Sleep duration change across breast cancer survivorship: associations with symptoms and health-related quality of life

A prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial on purified and specific Cytoplasmic pollen extract for hot flashes in breast cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of PureCyTonin against hot flashes (HF) in breast cancer survivors (BCS).

METHODS

a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Italy.

INTERVENTIONS

administration of PureCyTonin or placebo, for 3 months. Effectiveness was investigated through the compilation of a daily diary for HF and of validated questionnaires (Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Visual Analogical Scales (VAS) for HF, sweating, irritability, fatigue, sleep, quality of life), carried out before starting the treatment (T0), after 1 month (T1) and after 3 months (T2). Any side effects and HF diary were recorded at each visit.

RESULTS

19 women were randomized to receive PureCyTonin and 20 to placebo. At T2 compared to T0, in the PureCyTonin group, we found a reduction in the number of HF (p = 0.02) measured by daily diary. An improvement in the subjective perception of women regarding HF intensity (p = 0.04), sweat nuisance (p = 0.02), irritability (p = 0.03) and fatigue (p = 0.04) was observed through VAS scale measurement at T2 compared to T0.The total MRS score was significantly better in the PureCyTonin group at T1 (p = 0.03) compared to T0.

CONCLUSIONS

PureCyTonin significantly reduces HF number after 3 months of therapy in BCS and it is well-tolerated.

Factors associated with weight gain in pre- and post-menopausal women receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer

PURPOSE

Weight gain after breast cancer poses health risks. We aimed to identify factors associated with weight gain during adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET).

METHODS

Women initiating AET enrolled in a prospective cohort. Participants completed FACT-ES plus PROMIS pain interference, depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance and physical function measures at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. Treatment-emergent symptoms were defined as changes in scores in the direction indicative of worsening symptoms that exceeded the minimal important difference at 3 and/or 6 months compared to baseline. We used logistic regression to evaluate associations of clinicodemographic features and treatment-emergent symptoms with clinically significant weight gain over 60 months (defined as ≥ 5% compared to baseline) in pre- and post-menopausal participants.

RESULTS

Of 309 participants, 99 (32%) were pre-menopausal. The 60 months cumulative incidence of clinically significant weight gain was greater in pre- than post-menopausal participants (67% vs 43%, p < 0.001). Among pre-menopausal participants, treatment-emergent pain interference (OR 2.49), aromatase inhibitor receipt (OR 2.8), mastectomy, (OR 2.06) and White race (OR 7.13) were associated with weight gain. Among post-menopausal participants, treatment-emergent endocrine symptoms (OR 2.86), higher stage (OR 2.25) and White race (OR 2.29) were associated with weight gain while treatment-emergent physical function decline (OR 0.30) was associated with lower likelihood of weight gain.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight gain during AET is common, especially for pre-menopausal women. Clinicodemographic features and early treatment-emergent symptoms may identify at risk individuals.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Patients at risk for weight gain can be identified early during AET.

CLINICAL TRIALS

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT01937052, registered September 3, 2013.

Eating frequency, timing of meals, and sleep duration before and after a randomized controlled weight loss trial for breast cancer survivors

PURPOSE

To examine eating frequency, timing of meals, and sleep duration before and after a weight loss intervention for breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

Female breast cancer survivors (n = 159; 55 ± 9 years; 31.4 ± 5.0 kg/m2; stage I-III, median [IQR] 9.5 [5.5] months post-diagnosis) participated in a randomized controlled trial of a 12-month weight loss intervention versus usual care. Eating frequency, proportion of daily calories consumed after 5 PM, eating after 8 PM, nightly fasting duration, and sleep duration were estimated and categorized based on existing associations with factors influencing breast cancer prognosis and breast cancer outcomes. These behaviors at baseline were compared to women from an Australian national survey with similar age and BMI range. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to examine the changes in health behaviors from baseline to 18 months between intervention and usual care groups.

