. Interactions were evaluated between each variable and cancer group. RESULTS The study included 370 Hispanic/Latino survivors of AYA cancer (mean time since diagnosis = 12.34 years) and 3700 Hispanic/Latino controls. Compared to controls, survivors were more likely to report moderate/severe distress (OR = 2.23, p < 0.001), use of mental health care (OR = 2.11, p < 0.001) and inability to afford mental health care (OR = 3.05, p < 0.001). Forty-one percent of survivors reported moderate/severe distress and only 16% utilized mental health care. Among survivors, having more than two chronic health conditions and public insurance (compared to private insurance) were associated with the presence of moderate/severe distress. Among survivors experiencing moderate/severe distress, lack of insurance was associated with decreased utilization of mental health care. CONCLUSIONS Having cancer as an AYA may exacerbate disparities in psychological health within the Hispanic/Latino population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunju Choi
- Department of Nursing, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amy M Berkman
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Andrea C Betts
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John M Salsman
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Clark R Andersen
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carol Yesenia Ochoa-Dominguez
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center for Health Equity Education and Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kimberly Miller
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joel Milam
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Ashna Shah
- School of Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Susan K Peterson
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qian Lu
- Department of Health Disparities Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - J Andrew Livingston
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle A T Hildebrandt
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Susan K Parsons
- Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies and the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Freyer
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael E Roth
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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15
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Gordon JR, Yack M, Kikuchi K, Stevens L, Merchant L, Buys C, Gottschalk L, Frame M, Mussetter J, Younkin S, Zimmerman H, Kirchhoff AC, Wetter DW. Research-practice partnership: supporting rural cancer survivors in Montana. Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:1085-1094. [PMID: 37490140 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01750-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this Research-Practice Partnership was to disseminate and implement strategies to assist Community Health Centers in improving the care of rural cancer survivors in Montana. Funded by the National Cancer Institute's Community Outreach and Engagement mechanism, this project utilized the MAP-IT (Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement, Track) program planning framework from Healthy People 2020. Partners included Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services' Cancer Control Program, Montana Primary Care Association, One Health Community Health Center, and Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. Project activities focused on (1) Planning, creating, implementing, and evaluating provider/care team education sessions through the Project ECHO tele-mentoring platform and through short webinars and (2) Building processes for identifying, documenting, and connecting with survivors using electronic health records (EHRs) and other resources. Lessons learned from this project include the value of aligning partner goals from the outset to foster sustained commitment, the importance of adapting implementation plans to address challenges and leverage opportunities, and the need for accurate EHR data and formal processes for identifying and engaging with cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna R Gordon
- Center for Health Outcomes and Population Equity, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Melissa Yack
- Center for Health Outcomes and Population Equity, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Kara Kikuchi
- Center for Health Outcomes and Population Equity, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Practice Engagement and Translation, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Leticia Stevens
- Biomedical Informatics Department, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Leah Merchant
- Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena, MT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Stephanie Younkin
- Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena, MT, USA
| | - Heather Zimmerman
- Montana Central Tumor Registry and Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena, MT, USA
| | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David W Wetter
- Center for Health Outcomes and Population Equity, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Practice Engagement and Translation, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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16
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O'Neill L, Brennan L, Sheill G, Connolly D, Guinan E, Hussey J. Moving Forward With Telehealth in Cancer Rehabilitation: Patient Perspectives From a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Cancer 2023; 9:e46077. [PMID: 37943595 PMCID: PMC10667979 DOI: 10.2196/46077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth in cancer care and highlighted the potential of telehealth as a means of delivering the much-needed rehabilitation services for patients living with the side effects of cancer and its treatments. OBJECTIVE This mixed methods study aims to explore patients' experiences of telehealth and their preferences regarding the use of telehealth for cancer rehabilitation to inform service development. METHODS The study was completed in 2 phases from October 2020 to November 2021. In phase 1, an anonymous survey (web- and paper-based) exploring the need, benefits, barriers, facilitators, and preferences for telehealth cancer rehabilitation was distributed to survivors of cancer in Ireland. In phase 2, survivors of cancer were invited to participate in semistructured interviews exploring their experiences of telehealth and its role in cancer rehabilitation. Interviews were conducted via telephone or video call following an interview guide informed by the results of the survey and transcribed verbatim, and reflexive thematic analysis was performed using a qualitative descriptive approach. RESULTS A total of 48 valid responses were received. The respondents were at a median of 26 (range 3-256) months after diagnosis, and 23 (48%) of the 48 participants had completed treatment. Of the 48 respondents, 31 (65%) reported using telehealth since the start of the pandemic, 15 (31%) reported having experience with web-based cancer rehabilitation, and 43 (90%) reported a willingness for web-based cancer rehabilitation. A total of 26 (54%) of the 48 respondents reported that their views on telehealth had changed positively since the start of the pandemic. Semistructured interviews were held with 18 survivors of cancer. The mean age of the participants was 58.9 (SD 8.24) years, 56% (10/18) of the participants were female, and 44% (8/18) of the participants were male. Reflexive thematic analysis identified 5 key themes: telehealth improves accessibility to cancer rehabilitation for some but is a barrier for others, lived experiences of the benefits of telehealth in survivorship, the value of in-person health care, telehealth in cancer care and COVID-19 (from novelty to normality), and the future of telehealth in cancer rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth is broadly welcomed as a mode of cancer rehabilitation for patients living with and beyond cancer in Ireland. However, issues regarding accessibility and the importance of in-person care must be acknowledged. Factors of convenience, time savings, and cost savings indicate that telehealth interventions are a desirable patient-centered method of delivering care when performed in suitable clinical contexts and with appropriate populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda O'Neill
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Louise Brennan
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grainne Sheill
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Connolly
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emer Guinan
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Juliette Hussey
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
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Palomin A, Takishima-Lacasa J, Selby-Nelson E, Mercado A. Challenges and Ethical Implications in Rural Community Mental Health: The Role of Mental Health Providers. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:1442-1451. [PMID: 37314531 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01151-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript reviews the unique challenges, barriers, and ethical implications of providing mental health services in rural and underserved areas. Community mental health centers in rural areas are often underserved due to shortages of mental health providers and limited resources. Individuals living in rural areas are at increased risk of developing mental health condition with limited access to mental health clinicians and healthcare facilities. These access to care issues are often exacerbated by geographical barriers as well as social, cultural, and economic challenges. A rural mental health professional may encounter several barriers to providing adequate care to individuals living in rural areas. For example, limited services and resources, geographic barriers, conflict between professional guidelines and community values, managing dual relationships, and challenges pertaining to confidentiality and privacy are several barriers to providing adequate care in rural areas. We will briefly summarize the primary ethical domains that are especially influenced by rural culture and the complex responsibilities of mental health providers in rural areas including barriers to care, crisis intervention, confidentiality, multiple relationships/dual roles, limits of competency, and rural mental healthcare practice implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Palomin
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Dr, Edinburg, TX, 78539, USA.
