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Jäkel K, Richter D, Leuteritz K, Sender A, Hinz A. Sexuality, fertility, family planning, family life, and partnership in young breast cancer patients: a longitudinal study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1127359. [PMID: 37251020 PMCID: PMC10213958 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1127359] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Adolescent and young adult (AYA) breast cancer patients are often faced with sexuality-related problems. Since healthcare providers are often unfamiliar with problems specific to AYA cancer this topic is too little integrated into routine oncological care. The objective of this study was to analyze sexuality, fertility, family planning, family life, and partnership regarding satisfaction and supportive care needs in AYA breast cancer patients. Methods A total of 139 AYA breast cancer patients were examined twice, 1 year apart. The patients were asked to complete several questionnaires and to answer multiple questions about satisfaction with sexuality, fertility, family planning, family life, and corresponding supportive care needs in these domains. Results While the patients were largely satisfied with their family life and partnerships, they were less satisfied with their sexuality and family planning. Only small mean score changes were observed in these variables over the course of a year. Being a parent already and having the possibility of further completing family planning were strongly associated with higher satisfaction and lower supportive care needs in these domains. Satisfaction was generally negatively associated with supportive care needs. Older age was predictive of lower satisfaction with sexuality at follow-up. Conclusion AYA cancer patients deserve special consultations concerning the impact of cancer and treatment on their sexuality and fertility, and it is especially important that women who have yet to complete their family planning be actively offered information and support concerning sexuality and fertility protection before beginning treatment.
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Charos D, Merluzzi TV, Kolokotroni P, Lykeridou K, Deltsidou A, Vivilaki V. Breast cancer and social relationship coping efficacy: validation of the Greek version. Women Health 2021; 61:947-956. [PMID: 34706626 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2021.1994101] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Social Relationship Coping Efficacy scale (SRCE) was designed to assess cancer patients' efficacy for maintaining social support and social relationships. The purpose of the study was to confirm the psychometric quality and utility of a Greek-language version of the (SRCE) scale. The study included 116 women with breast cancer, who underwent surgery at a public hospital In Greece. The SRCE scale was translated using standard procedures and then culturally adapted for use in Greece. Psychometric evaluation of the SRCE-Greek scale included reliability, structural validity and convergent validity analyses. The SRCE-Greek scale demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach a 0.87), and split-half reliability (Spearman-Brown, 0.747; Guttman, 0.742). The structural construct validity was confirmed with factor analysis using principal axis factor analysis. Construct validity was further supported with convergent validity with the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES) (Acquiring Social Support, Reframing) and Family Support scale. The Greek language SRCE has strong internal consistency reliability and construct validity, as well as satisfactory convergent validity. Results provide support for the use of the SRCE-GR as a research and clinical instrument for the assessment of breast cancer patient's self-efficacy with regard to maintaining and enhancing close social relationships and social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Charos
- Midwifery Department, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece.,Psychologist, General Anti-Cancer Hospital Agios Savvas, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas V Merluzzi
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | - Anna Deltsidou
- Midwifery Department, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
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Gonzalez L, Sun C, Loscalzo M, Clark K, Kruper L, Mortimer J, Jones V. A Cross-Sectional Study of Distress Levels in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer: The Impact of Race, Ethnicity, and Language Preference. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 29:981-988. [PMID: 34585296 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our objective was to assess distress levels in female breast cancer patients as a function of race, ethnicity, and preferred language. We hypothesized minority patients and non-English screen-takers would report higher distress levels compared to English screen-takers and non-Hispanic whites. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study of female breast cancer patients at an NCI designated cancer center from 2009 to 2016 who were administered a validated biopsychosocial distress screening questionnaire. Self-reported data on race and ethnicity was collected. RESULTS A total of 3,156 patients were included in the analysis; mean age of 56.3 (SD 12.25) years. The racial/ethnic cohort distribution included 54% non-Hispanic white (NHW), 19% Hispanic, 16% Asian, 7% Black/African American, and 4% other. On multivariable analysis only Hispanic patients were significantly more likely to report overall distress compared to NHW (OR [1.39; CI [1.03-1.87; p=0.03). Asians were significantly less likely to report distress in the functional domain (OR 0.71, CI [0.58-0.88]; p=0.002), while Black patients were significantly more likely to report highest distress levels in the physical (OR 1.53, CI [1.11-2.12]; p=0.01) domain. Hispanic Spanish screen-takers reported significantly more distress compared to Hispanic English screen-takers across all four domains of distress (p<0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS Top sources of distress in female breast cancer patients vary as a function of race, ethnicity, and preferred language. Future studies should focus on identifying effective, culturally appropriate targeted interventions to mitigate emotional distress levels in ethnic and racial minorities as well as non-English speaking patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Gonzalez