RESULTS

Before the trial, eating after 8 PM (67%) was higher, and short nightly fasting duration (< 13 h, 83%) and long sleep duration (> 9 h/day, 26%) were marginally higher, in breast cancer survivors than women in the national survey (52%, 75%, and 17%, respectively). "Less optimal" eating behaviors and sleep duration tended to co-occur. Behaviors remained unchanged over the 18-month follow-up, irrespective of the study group (p > 0.05; Cohen's effect sizes < 0.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Later timing of eating and long sleep duration were prevalent in breast cancer survivors and continued following a weight loss intervention.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Future multi-behavior interventions in breast cancer survivors should consider specific messages to target eating timing behaviors and sleep.

Post-diagnostic lifestyle and mortality of cancer survivors: Results from a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Lifestyle factors after cancer diagnosis could influence cancer survival. This study aimed to investigate the joint effects of smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, diet and sleep duration on all-cause, cancer and non-cancer mortality of cancer survivors in UK biobank.

METHODS

The follow-up period concluded in December 2021, with post-diagnostic lifestyle factors assessed at baseline. A lifestyle score ranging from 0 to 5 was assigned based on adherence to the selected lifestyle factors. The study employed Cox regression models for hazard ratios (HRs) and Kaplan-Meier for survival rates, with stratified and sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our findings under various assumptions.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 12.7 years, 5652 deaths were documented from 34,184 cancer survivors. Compared to scoring 0-1, the HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality with lifestyle scores of 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 0.70 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.76), 0.57 (0.52, 0.62), 0.50 (0.45, 0.54) and 0.43 (0.38, 0.48), respectively. Specific cancer types, particularly digestive, breast, female reproductive, non-solid, and skin cancers, showed notable benefits from adherence to healthy lifestyle, with the HRs of 0.55 (0.39, 0.79), 0.54 (0.42, 0.70), 0.32 (0.19, 0.53), 0.58 (0.39, 0.86), and 0.36 (0.28, 0.46) for lifestyle score of 5, respectively. Stratified analyses indicated the association was particularly significant among those with normal/lower BMI and higher Townsend Deprivation Index (Pinteraction = 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthier lifestyles were significantly linked with reduced mortality among cancer survivors. These findings highlight the need for adherence to healthy lifestyle habits to improve survival.

Effect of music therapy combined with aerobic exercise on sleep quality among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

We aimed to study the effect of music therapy combined with aerobic exercise on the sleep quality of patients undergoing chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shaanxi Province Tumor Hospital, from July 2017 to June 2019. 110 female breast cancer patients who underwent a radical mastectomy were recruited and randomly allocated into an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group completed music therapy combined with aerobic exercise from the first to the sixth admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, while the control group received only routine nursing care. The sleep quality of these patients was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A linear mixed model was used to adjust the PSQI of patients after controlling for other confounding factors.

RESULTS

The mean sleep quality score of the breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy (baseline) was 8.86 ± 2.34. The intervention group had a significantly lower mean global PSQI score than the control group from the first test to the third test, with an adjusted mean difference of -1.05 (95%CI: -1.86, -0.24; P = 0.01), -2.89 (95%CI: -3.70, -2.08; P < 0.001) and - 4.84 (95%CI: -5.65, -4.03; P < 0.001), respectively. A change in the global PSQI score from baseline for the intervention group was from 0.55 (95%CI: -0.24, 1.34; P = 0.171) at the first test to 2.75 (95%CI: 1.96, 3.53; P < 0.001) at the last test, and for the control group was from - 0.51 (95%CI: -1.31, 0.29; P = 0.213 at the first test to -2.10 (95%CI: -2.91, -1.30; P < 0.001) at the last test.

CONCLUSIONS

An intervention of music therapy combined with aerobic exercise can significantly improve the sleep quality of female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy, and this intervention continuously improves many aspects of sleep reactivity.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100042975, 02/02/2021).

Preliminary Effectiveness Study of a Community-Based Wellness Coaching for Cancer Survivors Program

PURPOSE

Substantial cancer burden may be prevented through lifestyle modifications. The purpose of this study was to determine the preliminary effectiveness of health coaching for the improvement of health, fitness, and overall well-being of cancer survivors in a community setting.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from Cancer Support Community Delaware locations. Health coaching was provided to people diagnosed with cancer anywhere along the survivorship continuum. Coaches provided 6 individual sessions. Surveys were sent pre- and post-intervention on topics including fitness, eating habits, sleep, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Results were analyzed using multilevel modeling.