| | | | | | - Alfonso Mercado
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Dr, Edinburg, TX, 78539, USA
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, USA
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Huang D, Chang CPE, Newman M, Deshmukh V, Snyder J, Date A, Galvao C, Lloyd S, Henry NL, O'Neil B, Hashibe M. Adverse health outcomes among rural prostate cancer survivors: A population-based study. Cancer Epidemiol 2023; 86:102430. [PMID: 37473579 PMCID: PMC11150278 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2023.102430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rural cancer survivors experience considerable health disparities compared to urban cancer survivors for cancer treatment and survival. The objective of our study was to investigate the risk of developing diseases for rural compared to urban prostate cancer survivors in Utah. METHODS We identified a cohort of 3575 rural prostate cancer survivors and 17,778 urban prostate cancer survivors from the Utah Cancer Registry. The Fine-Gray subdistribution hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios and 95 % confidence intervals for diseases in major body systems among rural compared to urban prostate cancer survivors at > 1-5 years and > 5 years after prostate cancer diagnosis. RESULTS Rural residence was associated with an increased risk of diseases of the respiratory system at > 5 years (HR: 1.16, 95 % CI: 1.01-1.32) after cancer diagnosis compared to urban residence among prostate cancer survivors in Utah. Decreased risks were observed in infectious and parasitic diseases, diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs, diseases of the nervous system and sense organs, and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue for rural prostate cancer survivors between 1 and 5 years after cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Rural prostate cancer survivors in Utah were somewhat healthier compared to urban prostate cancer survivors. Further studies are needed to confirm whether these associations are also supported for rural prostate cancer survivors in other regions of the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daren Huang
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chun-Pin Esther Chang
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Michael Newman
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Vikrant Deshmukh
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - John Snyder
- Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ankita Date
- Pedigree and Population Resource, Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Carlos Galvao
- Pedigree and Population Resource, Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Shane Lloyd
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - N Lynn Henry
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Brock O'Neil
- Division of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Mia Hashibe
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Hallgren E, Ayers BL, Moore R, Purvis RS, McElfish PA, Maraboyina S, Bryant-Smith G. Facilitators and barriers to employment for rural women cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:1338-1346. [PMID: 35142993 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01179-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Limited research exists on the employment experiences of rural women cancer survivors, yet this population may face unique barriers to employment following a cancer diagnosis. This study aims to identify facilitators and barriers to employment for rural women cancer survivors. METHODS We used a qualitative descriptive design to examine facilitators and barriers to employment for rural women cancer survivors. We conducted interviews with 33 rural women with cancer histories. RESULTS Facilitators of employment included paid time off, flexible work arrangements, and supportive workplace social networks, while barriers to employment included compromised immunity, long-term treatment effects, stigma and discrimination, and limited rural job markets. Rural women with secure employment histories generally experienced facilitators of employment, while rural women with insecure (e.g., temporary, informal, non-standard) employment histories generally faced barriers to retaining jobs and finding employment. CONCLUSIONS Formal and informal workplace support helped rural women retain their jobs during and following cancer treatment, especially those with secure employment. However, women with insecure employment histories generally faced multiple barriers to retaining and finding employment. More inclusive policies to support workers facing disabling illnesses, such as paid medical leave, are needed to ensure cancer survivors can maintain employment and/or financial security during and following their cancer treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Cancer survivors with secure employment may benefit from formal and informal workplace support in retaining their employment. Those with insecure employment histories may benefit from access to job placement services and inclusive policies protecting employment for all workers experiencing disabling illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hallgren
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA.
| | - Britni L Ayers
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA
| | - Ramey Moore
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA
| | - Rachel S Purvis
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA
| | - Pearl A McElfish
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA
| | - Sanjay Maraboyina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., #771, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Bryant-Smith
- Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St. - Slot 556, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
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20
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García JC, Ríos-Pena L, Rodríguez MCR, Maraver FM, Jiménez IR. Development and internal validation of a multivariable prediction model for the quality of life of cervical cancer survivors. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:2446-2456. [PMID: 37435890 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To elaborate a prediction model for quality of life of cervical cancer survivors. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study on 229 cervical cancer survivors. The quality of life measures included the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Cervix version 4.0 and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version self-administered questionnaires. We imported the data into the statistical software program R and developed a gamma generalized linear model. RESULTS Our internally validated predictive model for the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Cervix total score was composed of the following predictors: pain, appetite, vaginal bleeding/discharge/odor, and WHOQOL-BREF social relationships domain. The Harrell's concordance index was 0.75. CONCLUSIONS We developed a solid and internally validated predictive model in cervical cancer survivors based on predictors, such as pain, appetite, vaginal bleeding/odor/discharge, and WHOQOL-BREF social relationships subscale score that contribute significantly to quality of life as targets for potential intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Cea García
- Clinical Management Unit for Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Ríos-Pena
- Institute of Science and Technology, Loyola University, Seville, Spain
| | - M Carmen Rubio Rodríguez
- Department of Radiation Oncology in HM Hospitals, University Hospital Sanchinarro, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Márquez Maraver
- Clinical Management Unit for Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
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21
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Nielsen S, O'Neil B, Chang CP, Mark B, Snyder J, Deshmukh V, Newman M, Date A, Galvao C, Henry NL, Lloyd S, Hashibe M. Determining the association of rurality and cardiovascular disease among prostate cancer survivors. Urol Oncol 2023; 41:429.e15-429.e23. [PMID: 37455231 PMCID: PMC10787808 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rural disparities in prostate cancer survivorship and cardiovascular disease remain. Prostate cancer treatment also contributes to worse cardiovascular disease outcomes. Our objective was to determine whether rural-urban differences in cardiovascular outcomes contribute to disparities in prostate cancer survivorship. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected from the Utah Population Database. Rural and urban prostate cancer survivors were matched by diagnosis year and age. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios for cardiovascular disease (levels 1-3) based on rural-urban classification, while controlling for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. We identified 3,379 rural and 16,253 urban prostate cancer survivors with a median follow-up of 9.3 years. RESULTS Results revealed that rural survivors had a lower risk of hypertension (HR 0.90), diseases of arteries (HR 0.92), and veins (HR 0.92) but a higher risk of congestive heart failure (HR 1.17). Interactions between level 2 cardiovascular diseases and rural/urban status, showed that diseases of the heart had a distinct between-group relationship for all-cause (P = 0.005) and cancer-specific mortality (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed complex relationships between rural-urban status, cardiovascular disease, and prostate cancer. Rural survivors were less likely to be diagnosed with screen-detected cardiovascular disease but more likely to have heart failure. Further, the relationship between cardiovascular disease and survival was different between rural and urban survivors. It may be that our findings underscore differences in healthcare access where rural patients are less likely to be screened for preventable cardiovascular disease and have worse outcomes when they have a major cardiovascular event.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brock O'Neil
- Division of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
| | - Chun-Pin Chang
- Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Bayarmaa Mark
- Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - John Snyder
- Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Vikrant Deshmukh
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Michael Newman
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Ankita Date
- Pedigree and Population Resource, Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Carlos Galvao
- Pedigree and Population Resource, Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - N Lynn Henry
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Shane Lloyd
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Mia Hashibe
- Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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22
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Arana-Chicas E, Prisco LMH, Sharma S, Stauffer F, McGee M, Dauphin S, Ban-Hoefen M, Navarette J, Zittel J, Cupertino AP, Magnuson A, Mustian KM, Mohile SG. Cancer survivorship challenges of rural older adults: a qualitative study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:917. [PMID: 37770838 PMCID: PMC10536752 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11395-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although research has advanced the field of oncologic geriatrics with survivors to assess their cancer-related needs and devise patient-centered interventions, most of that research has excluded rural populations. This study aimed to understand the survivorship challenges and recommendations in the perspective of rural older adults. METHODS This was a qualitative study that explored the survivorship challenges and recommendations of rural older adults who have completed curative intent chemotherapy for a solid tumor malignancy in the 12 months prior to enrollment in the present study. RESULTS Twenty-seven older adult survivors from rural areas completed open-ended semi-structured interviews. The mean age was 73.4 (SD = 5.0). Most participants were non-Hispanic White (96.3%), female (59.3%), married (63.0%), and had up to a high school education (51.9%). Rural older survivors reported a general lack of awareness of survivorship care plans, communication challenges with healthcare team, transportation challenges, financial toxicity, psychological challenges, and diet and physical challenges. Rural older survivors recommend the provision of nutritional advice referral to exercise programs, and social support groups and for their healthcare providers to discuss their survivorship plan with them. CONCLUSIONS Although study participants reported similar survivorship challenges as urban older adult survivors, additional challenges reported regarding transportation and consideration of farm animals have not been previously reported. Heightened awareness of the survivorship needs of rural older adults may result in better survivorship care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Arana-Chicas
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Geriatric Oncology Research Group, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Laura M Hincapie Prisco
- Geriatric Oncology Research Group, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Saloni Sharma
- Geriatric Oncology Research Group, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Fiona Stauffer
- Geriatric Oncology Research Group, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Martha McGee
