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Asuquo EO, Absolom K, Ebenso B, Allsop MJ. Symptoms, concerns, and experiences of women living with and beyond breast cancer in Africa: A mixed-methods systematic review. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6342. [PMID: 38747633 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6342] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A mixed-methods systematic review to determine reported symptoms, concerns, and experiences of women living with and beyond breast cancer in Africa. METHODS Literature searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Quantitative and qualitative studies that comprised study populations of women with breast cancer from countries in Africa, detailing symptoms, concerns, and experiences of living with and beyond breast cancer were included. Inductive framework analysis was applied to organise existing literature with the Adversity, Restoration, and Compatibility framework and quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS In total, 48 studies were included, comprising quantitative (n = 24), qualitative (n = 23) and mixed method (n = 1) studies. Women reported multiple complex and burdensome symptoms at all stages of the breast cancer disease trajectory. Multiple pervasive factors influencing participants' experiences included a lack of cancer knowledge, being removed from decision-making, religion, and the presence and use of traditional medicines. Literature relating to benefit finding, understanding identity for the future, and broader perspectives of well-being was absent. CONCLUSIONS This review contributes insights and mapping of symptoms, concerns, and experiences of women with breast cancer in Africa. There is a great necessity to increase an understanding of the needs and experiences of women with breast cancer in Africa following cancer treatment, stages of remission, and longer-term monitoring and follow-up. This is required to ensure access to prompt and timely clinical and individualized supportive care for women with breast cancer in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eme O Asuquo
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Kate Absolom
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Bassey Ebenso
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Mathew J Allsop
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Okagbue HI, Oguntunde PE, Adamu PI, Adejumo AO. Unique clusters of patterns of breast cancer survivorship. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12553-021-00637-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Qan'ir Y, Guan T, Idiagbonya E, Dobias C, Conklin JL, Zimba CC, Bula A, Jumbo W, Wella K, Mapulanga P, Bingo S, Chilemba E, Haley J, Montano NP, Bryant AL, Song L. Quality of life among patients with cancer and their family caregivers in the Sub-Saharan region: A systematic review of quantitative studies. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000098. [PMID: 36962119 PMCID: PMC10021310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Guided by the World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQOL) framework, this systematic review aimed to examine evidence about the prevalence and severity of QOL-related health problems and their influencing factors in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We identified eligible publications in English language from PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus with Full Text, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and African Index Medicus databases. We included quantitative descriptive studies that measured overall and subdomains of QOL as the outcome in adult patients/survivors with cancer in SSA. Twenty-six descriptive cross-sectional studies (27 papers) that were conducted since 1988 in different SSA countries among patients with various types of cancer met our inclusion criteria. We found inconsistencies in how the prevalence and severity of QOL-related health problems have been researched and reported across studies, which complicated comparing findings and drawing conclusions. The most common factors that influenced the overall and subdomains of QOL included coping; internal and external locus of control; symptoms and symptom management; and religious beliefs and religious care. Demographics (e.g., age and marital status), cancer-related factors (cancer stage and type of treatment), and social determinants of health (e.g., education, access to information and resources, financial distress, and urban vs rural residency) also impacted QOL and its subdomains. Our findings indicate the significant need for recognizing and managing QOL-related problems for cancer patients and caregivers in SSA. Research needs to use culturally adapted, standardized assessment tools and analysis approaches to better understand the QOL challenges this population faces. Comprehensive supportive care is needed to address the complex QOL issues in resource-limited SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Qan'ir
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Ting Guan
- School of Social Work, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Eno Idiagbonya
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Cloie Dobias
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Jamie L Conklin
- Health Sciences Library, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | | | - Agatha Bula
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Wongani Jumbo
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Haley
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Nilda Peragallo Montano
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Ashley Leak Bryant
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Lixin Song
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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Tarkowska M, Głowacka-Mrotek I, Nowikiewicz T, Goch A, Zegarski W. Quality of Life in Women Subjected to Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer Depending on the Procedure Performed within the Breast and Axillary Fossa-A Single-Center, One Year Prospective Analysis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071339. [PMID: 33804935 PMCID: PMC8037884 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients undergoing surgical treatment of breast cancer depending on the type of procedure involving the breast (mastectomy vs. breast conserving treatment) and axillary fossa (sentinel lymph node biopsy vs. axillary lymph node dissection). The prospective study was carried out in a group of 338 females undergoing breast cancer treatment. Study variables were assessed by means of a diagnostic survey using standardized QLQ C30 and BR23 questionnaires as well as the Acceptance of Illness Scale and Mini-MAC scales. The quality of life was assessed at threetime points: on the day before the surgical procedure (I assessment) as well as three and 12 months after surgery (II and III assessment). Statistically significant differences between study groups were observed in the overall quality of life subscale (I, II, III—p < 0.0001), physical functioning (I—p < 0.0001; II—p = 0.0413; III—p < 0.0001), role functioning (I—p = 0.0002; III—p < 0.0001), emotional functioning (III—p = 0.0082), cognitive functioning (I—p = 0.0112; III—p < 0.0001), social functioning (III—p < 0.0001), body image (I, II, III—p < 0.0001), and sexual functioning (I—p = 0.0233; III—p = 0.0011). In most symptomatic scales, significant (p < 0.05) differences were also noted. Mastectomy and limfadenectomy patients were significantly (p < 0.0001) more prone to present with destructive coping strategies one year after surgery. Breast conserving therapy is associated with better quality of life outcomes as compared to mastectomy. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is associated with a lower intensity of adverse changes in multiple dimensions of patients’ functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Tarkowska
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Iwona Głowacka-Mrotek
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-525-853-464
| | - Tomasz Nowikiewicz
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (T.N.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Clinical Breast Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery, Franciszek Łukaszczyk Oncology Center, Romanowskiej Street, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Aleksander Goch
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Wojciech Zegarski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (T.N.); (W.Z.)