RESULTS

48 participants completed an average of 85% of health coaching sessions. Coaching participants noted improvements in weekly physical activity frequency, including moderate-vigorous physical activity. Increases were found in healthy eating behavior. Participants reported improvements in the quality of their sleep, including changes in sleep duration and sleep efficiency. Significant reductions were found in perceived stress, anxiety, and depression. Importantly, participants reported improved quality of life, particularly in areas of physical and emotional well-being, as well as functional and total well-being.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary findings indicate significant behavior change in measured outcomes and suggest health coaching may be an important tool for cancer survivorship.

Prevalence and predictors of sleep problems in women following a cancer diagnosis: results from the women's wellness after cancer program

PURPOSE

Using a discrete dataset from the Women's Wellness after Cancer Program (WWACP), we examine the prevalence and predictors of self-reported sleep problems in women previously treated for cancer.

METHODS

Participants were 351 women (Mage = 53.2, SD = 8.8) from the WWACP who had completed surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for breast, gynaecological or blood cancers within the previous 24 months. Sleep problems were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Baseline data (i.e. prior to intervention randomisation) were analysed.

RESULTS

Most women (59%) reported clinically significant sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5), 40% reported insufficient sleep duration (< 7 h), 38% self-reported poor sleep quality and 28% reported poor habitual sleep efficiency (sleep efficiency < 75%). Fewer psychological and vasomotor climacteric symptoms, age < 45 years and having a partner were associated with reduced odds (AOR < 1) of sleep problems. Higher levels of pain-related disability, and an intermediate compared to 'high' level of education, were associated with increased odds (AOR > 1) of sleep problems.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm previous studies that have found a high prevalence of sleep problems in women previously treated for cancer. A range of sociodemographic, climacteric and pain-related factors were associated with sleep problems in this study.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Targeted interventions to improve sleep quality after cancer treatment should be explored in this population. Predictors identified in this study could inform intervention targeting and development.

Sleep disturbances among cancer survivors

PURPOSE

We investigated sleep disturbances among cancer survivors compared to similarly aged women without cancer history.

METHODS

We identified 2067 women with a history of cancer other than breast or non-melanoma skin cancer at enrollment in the Sister Study, a US-wide cohort of women with a family history of breast cancer. Cancer survivors were matched with up to 5 cancer-free women (N = 9717) on age at enrollment. An index age (for covariate classification) was defined as the age at cancer diagnosis for survivors and the same age for their matched comparators. Sleep disturbances included duration, sleep medication usage, insomnia symptoms, long sleep-latency onset (≥30 min to fall asleep), frequent night awakenings (waking ≥3/night, ≥ 3 times/week), frequent napping (≥ 3 times/week), and a composite outcome of ≥ 1sleep disturbance. Multivariable linear regression (effect estimate, 95% confidence interval (CI)) and logistic regression (odds ratio, OR, 95% CI) were used for continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively.

RESULTS

At enrollment, cancer survivors were on average 13.8 years (range=0, 62) from diagnosis. After adjustment for age at enrollment and depression, diabetes, hypertension, and menopausal status prior to the index age, sleep disturbances were generally not more common among cancer survivors compared to those without cancer. However, among cancer survivors, those > 2 years from diagnosis were more likely to report ≥ 1 sleep disturbance (OR=1.44; 1.07, 1.93) compared to survivors 0-2 years from diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Addressing sleep disturbances may improve well-being for cancer survivors.

Trajectories of sleep disturbance in cancer survivors during the first 2 years post-treatment

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine the trajectories of sleep disturbance in cancer survivors during the first 2 years post-treatment and to investigate whether psychological, cognitive, and physical factors differentiate trajectories.