- Specialized Oncology Care & Research for our Elders Board Patient and Caregiver Advocate Board (SOCAREboard), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Makiko Ban-Hoefen
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Jason Zittel
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ana Paula Cupertino
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Allison Magnuson
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Geriatric Oncology Research Group, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Karen M Mustian
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Supriya G Mohile
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Geriatric Oncology Research Group, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, USA
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23
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Strassle PD, Green AL, Colbert CA, Stewart AL, Nápoles AM. COVID-19 vaccination willingness and uptake among rural Black/African American, Latino, and White adults. J Rural Health 2023; 39:756-764. [PMID: 36863851 PMCID: PMC10474244 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess differences in COVID-19 vaccine willingness and uptake between rural and nonrural adults, and within rural racial-ethnic groups. METHODS We utilized data from the COVID-19's Unequal Racial Burden online survey, which included 1,500 Black/African American, Latino, and White rural adults (n = 500 each). Baseline (12/2020-2/2021) and 6-month follow-up (8/2021-9/2021) surveys were administered. A cohort of nonrural Black/African American, Latino, and White adults (n = 2,277) was created to compare differences between rural and nonrural communities. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess associations between rurality, race-ethnicity, and vaccine willingness and uptake. FINDINGS At baseline, only 24.9% of rural adults were extremely willing to be vaccinated and 28.4% were not at all willing. Rural White adults were least willing to be vaccinated, compared to nonrural White adults (extremely willing: aOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.30-0.64). At follow-up, 69.3% of rural adults were vaccinated; however, only 25.3% of rural adults who reported being unwilling to vaccinate were vaccinated at follow-up, compared to 95.6% of adults who were extremely willing to be vaccinated and 76.3% who were unsure. Among those unwilling to vaccinate at follow-up, almost half reported distrust in the government (52.3%) and drug companies (46.2%); 80% reported that nothing would change their minds regarding vaccination. CONCLUSIONS By August 2021, almost 70% of rural adults were vaccinated. However, distrust and misinformation were prevalent among those unwilling to vaccinate at follow-up. To continue to effectively combat COVID-19 in rural communities, we need to address misinformation to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula D. Strassle
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Alexis L. Green
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Caleb A. Colbert
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Anita L. Stewart
- University of California San Francisco, Institute for Health & Aging, Center for Aging in Diverse Communities, San Francisco, CA
| | - Anna M. Nápoles
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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McGee‐Avila JK, Richmond J, Henry KA, Stroup AM, Tsui J. Disparities in geospatial patterns of cancer care within urban counties and structural inequities in access to oncology care. Health Serv Res 2023; 58 Suppl 2:152-164. [PMID: 37208901 PMCID: PMC10339178 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine geospatial patterns of cancer care utilization across diverse populations in New Jersey-a state where most residents live in urban areas. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING We used data from the New Jersey State Cancer Registry from 2012 to 2014. STUDY DESIGN We examined the location of cancer treatment among patients 20-65 years of age diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or invasive cervical cancer and investigated differences in geospatial patterns of care by individual and area-level (e.g., census tract-level) characteristics. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Multivariate generalized estimating equation models were used to determine factors associated with receiving cancer treatment within residential counties, residential hospital service areas, and in-state (versus out-of-state) care. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We observed significant differences in geospatial patterns of cancer treatment by race/ethnicity, insurance type, and area-level factors. Even after adjusting for tumor characteristics, insurance type, and other demographic factors, non-Hispanic Black patients had a 5.6% higher likelihood of receiving care within their own residential county compared to non-Hispanic White patients (95% CI: 2.80-8.41). Patients insured with Medicaid and those without insurance had higher likelihoods of receiving care within their residential county compared to privately insured individuals. Patients living in census tracts with the highest quintile of social vulnerability were 4.6% more likely to receive treatment within their residential county (95% CI: 0.00-9.30) and were 2.7% less likely to seek out-of-state care (95% CI: -4.85 to -0.61). CONCLUSIONS Urban populations are not homogenous in their geospatial patterns of cancer care utilization, and individuals living in areas with greater social vulnerability may have limited opportunities to access care outside of their immediate residential county. Geographically tailored efforts, along with socioculturally tailored efforts, are needed to help improve equity in cancer care access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Richmond
- Division of Genetic MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Kevin A. Henry
- Department of GeographyTemple UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer CenterTemple University HealthPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Antoinette M. Stroup
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- School of Public Health, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Jennifer Tsui
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine at USCUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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25
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Jiang C, Yabroff KR, Deng L, Wang Q, Perimbeti S, Shapiro CL, Han X. Transportation barriers, emergency room use, and mortality risk among US adults by cancer history. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:815-821. [PMID: 37185777 PMCID: PMC10323887 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of safe, reliable, and affordable transportation is a barrier to medical care, but little is known about its association with clinical outcomes. METHODS We identified 28 640 adults with and 470 024 adults without a cancer history from a nationally representative cohort (2000-2018 US National Health Interview Survey) and its linked mortality files with vital status through December 31, 2019. Transportation barriers were defined as delays in care because of lack of transportation. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards models estimated the associations of transportation barriers with emergency room (ER) use and mortality risk, respectively, adjusted for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, health insurance, comorbidities, functional limitations, and region. RESULTS Of the adults, 2.8% (n = 988) and 1.7% (n = 9685) with and without a cancer history, respectively, reported transportation barriers; 7324 and 40 793 deaths occurred in adults with and without cancer history, respectively. Adults with a cancer history and transportation barriers, as compared with adults without a cancer history or transportation barriers, had the highest likelihood of ER use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.34 to 3.27) and all-cause mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.94 to 2.68), followed by adults without a cancer history with transportation barriers (ER use aOR = 1.98, 95% CI =1.87 to 2.10; all-cause mortality aHR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.46 to 1.70) and adults with a cancer history but without transportation barriers (ER use aOR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.34 to 1.44; all-cause mortality aHR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.54 to 1.65). CONCLUSION Delayed care because of lack of transportation was associated with increased ER use and mortality risk among adults with and without cancer history. Cancer survivors with transportation barriers had the highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchuan Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lei Deng
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Qian Wang
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stuthi Perimbeti
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Charles L Shapiro
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Fernando A, Tokell M, Ishak Y, Love J, Klammer M, Koh M. Mental health needs in cancer - a call for change. Future Healthc J 2023; 10:112-116. [PMID: 37786642 PMCID: PMC10540791 DOI: 10.7861/fhj.2023-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
There is continued under-recognition and underinvestment in the psychological and mental health aspects of care for cancer patients, despite the fact that increased patient survival rates in cancer mean that patients are living longer after diagnosis. In this article, we advocate for better integration and joint working between clinicians across all areas, including education and research, impacting positively on the outcomes and care of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asanga Fernando
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and honorary senior lecturer, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Yostina Ishak
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and clinical pharmacology tutor, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Jenna Love
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Matthias Klammer
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK and honorary senior lecturer, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Mickey Koh
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and St George's, University of London, London, UK
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27
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Qian Y, Asad S, Park EM, Mills JA, Kent EE. Rural resilience during COVID-19: the lived experience of North Carolinian rural-dwelling cancer caregivers. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:396. [PMID: 37318622 PMCID: PMC11071545 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07840-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To illuminate the lived experience of resilience in rural-dwelling North Carolinian cancer caregivers at the intersection of cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS In spring, 2020, we recruited self-identified primary caregivers (CGs) for a relative/friend with cancer living in a rural area. We conducted cross-sectional semi-structured interviews and then thematically analyzed transcripts to identify and categorize instances of stressors and benefit-finding. RESULTS Of the 24 participants, 29% were < 50 years old, 42% identified as non-Hispanic Black, 75% were women, and 58% were spousal CGs. Most care recipients (CRs) had stage IV cancer (n = 20) and cancer types varied. Participants played a variety of roles in caregiving and experienced stressors related to caregiving demands (e.g., conflicts with other responsibilities), rurality (e.g., transportation), and the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., new visitor policy at hospital). Despite stressful experiences, participants also identified many positive aspects of their caregiving. Five domains of benefit-finding were identified: appreciation (e.g., gratitude toward their ability to care for CRs), CG-CR dyad relationship dynamics (e.g., increased closeness), interpersonal relationship dynamics (e.g., perceived peer support), faith (e.g., ability to cope through praying), and personal growth (e.g., new skills learned from caregiving). CONCLUSION Rural-dwelling cancer caregivers from mixed sociodemographic backgrounds identified a diverse range of benefits from caregiving, despite experiencing multiple stressors, including emergent stressors from the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare delivery serving rural communities may consider expanding transportation assistance and boosting benefit-finding to ameliorate stress in cancer caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Qian
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Asad
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1102-B McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB # 7411, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7411, USA
| | - Eliza M Park
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jiona A Mills
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin E Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1102-B McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB # 7411, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7411, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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28