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
| | - Canlan Sun
- Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Loscalzo
- Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Karen Clark
- Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Laura Kruper
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Joanne Mortimer
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Jones
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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Simin T, Jin Y, Aidi Z, Xiaofang T, Chunhong R, Lezhi L. Gender Comparison of Psychological Reaction Between Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Spouses. Front Psychol 2021; 12:722877. [PMID: 34552536 PMCID: PMC8450368 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Scant evidence exists among the different psychological issues between patients with breast cancer and their spouses. The objective of our study was to develop the measuring instrument testing psychological reaction and compare the difference in psychological reaction between patients with breast cancer and their spouses during the period of diagnosis and treatment. Method: The semi-structured interview guideline was guided by the psychological stress model. In-depth interviews were conducted among patients with breast cancer and their spouses. Qualitative data was used to establish the item pool for the psychological reaction. Delphi method was used for item modifications. The items were conducted to find common factors through exploration factor analysis. Comparing the differences of common factors through t-test between patients with breast cancer and their spouses. Results: Five couples were interviewed directed by the semi-structured interview guideline. About 38 items were reserved to formulate the questionnaire through the Delphi method. A total of 391 respondents (216 patients and 175 spouses) were recruited to complete the questionnaire. Two common structures were found through exploration factor analysis, which was named as reaction to role and body image change and negative coping reaction. The t-test found that the dimension of reaction to role and body image change (95% CI = 2.34-5.01, p < 0.001) reflects the difference between patients with breast cancer and their spouses. Conclusion: The reactions to role and body image change between patients with breast cancer and their spouses are different during the period of diagnosis and treatment. Clinical workers should pay attention to the different reactions and help couples deal with breast cancer smoothly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Simin
- Xiang Ya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Nursing Department, Central South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zhang Aidi
- Nursing Department, Central South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Tan Xiaofang
- Nursing Department, Central South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Ruan Chunhong
- Nursing Department, Central South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Li Lezhi
- Xiang Ya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Marcotte J, Tremblay D, Turcotte A, Michaud C. Needs-focused interventions for family caregivers of older adults with cancer: a descriptive interpretive study. Support Care Cancer 2018; 27:2771-2781. [PMID: 30519734 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4573-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although family caregivers (FCs) of older adults with cancer (OACs) provide invaluable assistance by fulfilling multiple tasks along the cancer trajectory, evidence suggests that their needs are poorly assessed, and there is a scarcity of supportive interventions that influence their well-being. Viewing these issues as opportunities for improvement, we conducted this qualitative study to understand FCs' needs and identify promising needs-focused interventions. METHODS This descriptive interpretive qualitative study was conducted in Quebec, Canada, in a French Canadian Oncology Clinic. Participants were FCs who were spouses or adult children (n = 25) of OACs aged 70 years or older. Data were collected via focus groups and were analyzed using an ongoing analytic process following each interview. RESULTS Three types of needs were of particular importance: information, relationships between FC and others, and care for oneself. The need for information was described in terms of the content, timeliness, and modalities in which information should be verbalized and delivered. The need for relationships specifically targeted health care providers (HCPs), family members, and OACs. The need to care for oneself was recognized as important throughout the cancer trajectory but also represented a challenge. Participants proposed innovative ideas for interventions, resources, and strategies for each type of need. CONCLUSIONS According to our results, HCPs should systematically include FCs into OACs' care plan through the use of concrete actions such as the "family systems approach" suggested by Duhamel, and integrate a systematic FC's needs assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Marcotte
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada.,Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne - Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Greenfield Park, QC, Canada
| | - Dominique Tremblay
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada. .,Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne - Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Greenfield Park, QC, Canada.