METHODS

A total of 623 Chinese cancer survivors of diverse cancer types participated in a 2-year-long prospective study after the completion of cancer treatment. Sleep disturbance was measured using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at 3 (T2), 6 (T3), 12 (T4), 18 (T5), and 24 (T6) months after baseline (within 6-months post-treatment; T1). Latent growth mixture modeling identified distinctive sleep disturbance trajectories and tested if these longitudinal patterns were predicted by baseline psychological distress, attentional control, attentional bias and physical symptom distress and T2 cancer-related distress. Fully adjusted multinomial logistic regression then identified whether these factors differentiated trajectories.

RESULTS

Two distinct sleep disturbance trajectories were identified, namely stable good sleepers (69.7%) and persistent high sleep disturbance (30.3%). Compared to those in the stable good sleep group, patients in the persistent high sleep disturbance group were less likely to report avoidant (OR=0.49, 95% CI = 0.26-0.90), while more likely to report intrusive thoughts (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.06-2.92) and cancer-related hyperarousal (OR = 3.37, 95% CI = 1.78-6.38). Higher depression scores also predicted persistent high sleep disturbance group membership (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.03-1.25). Attentional bias, attentional control, anxiety, and physical symptom distress did not predict sleep trajectory membership.

CONCLUSIONS

One in three cancer survivors experienced persistent high sleep disturbance. Screening and managing depressive symptoms and cancer-related distress in early cancer rehabilitation may reduce risk of persistent sleep disturbance among cancer survivors.

Living as a Survivor: Sleep Disturbance, Fatigue, Depressive Mood, and Cognitive Dysfunction After Breast Cancer Treatment

BACKGROUND

Many cancer survivors endure multiple symptoms while striving to return to a normal life. Those symptoms often co-occur and exacerbate one another; however, their interplay is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the occurrence and concurrence of sleep disturbance, fatigue, depressive mood, and cognitive dysfunction in posttreatment breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

The data for this descriptive analysis were collected as part of the screening for a clinical trial. The occurrences of sleep disturbance, depressive mood, and cognitive dysfunction were each determined by the cutoff scores of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment, respectively; fatigue was determined by meeting the International Classification of Diseases cancer-related fatigue criteria.

RESULTS

A convenience sample of 81 women completed chemotherapy or/and radiation for stage I-III breast cancer an average of 23.1 (±SD = 9.0) months ago. Sleep disturbance (85%) was most prevalent, followed by fatigue (67%), depressive mood (46%), and cognitive dysfunction (29%). Of the survivors, 80% reported 2 or more co-occurring symptoms. Worsened subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbance, and daytime dysfunction significantly increased the risk of fatigue by 5.3, 4.3, and 4.3 times (all P < .001) and depression by 2.0, 2.7, and 3.0 times (all P < .05), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Sleep disturbance significantly increased the risk of survivors' fatigue and/or depressive mood after cancer treatment completion.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

Effectively managing sleep disturbance and improving the individual's sleep perception may subsequently reduce fatigue and/or depressive mood among breast cancer survivors. Nonpharmacological strategies for managing multiple posttreatment symptoms are needed.

Course of objectively measured physical activity and sleep in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 1-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

As physical inactivity and poor sleep quality may impose additional risk for cancer recurrence and overall mortality in postmenopausal breast cancer (PMBC) survivors, it is important to gain insight into the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their physical activity (PA) and sleep level.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the course of their physical activity (PA) and sleep throughout governmental measures against COVID-19 during 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

PMBC survivors (n = 96) wore an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT for seven consecutive days at 12 and 18 months after diagnosis and additional measurements were taken after onset of the second (partial) COVID-19 lockdown. Longitudinal data was categorized into four timepoints: before onset of COVID-19 (T1), during the initial lockdown (T2), in between initial and second lockdown (T3), and during the second lockdown (T4). General linear mixed effects models assessed differences in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day, total minutes of PA per day, average acceleration, intensity gradient, sleep efficiency, and sleep duration over time.