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Dennett AM, Hirko KA, Porter KJ, Loh KP, Liao Y, Yang L, Arem H, Sukumar JS, Salerno EA. Embedding lifestyle interventions into cancer care: has telehealth narrowed the equity gap? J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2023; 2023:133-139. [PMID: 37139972 PMCID: PMC10687353 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle interventions targeting energy balance (ie, diet, exercise) are critical for optimizing the health and well-being of cancer survivors. Despite their benefits, access to these interventions is limited, especially in underserved populations, including older people, minority populations and those living in rural and remote areas. Telehealth has the potential to improve equity and increase access. This article outlines the advantages and challenges of using telehealth to support the integration of lifestyle interventions into cancer care. We describe 2 recent studies, GO-EXCAP and weSurvive, as examples of telehealth lifestyle intervention in underserved populations (older people and rural cancer survivors) and offer practical recommendations for future implementation. Innovative approaches to the use of telehealth-delivered lifestyle intervention during cancer survivorship offer great potential to reduce cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Dennett
- Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- School of Allied Health Human Services and Sport La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelly A Hirko
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kathleen J Porter
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kah Poh Loh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yue Liao
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
- Departments of Oncology and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Hannah Arem
- Healthcare Delivery Research Program, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jasmine S Sukumar
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Salerno
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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29
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Noyd DH, Janitz A, Baker A, Beasley W, Etzold N, Kendrick D, Oeffinger K. Rural, Large Town, and Urban Differences in Optimal Subspecialty Follow-up and Survivorship Care Plan Documentation among Childhood Cancer Survivors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023; 32:634-641. [PMID: 36827210 PMCID: PMC11082834 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-22-0966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with cancer from rural and nonurban areas face unique challenges. Health equity for this population requires attention to geographic disparities in optimal survivorship-focused care. METHODS The Oklahoma Childhood Cancer Survivor Cohort was based on all patients reported to the institutional cancer registry and ≤ 18 years old at diagnosis between January 1, 2005, and September 24, 2014. Suboptimal follow-up was defined as no completed oncology-related clinic visit five to 7 years after their initial diagnosis (survivors were 7-25 years old at end of the follow-up period). The primary predictor of interest was rurality. RESULTS Ninety-four (21%) of the 449 eligible survivors received suboptimal follow-up. There were significant differences (P = 0.01) as 36% of survivors from large towns (n = 28/78) compared with 21% (n = 20/95) and 17% (n = 46/276) of survivors from small town/isolated rural and urban areas received suboptimal follow-up, respectively. Forty-five percent of adolescents at diagnosis were not seen in the clinic compared with 17% of non-adolescents (P < 0.01). An adjusted risk ratio of 2.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.5, 3.2) was observed for suboptimal follow-up among survivors from large towns, compared with survivors from urban areas. Seventy-three percent of survivors (n = 271/369) had a documented survivorship care plan with similar trends by rurality. CONCLUSIONS Survivors from large towns and those who were adolescents at the time of diagnosis were more likely to receive suboptimal follow-up care compared with survivors from urban areas and those diagnosed younger than thirteen. IMPACT Observed geographic disparities in survivorship care will inform interventions to promote equitable care for survivors from nonurban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H. Noyd
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
- The University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Department of Medical Informatics
| | - Amanda Janitz
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
| | - Ashley Baker
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
| | - William Beasley
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
| | - Nancy Etzold
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - David Kendrick
- The University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Department of Medical Informatics
| | - Kevin Oeffinger
- Duke University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
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Cole A, Andrilla CHA, Patterson D, Davidson S, Mendoza J. Measuring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Behaviors and Health Care Utilization in Rural and Urban Patients with Cancer and Cancer Survivors. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:215-222. [PMID: 36817949 PMCID: PMC9934461 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare access and health behaviors differ between those living in urban and rural communities and contribute to inequitable cancer health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant disruptions in daily life and healthcare delivery. This cross-sectional survey aimed to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health behaviors of cancer patients and survivors, comparing outcomes for urban and rural respondents. Survey was administered from January 2021-June 2021 to cancer patients or survivors (treated within the last 5 years) at one of six cancer centers in Washington and Idaho. Respondent ZIP code was used to assess rurality using Rural-Urban Commuting Area designation. 515 rural (43.5% of those contacted) and 146 urban (40% of those contacted) cancer patients and survivors participated. Few differences between urban and rural cancer patients and cancer survivors were noted. Rural residents were older (69.2 years vs. 66.9 years). Rural respondents had higher mean alcohol consumption than urban respondents (4.4 drinks per week vs. 2.7 drinks per week). 12.2% of those who reported drinking in the last 30 days also reported increased alcohol consumption since the start of the pandemic, with no difference in reported increased alcohol consumption in rural vs. urban respondents. 38.5% reported decreased physical activity. 20.5% reported cancelling or delaying cancer care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Delays in cancer healthcare services and worsening health behaviors due to the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to poorer health outcomes, with few differences between rural and urban cancer patients and cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Cole
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Davis Patterson
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Nelson D, McGonagle I, Jackson C, Tsuro T, Scott E, Gussy M, Kane R. Health-Promoting Behaviours following Primary Treatment for Cancer: A Rural-Urban Comparison from a Cross-Sectional Study. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:1585-1597. [PMID: 36826083 PMCID: PMC9955107 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30020122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To compare health-promoting behaviours among rural and urban residents following primary treatment for cancer. METHODS A cross-sectional survey collecting demographic variables and data pertaining to health-promoting behaviours, documented using the 52-item Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) measure, which is categorised into six subscales: (1) health responsibility, (2) spiritual growth, (3) physical activity, (4) interpersonal relations, (5) nutrition, and (6) stress management. Residence was defined using the U.K. Office for National Statistics RUC 2011 Rural Urban Classifications. The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Decile was used to measure deprivation. Quantitative data were analysed using independent samples t-test and multiple linear regression. Qualitative data from open-ended questions were analysed thematically. RESULTS In total, 227 participants with a range of cancer types completed the questionnaire. Fifty-three percent were residents in urban areas and forty-five percent in rural areas. Rural participants scored significantly higher on health responsibility (p = 0.001), nutrition (p = 0.001), spiritual growth (p = 0.004), and interpersonal relationships (p = 0.001), as well as on the overall HPLP-II (p = 0.001). When controlling for deprivation, age, marital status, and education, rural-urban residence was a significant predictor of exhibiting health-promoting behaviours. A central theme from the qualitative data was the concept of "moving on" from cancer following treatment, by making adjustments to physical, social, psychological, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS This research revealed, for the first time, differences in health-promoting behaviours among rural and urban U.K. populations who have completed primary cancer treatment. Rural residence can provide a positive environment for engaging with health-promoting behaviours following a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nelson
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
- Macmillan Cancer Support, London SE1 7UQ, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)1522-837343
| | - Ian McGonagle
- School of Health and Social Care, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Christine Jackson
- School of Health and Social Care, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Trish Tsuro
- United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Research and Innovation Department, Pilgrim Hospital, Boston PE21 9QS, UK
| | - Emily Scott
- Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Peter Hodgkinson Centre, Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln LN2 5UA, UK
| | - Mark Gussy
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
- La Trobe Rural Health School, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bendigo P.O. Box 199, Australia
| | - Ros Kane
- School of Health and Social Care, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
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Gordon BR, Qiu L, Doerksen SE, Kanski B, Lorenzo A, Truica CI, Vasekar M, Wang M, Winkels RM, Abdullah S, Schmitz KH. Addressing metastatic individuals everyday: Rationale and design of the nurse AMIE for Amazon Echo Show trial among metastatic breast cancer patients. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 32:101058. [PMID: 36698743 PMCID: PMC9868339 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) patients often feel their symptom-related needs are unmet, despite visiting their doctors up to once a week. Novel approaches are needed to address symptoms without requiring additional appointments. Technology based symptom management approaches to address symptoms have not been well tested. Methods Nurse AMIE (Addressing Metastatic Individuals Everyday) is a technology based supportive care platform that provides guideline-concordant symptom management interventions in response to patient reported symptoms. We have previously successfully implemented a tablet version of Nurse AMIE. However, some eligible patients chose not to participate because they were overwhelmed by the technology. To address this barrier, we translated the Nurse AMIE platform to the Amazon Echo Show, which allowed for voice-based interactions. Forty-two MBC patients were randomized 1:1 to receive the Nurse AMIE for Echo Show immediately for six months, or to receive the same intervention for three months, after a three month delay. The primary outcome was change in physical distress over three months, and secondary outcomes included feasibility, acceptability, patient reported outcomes and usability. Conclusions Results from the Nurse AMIE for Echo Show trial will identify the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the Nurse AMIE for Echo Show on patient reported outcomes. Untested novel technologies, particularly voice-based artificial intelligence devices may an effective and scalable vehicle through which we can deliver supportive care interventions. Clinicaltrialsgov identifier NCT04673019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett R. Gordon
- Pennylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ling Qiu
- Pennsylvania State University College of Information and Science Technology, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Bethany Kanski
- Pennylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Abigail Lorenzo
- Pennylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Monali Vasekar
- Pennylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ming Wang
- Pennylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Renate M. Winkels
- Pennylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA,Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, the Netherlands
| | - Saeed Abdullah
- Pennsylvania State University College of Information and Science Technology, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Kathryn H. Schmitz
- Pennylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA,Corresponding author. 5150 Centre Ave, Room 549B, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA.
