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Honda N, Shiroshita Y, Miyazaki A, Sobue I. Factors associated with cancer disclosure in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: An integrative review from the social-ecological model perspective. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 69:102542. [PMID: 38460390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102542] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Young cancer survivors ("young survivors") may need to disclose their cancer experiences to reintegrate into society. In such cases, the recognition of social support through the disclosure of cancer experiences may prevent potential social disadvantages. This review aimed to describe the motivations, strategies and outcomes, and benefits and disadvantages of disclosure in young survivors based on the social-ecological model (SEM) to identify the support survivors need when disclosing their cancer experiences. METHODS Using the integrated review methodology, we systematically searched six databases in English and Japanese as well as searched the reference lists of the selected studies. The themes identified via thematic analysis were categorized within the SEM levels. RESULTS This review analyzed 14 studies and identified four themes, including "Motivation for Cancer Disclosure," "Barriers to Cancer Disclosure," "Consequences of Cancer Disclosure: Benefits," and "Consequences of Cancer Disclosure: Disadvantages." Motivations for young survivors to disclose their cancer involved post-cancer differences, perceptions, relationships, and social context. In navigating barriers, including self-stigma, peer exclusion, and discrimination, they employed strategies such as reassurance and information limitation. Tailored disclosure strategies at each SEM level offered social and psychological benefits, however, disadvantages, including stress, vulnerability, employment issues, and limited insurance coverage, were experienced by young survivors due to cancer disclosure. CONCLUSIONS To optimize the benefits of cancer disclosure for young survivors, addressing psychological burdens, enhancing disclosure skills, offering familial psychological support, and fostering public awareness of cancer are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Honda
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Yui Shiroshita
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Asuka Miyazaki
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Ikuko Sobue
- Division of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
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Lazard AJ, Meernik C, Collins MKR, Vereen RN, Benedict C, Valle CG, Love B. Social Media Use for Cancer Support Among Young Adults with Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:674-684. [PMID: 37257189 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0025] [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: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Social media can facilitate peer support among young adults with cancer; however, information is needed about what social media are used, by whom, and how to inform resource and intervention recommendations. Methods: In December 2021, we conducted an online survey with 396 young adults with cancer, ages 18-39, with any diagnosis ages 15-39. Participants reported their social media use to connect with other young adults with cancer, including frequency of use, type of support, and affect (positive to negative) when using to connect with cancer peers. Results: Participants were on average 31 years old (SD = 5.2), with an average age of 27 at diagnosis (63.4% male, 62.1% non-Hispanic White). Almost all (97.5%) reported using social media to connect with other young adults with cancer. Many (48.0%) used three or more social media platforms for cancer support, including Facebook (44.4%), YouTube (43.6%), Instagram (43.4%), Snapchat (36.9%), and Twitter (36.9%). Daily use for cancer support was common (32.9%-60.9%) among those who used social media, particularly among those who were younger; are not transgender; live in urban areas; or had brain, gynecologic, or testicular cancers. Across social media platforms, young adults with cancer reported seeking and sharing emotional support (88.9%), informational support (84.1%), and making connections (81.3%). Conclusion: Young adults with cancer use social media to connect with cancer peers for support. Commonly used existing social media (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Instagram) should be prioritized in interventions to reach young adults who desire more age-appropriate resources to improve their psychosocial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Lazard
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, 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
| | - Clare Meernik
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meredith K Reffner Collins
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rhyan N Vereen
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Catherine Benedict
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Carmina G Valle
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brad Love
- Center for Health Communication, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
- GRYT Health, Rochester, New York, USA
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Llave K, Hoyt MA. Social constraints and cancer-related quality of life in single and partnered young adult testicular cancer survivors: a contextual approach. J Psychosoc Oncol 2022; 40:743-755. [PMID: 35068347 PMCID: PMC9308827 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2021.2002995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
To examine the context of relationship status on the link between friends/family social constraints (SCff) and cancer-related quality-of-life (QOL) among young adult testicular cancer survivors. Participants completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (general version), the Social Constraints Scale (friends/family), and demographic questions. The sample included 162 young adult testicular cancer survivors. SCff, but not relationship status, significantly predicted QOL when controlling for age, time since diagnosis, education, and income. The SCff X relationship status interaction was significant such that SCff were more strongly related to lower QOL for single survivors than for partnered survivors. Focusing on friends and family support of young adult survivors, findings highlight the vulnerability of single survivors to social constraints within their diffuse social network. Interventions that target supportive exchanges in friends and family networks may be useful in improving QOL in single young adult cancer survivors.