RESULTS

Levels of MVPA per day before COVID-19 were low (Median = 20.9 min/day (IQR = 10.8;36.2)), and time spent physically active was most often in light intensity, which remained stable throughout the pandemic. Sleep duration (Median = 442.8 min/night (IQR = 418.3;478.0)) and efficiency (85.9% (IQR = 79.6;88.4)) was sufficient before COVID-19 and showed stability over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Low levels of PA with mostly light intensity, and adequate sleep efficiency and duration were observed before COVID in PMBC survivors. This was not further affected by COVID-19 governmental measures.

Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Sleep in Couples Coping With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and sleep disturbance are common in cancer survivors. Yet, little research has examined their relationship, and even less is known about what links may exist between these variables among the intimate partners of cancer survivors.

PURPOSE

This study examines the relationship between FCR and sleep disturbance in breast cancer survivors and their partners. Using daily sleep data collected at two distinct periods early in survivorship-the completion of adjuvant treatment and the first post-treatment mammogram-higher survivor and partner FCR was hypothesized to predict greater sleep disturbance.

METHODS

Breast cancer survivors and intimate partners (N = 76 couples; 152 individuals) each reported sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep onset latency, and wake after sleep onset each morning of two 21-day sleep diary bursts during the first year post-diagnosis. Three validated measures formed latent FCR factors for survivors and partners, which were used to predict average daily sleep.

RESULTS

Across both sleep diary bursts, survivor FCR was associated with their own reduced sleep duration, reduced sleep quality, and greater sleep onset latency. Survivor FCR was also associated with their partners' reduced sleep quality and greater sleep onset latency. Partner FCR was associated with their own reduced sleep duration, reduced sleep quality, and greater sleep onset latency. Partner FCR was also associated with survivors' reduced sleep quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings revealed intrapersonal and interpersonal associations between FCR and sleep disturbance, addressing gaps in knowledge on FCR and an outcome with known short- and long-term implications for health and mortality.

The relationship between sleep and weight change among women diagnosed with breast cancer participating in the Women's Health Initiative

PURPOSE

Short and long sleep duration and poor sleep quality are risk factors for weight gain and cancer mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between sleep and weight change among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

Women participating in the Women's Health Initiative who were diagnosed with incident breast cancer between year one and year three were included. Self-reported sleep duration was categorized as ≤ 5 h (short), 6 h, 7-8 h (optimal), and ≥ 9 h (long). Self-reported sleep quality was categorized as poor, average, and above average. Post-diagnosis weight change was the difference of weight closest to, but preceding diagnosis, and year 3 weight. We used linear regression to evaluate sleep duration and sleep quality associations with post-diagnosis weight change adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Among 1156 participants, 63% were weight stable after diagnosis; average weight gain post cancer diagnosis was 3.2 kg. Six percent of women reported sleeping ≤ 5 h, 26% reported 6 h, 64% reported 7-8 h, and 4% reported ≥ 9 h. There were no differences in adjusted estimates of weight change among participants with short duration (0.37 kg; 95% CI - 0.88, 1.63), or long duration (- 0.56 kg; 95% CI - 2.03, 0.90) compared to optimal duration, nor was there a difference among poor quality (- 0.51 kg; 95% CI - 1.42, 0.41) compared to above average quality.

CONCLUSION

Among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors, sleep duration and quality were not associated with weight change after breast cancer diagnosis. Future studies should consider capturing change in adiposity and to expand beyond self-reported sleep.

Evaluating chronotypically tailored light therapy for breast cancer survivors: Preliminary findings on fatigue and disrupted sleep