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Mavragani A, Duncan PW, Thakur E, Puccinelli-Ortega N, Salsman JM, Russell G, Pasche BC, Wentworth S, Miller DP, Wagner LI, Topaloglu U. Adaptation of a Personalized Electronic Care Planning Tool for Cancer Follow-up Care: Formative Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e41354. [PMID: 36626203 PMCID: PMC9893883 DOI: 10.2196/41354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer will survive for at least 5 years; thus, engaging patients to optimize their health will likely improve outcomes. Clinical guidelines recommend patients receive a comprehensive care plan (CP) when transitioning from active treatment to survivorship, which includes support for ongoing symptoms and recommended healthy behaviors. Yet, cancer care providers find this guideline difficult to implement. Future directions for survivorship care planning include enhancing information technology support for developing personalized CPs, using CPs to facilitate self-management, and assessing CPs in clinical settings. OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop an electronic tool for colorectal cancer follow-up care (CFC) planning. METHODS Incorporating inputs from health care professionals and patient stakeholders is fundamental to the successful integration of any tool into the clinical workflow. Thus, we followed the Integrate, Design, Assess, and Share (IDEAS) framework to adapt an existing application for stroke care planning (COMPASS-CP) to meet the needs of colorectal cancer survivors (COMPASS-CP CFC). Constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided our approach. We completed this work in 3 phases: (1) gathering qualitative feedback from stakeholders about the follow-up CP generation design and workflow; (2) adapting algorithms and resource data sources needed to generate a follow-up CP; and (3) optimizing the usability of the adapted prototype of COMPASS-CP CFC. We also quantitatively measured usability (target average score ≥70; range 0-100), acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. RESULTS In the first phase, health care professionals (n=7), and patients and caregivers (n=7) provided qualitative feedback on COMPASS-CP CFC that informed design elements such as selection, interpretation, and clinical usefulness of patient-reported measures. In phase 2, we built a minimal viable product of COMPASS-CP CFC. This tool generated CPs based on the needs identified by patient-completed measures (including validated patient-reported outcomes) and electronic health record data, which were then matched with resources by zip code and preference to support patients' self-management. Elements of the CFIR assessed revealed that most health care professionals believed the tool would serve patients' needs and had advantages. In phase 3, the average System Usability Scale score was above our target score for health care professionals (n=5; mean 71.0, SD 15.2) and patients (n=5; mean 95.5, SD 2.1). Participants also reported high levels of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. Additional CFIR-informed feedback, such as desired format for training, will inform future studies. CONCLUSIONS The data collected in this study support the initial usability of COMPASS-CP CFC and will inform the next steps for implementation in clinical care. COMPASS-CP CFC has the potential to streamline the implementation of personalized CFC planning to enable systematic access to resources that will support self-management. Future research is needed to test the impact of COMPASS-CP CFC on patient health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela W Duncan
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | | | | | - John M Salsman
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.,Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Greg Russell
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Boris C Pasche
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.,Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Stacy Wentworth
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - David P Miller
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.,Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Lynne I Wagner
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.,Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Umit Topaloglu
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.,Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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Outcomes Following SBRT vs. IMRT and 3DCRT for Older Patients with Stage IIA Node-Negative Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer > 5 cm. Clin Lung Cancer 2023; 24:e9-e18. [PMID: 36443153 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe outcomes and compare the effectiveness of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) versus 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with stage IIA lymph node-negative (N0) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors > 5 cm. METHODS We used the SEER-Medicare database (2005-2015) to identify patients > 65 years with stage IIA (AJCC TNM7) N0 NSCLC > 5 cm tumors who were treated with SBRT, IMRT, and 3DCRT. We used propensity score methods with inverse probability weighting to compare lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. RESULTS Of 584 patients, 88 (15%), 140 (24%), and 356 (61%) underwent SBRT, IMRT, and 3DCRT, respectively. The SBRT group was older (P = .004), had more comorbidities (P = .02), smaller tumors (P = .03), and more adenocarcinomas (P < .0001). We found a trend towards higher median unadjusted OS with SBRT compared to IMRT and 3DCRT (19 vs. 13 and 14 months, respectively, P = .37). In our propensity score-adjusted analyses, SBRT was significantly associated with better OS and LCSS compared to IMRT (HROS: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.68-0.89, HRLCSS: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60-0.81) and 3DCRT (HROS: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.93, HRLCSS: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68-0.93). SBRT-treated patients also had lower overall adjusted complication rates compared to IMRT (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.55-0.99) and 3DCRT (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.40-0.71). CONCLUSION For patients with NSCLC tumors > 5 cm, SBRT trends towards fewer toxicities and improved survival compared to other forms of radiotherapy. Our findings support SBRT as an appropriate treatment strategy for older patients with larger inoperable NSCLC tumors.
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El Battioui F, El Malki F, Barrijal S. Quality of life assessment of breast cancer survivors in Northern Morocco: Rural-urban disparity. Breast Dis 2023; 42:291-298. [PMID: 37742628 DOI: 10.3233/bd-230012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
This article is a cross-sectional study of 216 women undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy for breast cancer in two oncology centers in northern Morocco. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) questionnaire and its endocrine subscale (ES). The relationship between rural-urban status in our sample and QoL was assessed by linear regression analysis using sociodemographic and clinical variables as covariates. Our results show that physical and functional well-being are significantly (p < 0.001) higher in rural areas (24 and 29, respectively) than in urban areas (16 and 19, respectively), while social and emotional well-being are significantly (p < 0.001) higher in urban areas (22 and 21, respectively) than in rural areas (15 and 16, respectively). However, there was no significant difference (p = 0.097) between rural and urban breast cancer survivors regarding endocrine symptom burden. Regarding the effect of sociodemographic and clinical factors on overall HRQOL of breast cancer survivors, hormone type was shown to have a significant effect on overall HRQOL (FACT-ES) of rural and urban breast cancer survivors (𝛽 = +0.849 and 𝛽 = +0.678, respectively). A similar effect was observed for ES (𝛽 = +0.896 and 𝛽 = +0.180, respectively).In contrast, other factors (age, marital status, economic status, menopausal status, type of surgery) did not have a significant effect on HRQOL (FACT-ES) or ES.The study highlighted the need for increased psychosocial supportive care efforts for rural breast cancer survivors to improve their QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadoua El Battioui
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Genomic and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | | | - Said Barrijal
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Genomic and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Tetouan, Morocco
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Page LL, Kahn CJ, Severson J, Kramer AF, McAuley E, Ehlers DK. Physical activity and cognitive function: A comparison of rural and urban breast cancer survivors. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284189. [PMID: 37053178 PMCID: PMC10101459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Increasing evidence suggests rural breast cancer survivors (BCS) may experience greater burden in symptoms known to be associated with cancer-associated cognitive decline (CACD). Yet, little is known about CACD in rural BCS. This study (1) examined differences in cognitive function, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and other CACD correlates and (2) tested the effects of MVPA on cognitive function in rural versus urban BCS. METHODS Rural and urban BCS (N = 80), matched on age, education, and time since diagnosis from a larger study, completed cognitive tasks assessing processing speed (Trails-B, Mazes, Task-Switch) and working memory (spatial working memory) and questionnaires assessing subjective memory impairment (SMI), MVPA, and CACD correlates (i.e., sleep quality, fatigue, anxiety/depression). Some participants (n = 62) wore an accelerometer to objectively estimate MVPA. Multiple linear regression and multivariate analysis of covariance were used to test study aims. RESULTS Rural BCS (n = 40, M = 61.1±8.4 years-old) performed significantly slower on Trails-B (p<0.01) compared with urban BCS (n = 40, M = 61.0±8.2 years-old) and engaged in less objectively-estimated daily MVPA (mean difference = 13.83±4.73 minutes; p = 0.01). No significant differences in SMI, self-reported MVPA, or CACD correlates were observed (all p>0.28). Regression models did not reveal a significant interaction between MVPA and cognitive performance (all p>0.1); however, estimated marginal means models indicated that the effect of MVPA on processing speed was evident only among rural BCS (Trails-B, p = 0.04; Mazes, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest rural BCS may suffer greater CACD and engage in less MVPA. Additional research is warranted to further examine CACD and more effectively promote MVPA in rural BCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey L Page
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - Christina J Kahn
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - Joan Severson
- Digital Artefacts, LLC, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Arthur F Kramer
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Edward McAuley
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Diane K Ehlers
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
- Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America
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Culos-Reed N, Wagoner CW, Dreger J, McNeely ML, Keats M, Santa Mina D, Cuthbert C, Capozzi LC, Francis GJ, Chen G, Ester M, McLaughlin E, Eisele M, Sibley D, Langley J, Chiekwe J, Christensen T. Implementing an exercise oncology model to reach rural and remote individuals living with and beyond cancer: a hybrid effectiveness-implementation protocol for project EXCEL (EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063953. [PMID: 36581419 PMCID: PMC9806055 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals living with and beyond cancer from rural and remote areas lack accessibility to supportive cancer care resources compared with those in urban areas. Exercise is an evidence-based intervention that is a safe and effective supportive cancer care resource, improving physical fitness and function, well-being and quality of life. Thus, it is imperative that exercise oncology programs are accessible for all individuals living with cancer, regardless of geographical location. To improve accessibility to exercise oncology programs, we have designed the EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL) study. METHODS AND ANALYSIS EXCEL is a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study. Exercise-based oncology knowledge from clinical exercise physiologists supports healthcare professionals and community-based qualified exercise professionals, facilitating exercise oncology education, referrals and programming. Recruitment began in September 2020 and will continue for 5 years with the goal to enroll ~1500 individuals from rural and remote areas. All tumour groups are eligible, and participants must be 18 years or older. Participants take part in a 12-week multimodal progressive exercise intervention currently being delivered online. The reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework is used to determine the impact of EXCEL at participant and institutional levels. Physical activity, functional fitness and patient-reported outcomes are assessed at baseline and 12-week time points of the EXCEL exercise intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta. Our team will disseminate EXCEL information through quarterly newsletters to stakeholders, including participants, qualified exercise professionals, healthcare professionals and community networks. Ongoing outreach includes community presentations (eg, support groups, fitness companies) that provide study updates and exercise resources. Our team will publish manuscripts and present at conferences on EXCEL's ongoing implementation efforts across the 5-year study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04478851.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Culos-Reed