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Lazard AJ, Collins MKR, Hedrick A, Varma T, Love B, Valle CG, Brooks E, Benedict C. Using Social Media for Peer-to-Peer Cancer Support: Interviews With Young Adults With Cancer. JMIR Cancer 2021; 7:e28234. [PMID: 34473063 PMCID: PMC8446843 DOI: 10.2196/28234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Web-based social support can address social isolation and unmet support needs among young adults with cancer (aged 18-39 years). Given that 94% of young adults own and use smartphones, social media can offer personalized, accessible social support among peers with cancer. Objective This study aims to examine the specific benefits, downsides, and topics of social support via social media among young adults with cancer. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with young adults with cancer, aged between 18 and 39 years, who were receiving treatment or had completed treatment for cancer. Results Most participants (N=45) used general audience platforms (eg, Facebook groups), and some cancer-specific social media (eg, Caring Bridge), to discuss relevant lived experiences for medical information (managing side effects and treatment uncertainty) and navigating life with cancer (parenting and financial issues). Participants valued socializing with other young adults with cancer, making connections outside their personal networks, and being able to validate their emotional and mental health experiences without time and physical constraints. However, using social media for peer support can be an emotional burden, especially when others post disheartening or harassing content, and can heighten privacy concerns, especially when navigating cancer-related stigma. Conclusions Social media allows young adults to connect with peers to share and feel validated about their treatment and life concerns. However, barriers exist for receiving support from social media; these could be reduced through content moderation and developing more customizable, potentially cancer-specific social media apps and platforms to enhance one’s ability to find peers and manage groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Lazard
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Meredith K Reffner Collins
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ashley Hedrick
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Tushar Varma
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Brad Love
- School of Advertising and Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Gryt Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carmina G Valle
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Erik Brooks
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Darabos K, Renna ME. Patient-Oncologist Therapeutic Alliance Among Young Adults with Cancer: Relationships with Meaning and Peace of Mind. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 11:323-327. [PMID: 34424779 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0105] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can impact how young adults make sense of their worlds and disrupt peace of mind. The patient-oncologist therapeutic alliance, built upon mutual care, respect, and trust, may foster a deeper understanding of one's illness and promote peace of mind. The study examined relationships between a comprehensive cancer-specific measure of therapeutic alliance and meaning and peace of mind among young adults with cancer (N = 56). Results indicated that a stronger therapeutic alliance was positively associated with meaning and peace of mind. Findings highlight the importance of the patient-oncologist therapeutic alliance in facilitating positive psychological outcomes among young adults with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Darabos
- Section on Behavioral Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Megan E Renna
- Comprehensive Cancer Center and Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Darabos K, Renna ME, Wang AW, Zimmermann CF, Hoyt MA. Emotional approach coping among young adults with cancer: Relationships with psychological distress, posttraumatic growth, and resilience. Psychooncology 2021; 30:728-735. [PMID: 33368816 PMCID: PMC10865384 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer, particularly, during young adulthood, can evoke difficult emotions, interfere with normative developmental activities, and challenge coping responses. Emotion-regulating coping efforts aimed at active emotional processing (EP) and emotional expression (EE) can be beneficial to cancer adjustment and perceptions of positive growth. However, it may be that EP and EE work differently to influence well-being. This study examines relationships of EP and EE with psychological distress, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and resilience. We expect that EP will be positively associated with PTG and resilience, whereas EE will be negatively associated with psychological distress. METHODS Young adults with cancer (M age = 34.68, N = 57) completed measures of emotional; approach coping (EP and EE), psychological distress (depressive symptoms, fear of cancer; recurrence [FCR]) and indicators of positive adjustment and growth (resilience and PTG). RESULTS Greater use of EP was associated with higher resilience (β = 0.48, p = 0.003) and PTG (β = 0.27, p = 0.05), whereas greater use of EE was associated with lower resilience (β = -0.33, p = 0.04). The EE × EP interaction was significant for FCR (β = 0.29, p = 0.04) such that low EE was associated with lower FCR in those with high EP. Interaction effects were not significant for depressive symptoms, resilience, or PTG. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight differing relationships between EP and EE among young adults with cancer. Interventions aimed at increasing emotion-regulating coping strategies may prove useful in facilitating positive adjustment and growth, strengthening young adults' ability to cope with the diverse effects of disease, treatment, and survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Darabos
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Behavioral Oncology, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Megan E. Renna
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center and Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Caroline F. Zimmermann
- Hunter College & The Graduate Center, City University of New York, Department of Psychology, New York, NY
| | - Michael A. Hoyt
- University of California, Irvine, Population Health and Disease Prevention and the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Irvine, CA
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