More than one-third of cancer survivors experience significant residual symptoms after treatment completion. Fatigue and sleep disruption often co-occur and exacerbate each other. The purpose of this preliminary analysis was to examine the effect of a chronotypically tailored light therapy on fatigue and sleep disruption in female survivors 1-3 years post-completion of chemotherapy and/or radiation for stage I to III breast cancer. The data for this analysis were collected as part of an ongoing two-group randomized controlled trial (NCT03304587). Participants were randomized to receive either bright blue-green light (experimental) or dim red light (control). Light therapy was self-administered using a light visor cap at home. Both groups received 30-min daily light therapy for 14 consecutive days either between 19:00 and 20:00 h (for morning chronotypes) or within 30 min of waking in the morning (for evening chronotypes). Fatigue and sleep quality were self-reported using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-Fatigue, PROMIS-Sleep Disturbance, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and a daily log before (pre-test) and following the light intervention (post-test). Linear mixed model analysis or generalized estimating equations examined group difference overtime adjusting for pre-test scores. No between-group differences were found. However, after adjusting for the baseline fatigue, the experimental group reported significant decreases in fatigue (p < .001) and sleep disturbance (p = .024) overtime. The experimental group also reported significantly better subjective sleep quality after 14 d of light therapy (p = .017). Positive trends in sleep latency, sleep duration, night-time awakenings, and early morning awakenings were also observed. Unexpectedly, sleep disturbance significantly decreased in the control group (p = .030). Those who received dim light control reported significantly shorter sleep latency (p = .002), longer total sleep time (p = .042), and greater habitual sleep efficiency (p = .042). These findings suggest that bright light therapy significantly improved post-treatment fatigue and subjective sleep quality in breast cancer survivors. Although it remains to be confirmed, the findings additionally show unexpected benefits of dim light on sleep. Properly timed light exposure may optimize the therapeutic effect and can be the key for successful light therapy. How the administration timing coupled with wavelengths (short vs. long) and intensity of light affecting fatigue and disrupted sleep requires further investigation.

Sleep disturbance in cancer patients referred to an ambulatory integrative oncology consultation

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance (SD) is highly prevalent in oncology and negatively affects quality of life and mortality. Evidence supports the use of integrative oncology (IO) practices to treat SD, but there is limited published data on the characteristics of SD and factors associated with SD in IO. We determined the prevalence, severity, and factors associated with SD among cancer patients seen in an ambulatory IO consultation.

METHODS

Patients with cancer referred for initial outpatient IO consultation in 2017 were eligible. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and patient-reported outcomes (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW), PROMIS-10) were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

One thousand five hundred twenty patients were included in the analysis. The majority (70%) were women with breast cancer (42%). Nine hundred seventy-one (64%) patients reported significant SD with ESAS Sleep ≥ 4, yet only 11% expressed poor sleep as their primary or secondary concern for the IO consultation. The median SD (IQR) was 5 (3,7). ESAS scores for fatigue (adjusted OR 1.16; CI 1.07-1.26, p < 0.001), pain (adjusted OR 1.07; CI 1.00-1.15, p < 0.05), hot flashes (adjusted OR 1.14; CI 1.07-1.22, p < 0.001), well-being (adjusted OR 1.33; CI 1.22-1.46, p < 0.001), and psychological distress score (anxiety and depression) (adjusted OR 1.16; CI 1.01-1.11, p < 0.01) were independently associated with SD in multivariate analysis. Acupuncture was the most frequent intervention prescribed, 175 (35%). Other modalities included oncology massage (15%), health psychology (5%), and meditation (1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although 64% of patients seeking IO consultation reported clinically significant SD, only 11% were seeking integrative approaches for managing SD. ESAS fatigue, hot flashes, well-being, and psychological symptoms were significantly associated with SD.

Factors associated with sleep disturbances in women undergoing treatment for early-stage breast cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with sleep disturbance in women receiving adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

METHODS

This study employed a cross-sectional design using data collected at 3 months post-surgery from an ongoing longitudinal parent study. Participant data were divided into adjuvant treatment groups (chemotherapy, radiation, and aromatase inhibitors) and no adjuvant treatment groups. Symptoms were measured using patient self-report measures. Analysis of variance was used to assess between adjuvant treatment group differences in sleep disturbance. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between sleep disturbance and other symptoms within adjuvant treatment groups.

RESULTS

The sample included 156 women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. There were significant differences in levels of reported sleep disturbance between treatment groups (p = 0.049), with significantly higher levels of sleep disturbances in those receiving radiation compared to those receiving no adjuvant treatment (p = 0.038) and in those receiving chemotherapy and those receiving no adjuvant treatment (p = 0.027). Increased sleep disturbance was found to be a significant predictor for increased pain severity, nausea severity, anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, decreased physical function, and decreased ability to participate in social roles and activities. Co-occurring symptoms with sleep disturbance differed between adjuvant treatment groups. Sleep disturbance was also associated with younger age (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation for breast cancer report higher levels of sleep disturbance than those not receiving adjuvant therapy. Sleep disturbance is associated with other symptoms experienced by patients with cancer and thus requires continual assessment and future research into effective interventions.