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chad W Wagoner
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julianna Dreger
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Margaret L McNeely
- Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Supportive Care Services, Cancer Care Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Melanie Keats
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Daniel Santa Mina
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen Cuthbert
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lauren C Capozzi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - George J Francis
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Guanmin Chen
- Data and Analytics, Alberta Health Services Board, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Manuel Ester
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emma McLaughlin
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Max Eisele
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel Sibley
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jodi Langley
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Joy Chiekwe
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Thomas Christensen
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Nelson D, Cooke S, McLeod B, Nanyonjo A, Kane R, Gussy M. A Rapid Systematic Review on the Experiences of Cancer Survivors Residing in Rural Areas during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16863. [PMID: 36554740 PMCID: PMC9778689 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable disruption to cancer care and may have exacerbated existing challenges already faced by cancer survivors from rural areas. This has created a need for a rapid evidence synthesis to inform the development of tailored interventions that address the specific needs of rural cancer survivors who continue to be affected by the pandemic. The review was conducted following guidance from the Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group. Database searches were performed via the EBSCOHost interface (includes MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) on 25 May 2022 and supplemented with searches on Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed articles published after March 2020 that reported primary data on the experiences of cancer survivors residing in rural and remote settings during the pandemic were included. Findings were tabulated and written up narratively. Fourteen studies were included. The COVID-19 pandemic had a mostly detrimental impact on the experiences of rural cancer survivors. People's individual coping mechanisms were challenging for a range of reasons. Specifically, the pandemic impacted on their ability to access testing, treatment, check-ups and supportive care, their ability to maintain and access social support with close friends and family, as well as negative consequences to their finances and emotional wellbeing with some reporting feelings of psychological distress including depression and anxiety. This review provides important insight into the experiences of rural cancer survivors that may help inform tailored support in line with the needs and challenges faced because of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nelson
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
- Macmillan Cancer Support, London SE1 7UQ, UK
| | - Samuel Cooke
- School of Health and Social Care, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Ben McLeod
- Lincoln Medical School, College of Science, University of Nottingham and University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Agnes Nanyonjo
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Ros Kane
- School of Health and Social Care, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Mark Gussy
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
- La Trobe Rural Health School, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3086, Australia
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Kent EE, Lee S, Asad S, Dobbins EE, Aimone EV, Park EM. "If I wasn't in a rural area, I would definitely have more support": social needs identified by rural cancer caregivers and hospital staff. J Psychosoc Oncol 2022; 41:393-410. [PMID: 36214743 PMCID: PMC10083183 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2022.2129547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The social needs of rural families facing cancer warrant investigation to inform psychosocial care planning and policy development. METHODS Using purposive sampling, we interviewed 24 rural caregivers and 17 hospital staff from an academic cancer center in the U.S. South. Social needs were defined as the support needed to effectively provide informal caregiving across economic, physical, interpersonal, and service domains. We used the framework method to code and synthesize findings. FINDINGS Caregiver economic and physical needs were interconnected and most pressing, including common examples of distance to care and transportation barriers. Caregivers desired additional support from the health system, insurance providers, and community resources. Staff identified similar need patterns and gaps in health system capacity. CONCLUSIONS Rural cancer caregivers experience multiple unmet social needs. Supportive interventions for this population will benefit from flexible implementation and multilevel, multisector approaches. In particular, interventions that address financial hardship and limited internet access are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sejin Lee
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah Asad
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erin E Dobbins
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth V Aimone
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eliza M Park
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Rohan EA, Gallaway MS, Huang GC, Ng D, Boehm JE, Samarasinha R, Stachon K. Disparities in Psychosocial Distress Screening and Management of Lung and Ovarian Cancer Survivors. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e1704-e1715. [PMID: 35939778 PMCID: PMC9835932 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Since 2016, the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) has required routine distress screening (DS) of cancer survivors treated in their accredited facilities to facilitate early identification of survivors with psychosocial concerns. Lung and ovarian cancer survivors have relatively low 5-year survival rates and may experience high levels of distress. We examined the extent to which ovarian and lung cancer survivors received CoC-mandated DS and whether DS disparities exist on the basis of diagnosis, sociodemographic factors, or facility geography (urban/rural). METHODS This study included a quantitative review of DS documentation and follow-up services provided using existing electronic health records (EHRs). We worked with 21 CoC-accredited facilities across the United States and examined EHRs of 2,258 survivors from these facilities (1,618 lung cancer survivors and 640 ovarian cancer survivors) diagnosed in 2016 or 2017. RESULTS Documentation of DS was found in half (54.8%) of the EHRs reviewed. Disparities existed across race/ethnicity, cancer type and stage, and facility characteristics. Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander survivors were screened at lower percentages than other survivors. Patients with ovarian cancer, those diagnosed at earlier stages, and survivors in urban facilities had relatively low percentages of DS. Non-Hispanic Black survivors were more likely than non-Hispanic White survivors to decline further psychosocial services. CONCLUSION Despite the mandate for routine DS in CoC-accredited oncology programs, gaps remain in how many and which survivors are screened for distress. Improvements in DS processes to enhance access to DS and appropriate psychosocial care could benefit cancer survivors. Collaboration with CoC during this study led to improvement of their processes for collecting DS data for measuring standard adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Rohan
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - M. Shayne Gallaway
- Arizona Department of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ
- Division of Population Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | - Jennifer E. Boehm
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ruvini Samarasinha
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Karen Stachon
- American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer, Chicago, IL
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Nelson D, McGonagle I, Jackson C, Gussy M, Kane R. A rural-urban comparison of self-management in people living with cancer following primary treatment: A mixed methods study. Psychooncology 2022; 31:1660-1670. [PMID: 35971265 PMCID: PMC9804546 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate and compare self-management in people living with cancer following treatment, from rural and urban areas in the United Kingdom where there is a significant evidence gap. METHODS A cross-sectional explanatory sequential mixed methods design. This involved a self-completion questionnaire that collected data on demographics, self-management using the PAM-13 and rural-urban residence and 34 in-depth interviews that aimed to explore and compare the barriers and facilitators to self-management in rural and urban settings. RESULTS 227 participants completed the questionnaire: mean age 66.86 (±11.22). Fifty-two percent (n = 119) were female and 48% (n = 108) were male. Fifty-three percent (n = 120) resided in urban areas and 45 % (n = 103) in rural areas. Participants had a range of different types of cancer but the three most common were breast (n = 73), urological (n = 53), upper and lower gastrointestinal (n = 41). Rural respondents (63.31 ± 13.66) were significantly (p < 0.05) more activated than those in urban areas (59.59 ± 12.75). The barriers and facilitators to self-management identified in the interviews were prevalent in both rural and urban settings but some barriers were more explicit in rural settings. For example, there was a lack of bespoke support in rural areas and participants acknowledged how travelling long distances to urban centres for support groups was problematic. Equally, there were barriers and facilitators that were not necessarily unique to either geographic setting. CONCLUSION Whilst the active treatment phase can present considerable challenges for people living with cancer in rural areas the findings suggest that the rural environment has the potential to increase engagement with self-management in the transition to survivorship. The rigorous mixed methods design has led to different and complementary conclusions that would not have been possible had either quantitative or qualitative methods been used in isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nelson
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH)University of LincolnLincolnUK
- Macmillan Cancer SupportLondonUK
| | - Ian McGonagle
- School of Health and Social CareUniversity of LincolnLincolnUK
| | | | - Mark Gussy
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH)University of LincolnLincolnUK
| | - Ros Kane
- School of Health and Social CareUniversity of LincolnLincolnUK
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Chu AK, Mutsaers B, Lebel S. The Association between Survivorship Care Plans and Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Confidence with Follow-Up Cancer Care Provided by Primary Care Providers. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:7343-7354. [PMID: 36290854 PMCID: PMC9600139 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29100577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivorship care plans aim to facilitate a smooth transition from tertiary to primary care settings after primary cancer treatment is completed. This study sought to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with receiving a survivorship care plan and examine the relationship between receiving a plan and confidence in follow-up care delivered by primary care providers. A cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer's Experiences of Cancer Patients in Transition Study was conducted (n = 9970). Separate adjusted multinomial logistic regression models assessed the relationship between survivorship care plans and follow-up care outcomes. Proportion of survivors more likely to receive a survivorship care plan varied by numerous sociodemographic and medical factors, such as cancer type (colorectal and prostate), gender (male), and education (high school or less). In unadjusted and adjusted models, individuals who received a Survivorship Care Plan had significantly higher odds of: having felt their primary care providers were involved; agreeing that their primary care providers understood their needs, knew where to find supports and services, and were able to refer them directly to services; and were confident that their primary care provider could meet their follow-up care needs.