| | - Annie Turcotte
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada.,Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne - Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Greenfield Park, QC, Canada
| | - Cécile Michaud
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada.,Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne - Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Greenfield Park, QC, Canada
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Dumitra S, Jones V, Rodriguez J, Bitz C, Polamero E, Loscalzo M, Kruper L, Warner SG. Disparities in managing emotions when facing a diagnosis of breast cancer: Results of screening program of couples distress. Surgery 2018; 164:S0039-6060(17)30861-9. [PMID: 29370926 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2017.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Distress screening is now required for cancer center accreditation. Understanding patient and caregiver stress is critical to successful cancer care. This study examines the perceived emotional impact of breast cancer on both patients and partners. METHODS From March 2011-February 2016, patients and partners undertook an electronic, 48-point distress screen during their first visit at a surgical breast clinic. Distress was measured via self-reported concerns on a five point Likert scale. Respondents were also asked about preferred interventions. The ability of the patient and partner to manage emotions was assessed in relation to education, ethnicity, fatigue, anxiety, and depression using ordered logistic regression. RESULTS Of the 665 individuals screened, 51.7%(n = 344) were patients, while 48.3%(n = 321) were partners. Patients were more distressed than partners regarding fatigue, anxiety, depression, and worrying about the future (p < 0.005). Only 19.7% of partners requested information with regards to "managing emotions" compared to 46.3% of patients. In the univariate analysis, being a partner was protective (OR 0.49 (95%CI 0.34-0.70, p < 0.000) as was holding an advanced educational degree (OR 0.36 (95%CI 0.14-0.93) p = 0.035). In the multivariate regression, having more education remained protective, while being a partner was no longer protective (OR 0.93(95%CI 0.62-1.39, p = 0.789). Financial concerns, anxiety, depression, and worrying about the future remained statistically significant. Partners asked for help less than patients (OR 0.28 (95%CI 0.17-0.48), p < 0.000). CONCLUSION While partners have similar concerns as patients, they do not seek information or help in managing emotions as often as do patients. Both patient and partners with less education and increased financial distress were likely to report difficulty in managing emotions. This study identifies groups who would benefit from supportive measures even in the absence of a request for help.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Courtney Bitz
- Department of Supportive Care, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
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Strengths and resources used by Australian and Danish adult patients and their family caregivers during treatment for cancer. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2017; 29:53-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Shaffer KM, Kim Y, Carver CS, Cannady RS. Depressive symptoms predict cancer caregivers' physical health decline. Cancer 2017; 123:4277-4285. [PMID: 28661573 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer caregiving has been associated with worsening health among caregivers themselves, yet demographic and psychosocial predictors of their long-term health decline are less known. This study examines changes in caregivers' physical health 2 to 8 years after their family members' cancer diagnosis and prospective predictors of that change. METHODS Caregivers (n = 664; mean age, 53.2 years) participated in a nationwide study at 2 (T1), 5 (T2), and 8 (T3) years after their family members' cancer diagnosis. Physical health (12-item Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Scale) was assessed T1 through T3 as outcome. Predictors were self-reported at T1, including caregiver demographics (age, sex, education, income, relationship to patient, and employment status), patient cancer severity (from medical records), and caregiver psychosocial factors (caregiving stress, caregiving esteem, social support, and depressive symptoms). Latent growth modeling tested predictors of caregivers' initial physical health and their physical health change across time. RESULTS At T1, caregivers reported slightly better physical health than the US population (M = 51.22, P = .002), which declined over the following 6 years (Mslope = -0.27, P < .001). All demographic factors, patient cancer severity, and T1 caregiving stress were related to caregivers' initial physical health (P ≤ .03). Higher depressive symptoms were unrelated to caregivers' initial physical health, but were the only significant predictor of caregivers' more rapid physical health decline (B = -0.02, P = .004). CONCLUSION Findings highlight the unique contribution of caregivers' depressive symptoms to their physical health decline. Assessing and addressing depressive symptoms among caregivers early in the cancer survivorship trajectory may help to prevent premature health decline among this important yet vulnerable population. Cancer 2017;123:4277-4285. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Shaffer
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.,Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, New York, New York
| | - Youngmee Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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Sagar SM. Integrative oncology: are we doing enough to integrate psycho-education? Future Oncol 2016; 12:2779-2783. [DOI: 10.2217/fon-2016-0345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Sagar
- Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Medicine & Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Juravinski Cancer Centre, 3rd Floor, 699 Concession Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8V 5C2, Canada
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Lim HA, Tan JY, Chua J, Yoong RK, Lim SE, Kua EH, Mahendran R. Quality of life of family caregivers of cancer patients in Singapore and globally. Singapore Med J 2016; 58:258-261. [PMID: 27090600 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2016083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Family caregivers of cancer patients often suffer from impaired quality of life (QOL) due to stress arising from the responsibility of caregiving. Most research on such QOL impairments was conducted in Western populations. Thus, this exploratory study sought to (a) examine the QOL levels of family caregivers of cancer patients in an Asian population in Singapore, in relation to caregivers from other countries within and outside of Asia; and (b) investigate the association between sociodemographic factors and QOL impairments in family caregivers in Singapore. METHODS A total of 258 family caregivers of cancer patients who were receiving outpatient treatment completed the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) and a sociodemographic survey. We compared the published CQOLC total scores from Turkey, Iran, Taiwan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada with the Singapore dataset and examined the demographic relationships. RESULTS Caregivers in Singapore and Asia had lower CQOLC total scores than their Western counterparts. Caregivers who were male, of Chinese ethnicity, had parental relationships with their care recipient, or cared for advanced-stage cancer patients were found to have impaired QOL. CONCLUSION The findings of this study highlight possible areas in which support can be provided for family caregivers of cancer patients, and underscore the need to reconcile cultural diversity, values, societal expectations and demographic characteristics in Singapore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikel A Lim
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Joyce Ys Tan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joanne Chua
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Russell Kl Yoong
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siew Eng Lim
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
| | - Ee Heok Kua
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Rathi Mahendran
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
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