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Okoli C, Ebubedike U, Anyanwu S, Chianakwana G, Emegoakor C, Ukah C, Umeh E, Onwukamuche M, Egwuonwu O, Ihekwoaba E. Ultrasound-Guided Core Biopsy of Breast Lesions in a Resource Limited Setting: Initial Experience of a Multidisciplinary Team. Eur J Breast Health 2020; 16:171-176. [PMID: 32656516 DOI: 10.5152/ejbh.2020.5075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective There is increasing tendency to multidisciplinary care of patients with of breast lesions. This study sought to evaluate the initial experience of the diagnostic arm of a new breast program in a resource limited setting. Materials and Methods In 2015, we commenced the pilot phase of an IRB-approved breast care protocol. As part of the protocol's diagnostic arm, an ultrasound-guided breast core biopsy training was implemented. Eligible patients were clinically evaluated and underwent CNB using 16G needle under US guidance. The procedure was rated by the participants and histopathological results compared with surgical specimens. Results Eighty six participants (18.22%) with 113 palpable breast lesions completed the study. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 94.44%, 92.86%, and 95.83% respectively. Unweighted kappa-coefficient (k) agreement between histopathology of core biopsy and surgically excised specimens, were 0.798 (95% CI of 0.69 - 0.90) and 0.801 (95% CI of 0.71-0.92) for benign and malignant breast lumps respectively. The procedure was well accepted and all the patients were willing to accept a repeat CNB and would recommend it. Conclusion Despite the prevailing challenges, co-ordinated team diagnosis is feasible and may result in the modest improvement in the diagnostic accuracy of breast lesions and patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu Okoli
- Department of Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra, Nigeria
| | | | - Stanley Anyanwu
- Department of Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Cornelius Ukah
- Department of Pathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra, Nigeria
| | - Eric Umeh
- Department of Radiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra, Nigeria
| | | | - Ochonma Egwuonwu
- Department of Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra, Nigeria
| | - Eric Ihekwoaba
- Department of Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra, Nigeria
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Deepa KV, Gadgil A, Löfgren J, Mehare S, Bhandarkar P, Roy N. Is quality of life after mastectomy comparable to that after breast conservation surgery? A 5-year follow up study from Mumbai, India. Qual Life Res 2020; 29:683-692. [PMID: 31712944 PMCID: PMC7028794 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-019-02351-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in women worldwide. Surgery is a central part of the treatment. Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is often replaced by breast conserving therapy (BCT) in high-income countries. MRM is still the standard choice, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as radiotherapy, a mandatory component of BCT is not widely available. It is important to understand whether quality of life (QOL) after MRM is comparable to that after BCT. This has not been studied well in LMICs. We present, 5-year follow-up of QOL scores in breast cancer patients from India. METHODS We interviewed women undergoing breast cancer surgery preoperatively, at 6 months after surgery, and at 1 year and 5 years, postoperatively. QOL scores were evaluated using FACT B questionnaire. Average QOL scores of women undergoing BCT were compared with those undergoing MRM. Total scores, domain scores and trends of scores over time were analyzed. RESULTS We interviewed 54 women with a mean age of 53 years (SD 9 ± years). QOL scores in all the women, dipped during the treatment period, in all subscales but improved thereafter and even surpassed the baseline in physical, emotional and breast-specific domains (p < 0.05) at 5 years. At the end of 5 years, there was no statistically significant difference between the MRM and BCT groups in any of the total or domain scores. CONCLUSION QOL scores in Indian women did not differ significantly between MRM and BCT in the long term. Both options are acceptable in the study setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Deepa
- Department of Surgery, Manipal Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - A Gadgil
- Department of Surgery, BARC Hospital, WHO Collaboration Center for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in LMIC, Mumbai, India
| | - Jenny Löfgren
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Mehare
- WHO Collaboration Center for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in LMIC, Mumbai, India
| | - Prashant Bhandarkar
- BARC Hospital, WHO Collaboration Center for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in LMIC, Mumbai, India
| | - N Roy
- WHO Collaboration Center for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in LMIC, Mumbai, India.
- Public Health Systems, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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