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Ellis SD, Thompson JA, Boyd SS, Roberts AW, Charlton M, Brooks JV, Birken SA, Wulff-Burchfield E, Amponsah J, Petersen S, Kinney AY, Ellerbeck E. Geographic differences in community oncology provider and practice location characteristics in the central United States. J Rural Health 2022; 38:865-875. [PMID: 35384064 PMCID: PMC9589478 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE How care delivery influences urban-rural disparities in cancer outcomes is unclear. We sought to understand community oncologists' practice settings to inform cancer care delivery interventions. METHODS We conducted secondary analysis of a national dataset of providers billing Medicare from June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020 in 13 states in the central United States. We used Kruskal-Wallis rank and Fisher's exact tests to compare physician characteristics and practice settings among rural and urban community oncologists. FINDINGS We identified 1,963 oncologists practicing in 1,492 community locations; 67.5% practiced in exclusively urban locations, 11.3% in exclusively rural locations, and 21.1% in both rural and urban locations. Rural-only, urban-only, and urban-rural spanning oncologists practice in an average of 1.6, 2.4, and 5.1 different locations, respectively. A higher proportion of rural community sites were solo practices (11.7% vs 4.0%, P<.001) or single specialty practices (16.4% vs 9.4%, P<.001); and had less diversity in training environments (86.5% vs 67.8% with <2 medical schools represented, P<.001) than urban community sites. Rural multispecialty group sites were less likely to include other cancer specialists. CONCLUSIONS We identified 2 potentially distinct styles of care delivery in rural communities, which may require distinct interventions: (1) innovation-isolated rural oncologists, who are more likely to be solo providers, provide care at few locations, and practice with doctors with similar training experiences; and (2) urban-rural spanning oncologists who provide care at a high number of locations and have potential to spread innovation, but may face high complexity and limited opportunity for care standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shellie D Ellis
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Thompson
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Samuel S Boyd
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Andrew W Roberts
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Mary Charlton
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Joanna Veazey Brooks
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Sarah A Birken
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wulff-Burchfield
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Jonah Amponsah
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Shariska Petersen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Anita Y Kinney
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Haven, Kansas, USA
| | - Edward Ellerbeck
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Rohan E, Kuiper N, Bowen SA, Mast DK, House M, French C, Tharpe FS, Henley SJ, Wanliss E, Puckett M. Pairing Project ECHO and patient navigation as an innovative approach to improving the health and wellness of cancer survivors in rural settings. J Rural Health 2022; 38:855-864. [PMID: 35611881 PMCID: PMC10961889 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We conducted a 12-month pilot study of 2 complementary strategies for improving rural cancer survivorship outcomes: (1) Project ECHO, a telementoring model to increase knowledge and skills about cancer survivorship among multidisciplinary health care provider teams in rural areas and (2) patient navigation (PN) services to connect rural cancer survivors with resources for enhancing health and wellness. METHODS We recruited 4 CDC-funded National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program sites to implement Project ECHO and PN interventions for a defined rural population in each of their jurisdictions. Sites received ongoing technical assistance and a stipend to support implementation. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation consisting of quantitative performance monitoring data and qualitative interviews with site staff to assess implementation. FINDINGS Site teams delivered 21 cancer survivorship ECHO sessions to rural providers resulting in 329 participant encounters. Almost all (93%) ECHO participants reported enhanced knowledge of cancer survivorship issues, and 80% reported intent to apply learnings to their practices. Site teams engaged 16 patient navigators who navigated 164 cancer survivors during the study period. Successful implementation required strong partnerships, clear avenues for recruitment of rural providers and cancer survivors, and activities tailored to local needs. Fostering ongoing relationships among sites through community of practice calls also enhanced implementation. CONCLUSIONS Sites successfully implemented a novel approach for enhancing care for cancer survivors in rural communities. Pairing Project ECHO to address structural barriers and PN to address individual factors affecting survivorship may help bridge the health equity gap experienced by cancer survivors in rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Rohan
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Cynthia French
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Felicia Solomon Tharpe
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - S. Jane Henley
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ena Wanliss
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mary Puckett
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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An Exploration of Rural-Urban Residence on Self-Reported Health Status with UK Cancer Survivors Following Treatment: A Brief Report. NURSING REPORTS 2022; 12:574-582. [PMID: 35997464 PMCID: PMC9397029 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep12030056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effect of rural−urban residence on the self-reported health status of UK cancer survivors following primary treatment. Design: A post-positivist approach utilizing a cross-sectional survey that collected data on demographics, postcode and self-reported health status. Methods: An independent samples t test was used to detect differences in health status between rural and urban respondents. Pearson’s χ2 was used to control for confounding variables and a multivariate analysis was conducted using Stepwise linear regression. Setting: East Midlands of England. Participants: Adult cancer survivors who had undergone primary treatment in the last five years. Participants were excluded if they had recurrence or metastatic spread, started active oncology treatment in the last twelve months, and/or were in receipt of palliative or end-of-life care. Main outcome: Residence was measured using the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) RUC2011 Rural−Urban Classifications and Health Status via the UK ONS self-reported health status measure. Ethics: The study was reviewed and approved (Ref: 17/WS/0054) by an NHS Research Ethics Committee and the Health Research Authority (HRA) prior to recruitment and data collection taking place. Results: 227 respondents returned a questionnaire (response rate 27%). Forty-five percent (n = 103) were resident in a rural area and fifty-three percent (n = 120) in an urban area. Rural (4.11 ± 0.85) respondents had significantly (p < 0.001) higher self-reported health statuses compared to urban (3.65 ± 0.93) respondents (MD 0.47; 95% CI 0.23, 0.70). Conclusion: It is hoped that the results will stimulate further work in this area and that researchers will be encouraged to collect data on rural−urban residency where appropriate.
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Bhatia S, Landier W, Paskett ED, Peters KB, Merrill JK, Phillips J, Osarogiagbon RU. Rural-Urban Disparities in Cancer Outcomes: Opportunities for Future Research. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:940-952. [PMID: 35148389 PMCID: PMC9275775 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer care disparities among rural populations are increasingly documented and may be worsening, likely because of the impact of rurality on access to state-of-the-art cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services, as well as higher rates of risk factors such as smoking and obesity. In 2018, the American Society of Clinical Oncology undertook an initiative to understand and address factors contributing to rural cancer care disparities. A key pillar of this initiative was to identify knowledge gaps and promote the research needed to understand the magnitude of difference in outcomes in rural vs nonrural settings, the drivers of those differences, and interventions to address them. The purpose of this review is to describe continued knowledge gaps and areas of priority research to address them. We conducted a comprehensive literature review by searching the PubMed (Medline), Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published in English between 1971 and 2021 and restricted to primary reports from populations in the United States and abstracted data to synthesize current evidence and identify continued gaps in knowledge. Our review identified continuing gaps in the literature regarding the underlying causes of rural-urban disparities in cancer outcomes. Rapid advances in cancer care will worsen existing disparities in outcomes for rural patients without directed effort to understand and address barriers to high-quality care in these areas. Research should be prioritized to address ongoing knowledge gaps about the drivers of rurality-based disparities and preventative and corrective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Bhatia
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Wendy Landier
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Recovery of Health and Wellbeing in Rural Cancer Survivors Following Primary Treatment: Analysis of UK Qualitative Interview Data. NURSING REPORTS 2022; 12:482-497. [PMID: 35894036 PMCID: PMC9326683 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep12030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Rural cancer survivors have poorer experiences and health outcomes compared to their urban counterparts. There is limited research on the post-treatment experiences of UK cancer survivors residing in rural areas. This study aimed to provide an understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities faced by rural cancer survivors and to provide insight into how rurality influences experiences post-primary treatment, ultimately to inform service provision. Methods: A secondary analysis of in-depth interview transcripts (n = 16) from a wider study on self-management in cancer survivors was conducted. An adapted version of Foster and Fenlon’s recovery of health and wellbeing in cancer survivorship framework informed the data coding. Results: Health and wellbeing were interrupted by a variety of problem incidents, and the subsequent steps to recovery were influenced by pre-existing, personal, environmental, and healthcare factors. A prominent theme was support, both from local communities and family as well as from healthcare professionals, with many survivors feeling that their rural setting had a positive influence on their health and wellbeing. Close relationships with local GPs were seen as fundamental to supporting recovery. Access to healthcare was frequently mentioned as a challenge with an emphasis on lengthy travel times and limited bespoke support in rural areas. Conclusions: This study is novel in that it applied a well-established theoretical framework to a rich qualitative dataset on the lived experiences of rural cancer survivors. Rural residency influenced recovery from cancer both positively and negatively. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Future practitioners and policy makers should consider working with local communities to tailor interventions to the specific characteristics of the rural environment.
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DeGuzman PB, Vogel DL, Bernacchi V, Scudder MA, Jameson MJ. Self-reliance, Social Norms, and Self-stigma as Barriers to Psychosocial Help-Seeking Among Rural Cancer Survivors With Cancer-Related Distress: Qualitative Interview Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e33262. [PMID: 35588367 PMCID: PMC9164097 DOI: 10.2196/33262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Even when technology allows rural cancer survivors to connect with supportive care providers from a distance, uptake of psychosocial referrals is low. Fewer than one-third of participants in a telemedicine intervention for identifying rural survivors with high distress and connecting them with care accepted psychosocial referral. Objective The purpose of this research was to examine the reasons for which rural cancer survivors did not accept a psychosocial referral. Methods We utilized a qualitative design to address the research purpose. We interviewed participants who had been offered psychosocial referral. Semistructured interviews were conducted 6 weeks later (n=14), and structured interviews were conducted 9 months later (n=6). Data were analyzed descriptively using an inductive approach. Results Ultimately, none of the rural cancer survivors (0/14, 0%) engaged with a psychosocial care provider, including those who had originally accepted referrals (0/4, 0%) for further psychosocial care. When explaining their decisions, survivors minimized their distress, emphasizing their self-reliance and the need to handle distress on their own. They expressed a preference for dealing with distress via informal support networks, which was often limited to close family members. No survivors endorsed public stigma as a barrier to accepting psychosocial help, but several suggested that self-stigma associated with not being able to handle their own distress was a reason for not seeking care. Conclusions Rural cancer survivors’ willingness to accept a psychosocial referral may be mediated by the rural cultural norm of self-reliance and by self-stigma. Interventions to address referral uptake may benefit from further illumination of these relationships as well as a strength-based approach that emphasizes positive aspects of the rural community and individual self-affirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David L Vogel
- Department of Pyschology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Veronica Bernacchi
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Margaret A Scudder
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Mark J Jameson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Zhao Y, Tang S, Mao W, Akinyemiju T. Socio-Economic and Rural-Urban Differences in Healthcare and Catastrophic Health Expenditure Among Cancer Patients in China: Analysis of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Front Public Health 2022; 9:779285. [PMID: 35087783 PMCID: PMC8787105 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.779285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: In China, cancer accounts for one-fifth of all deaths, and exerts a heavy toll on patients, families, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. This study aims to examine the temporal trends in socio-economic and rural-urban differences in treatment, healthcare service utilization and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) among adult cancer patients in China. We also investigate the relationship between different types of treatment and healthcare service utilization, as well as the incidence of CHE. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from the 2011 and 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a nationally representative survey including 17,224 participants (234 individuals with cancer) in 2011 and 19,569 participants (368 individuals with cancer) in 2015. The study includes six different types of cancer treatments: Chinese traditional medication (TCM); western modern medication (excluding TCM and chemotherapy medications); a combination of TCM & western medication; surgery; chemotherapy; and radiation therapy. Multivariable regression models were performed to investigate the association between cancer treatments and healthcare service utilization and CHE. Results: The age-adjusted prevalence of cancer increased from 1.37% to 1.84% between 2011 and 2015. More urban patients (54%) received cancer treatment than rural patients (46%) in 2015. Patients with high socio-economic status (SES) received a higher proportion of surgical and chemotherapy treatments compared to patients with low SES in 2015. Incidence of CHE declined by 22% in urban areas but increased by 31% in rural areas. We found a positive relationship between cancer treatment and outpatient visits (OR = 2.098, 95% CI = 1.453, 3.029), hospital admission (OR = 1.961, 95% CI = 1.346, 2.857) and CHE (OR = 1.796, 95% CI = 1.231, 2.620). Chemotherapy and surgery were each associated with a 2-fold increased risk of CHE. Conclusions: Significant improvements in health insurance benefit packages are necessary to ensure universal, affordable and patient-centered health coverage for cancer patients in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.,Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China.,The George Institute for Global Health at Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Shenglan Tang
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.,Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Wenhui Mao
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Tomi Akinyemiju
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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Crabtree-Ide C, Sevdalis N, Bellohusen P, Constine LS, Fleming F, Holub D, Rizvi I, Rodriguez J, Shayne M, Termer N, Tomaszewski K, Noyes K. Strategies for Improving Access to Cancer Services in Rural Communities: A Pre-implementation Study. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 2:818519. [PMID: 36925773 PMCID: PMC10012790 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2022.818519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Implementation science is defined as the scientific study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake of evidence-based practice into regular use by practitioners. Failure of implementation is more common in resource-limited settings and may contribute to health disparities between rural and urban communities. In this pre-implementation study, we aimed to (1) evaluate barriers and facilitators for implementation of guideline-concordant healthcare services for cancer patients in rural communities in Upstate New York and (2) identify key strategies for successful implementation of cancer services and supportive programs in resource-poor settings. Methods The mixed methods study was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Using engagement approaches from Community-Based Participatory Research, we collected qualitative and quantitative data to assess barriers and facilitators to implementation of rural cancer survivorship services (three focus groups, n = 43, survey n = 120). Information was collected using both in-person and web-based approaches and assessed attitude and preferences for various models of cancer care organization and delivery in rural communities. Stakeholders included cancer survivors, their families and caregivers, local public services administrators, health providers, and allied health-care professionals from rural and remote communities in Upstate New York. Data was analyzed using grounded theory. Results Responders reported preferences for cross-region team-based cancer care delivery and emphasized the importance of connecting local providers with cancer care networks and multidisciplinary teams at large urban cancer centers. The main reported barriers to rural cancer program implementation included regional variation in infrastructure and services delivery practices, inadequate number of providers/specialists, lack of integration among oncology, primary care and supportive services within the regions, and misalignment between clinical guideline recommendations and current reimbursement policies. Conclusions Our findings revealed a unique combination of community, socio-economic, financial, and workforce barriers to implementation of guideline-concordant healthcare services for cancer patients in rural communities. One strategy to overcome these barriers is to improve provider cross-region collaboration and care coordination by means of teamwork and facilitation. Augmenting implementation framework with provider team-building strategies across and within regions could improve rural provider confidence and performance, minimize chances of implementation failure, and improve continuity of care for cancer patients living in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Crabtree-Ide
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Nick Sevdalis
- Center for Implementation Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Bellohusen
- Judy DiMarzo Cancer Survivorship Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Louis S. Constine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Fergal Fleming
- Surgical Health Outcomes & Research Enterprise (SHORE), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - David Holub
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Irfan Rizvi
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, McLean, VA, United States
| | - Jennifer Rodriguez
- Livingston County Public Health Department, Mt. Morris, NY, United States
| | - Michelle Shayne
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Nancy Termer
- Flatiron Healthcare Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Katia Noyes
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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