Association between sleep quality, anxiety and depression among Korean breast cancer survivors

AIM

This study aimed to examine the sleep pattern of breast cancer survivors and anxiety and depression associated with sleep quality to provide evidence-based information for the development of interventions to improve sleep disorders in these survivors.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The subjects were 266 breast cancer survivors in South Korea. Structured questionnaires regarding sleep quality, anxiety and depression were used. The data were analysed using t test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Sleep duration and sleep disturbance were found to affect anxiety, whereas sleep latency and subjective sleep quality were found to affect depression. These results suggest that various factors affecting sleep quality should be considered when providing care for anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivors.

Cancer-related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Review

Fatigue has been the most distressing and frequent symptom in breast cancer (BC) survivors after treatment. Although fatigue can occur in other cancer survivors, women with a history of BC might share some distinctive features. The present study aimed to recapitulate the knowledge about risk factors and correlates of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in BC survivors after oncologic therapy. An electronic data search was conducted in PubMed using the terms "fatigue," "breast," "cancer," and "survivors." Records were included if they were original articles, available in English, had used a quantitative scale, had > 100 participants, and had excluded women with BC relapse. BC survivors were required to have finished their treatments ≥ 2 months before, except for hormonal therapy. The physiopathology and other interventions were considered beyond the scope of our review. The correlates were subsequently classified into 7 main categories: (1) sociodemographic data, (2) physical variables, (3) tumor- and treatment-related variables, (4) comorbidities, (5) other symptoms, (6) psychological issues, and (7) lifestyle factors. Fatigue was consistently greater in younger, obese, and diabetic women. Women reporting fatigue often communicated symptoms such as pain, depression, insomnia, and cognitive dysfunction. Coping strategies such as catastrophizing could play an important role in the persistence of fatigue. However, tumor characteristics, previous treatments received, and physical activity were not consistently reported. CRF was a strong predictor of the quality of life of BC survivors after treatment. In conclusion, we found CRF was a frequent and serious symptom that severely affects the quality of life of BC survivors after treatment. Health practitioners require more awareness and information about CRF.

Prevalence of Healthy Behaviors among Cancer Survivors in the United States: How Far Have We Come?

BACKGROUND

The 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States are at increased risk for comorbidities and recurrence. However, this risk may be attenuated by a healthy lifestyle. This study describes health behaviors by cancer history to inform behavior change priorities.

METHODS

We analyzed 2013-2017 data from the National Health Interview Survey. There were 164,692 adults, of whom 12,648 reported a cancer history. We calculated prevalence of smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), and sleep duration by cancer history, age, and cancer site. We conducted logistic regression to determine odds of meeting lifestyle recommendations by cancer history.

RESULTS

Overall, those with a cancer history were less likely to report current smoking (14.1% vs. 16.8%) and moderate/heavy drinking (18.8% vs. 21.9%) than those without a cancer history. However, a lower percentage of cancer survivors met physical activity guidelines (14.2% vs. 21.1%) or reported a healthy BMI (31.6% vs. 34.7%) compared with those without a cancer history. Cancer survivors were more likely to report excessive sleep (6.8% vs. 3.6%). In adjusted logistic regression, survivors were more likely to meet recommendations on smoking, physical activity, and BMI but were less likely to meet alcohol recommendations; meeting sleep recommendations did not differ by cancer history.

CONCLUSIONS

While cancer survivors had lower prevalence of smoking and moderate/heavy drinking, they also had lower prevalence of physical activity and healthy BMI, and reported longer sleep duration. Regression analyses suggested survivors only showed poorer behaviors for alcohol.

IMPACT

Targeted health promotion interventions among cancer survivors are needed.

Relationship between multiple lifestyle behaviors and health-related quality of life among elderly individuals with prediabetes in rural communities in China: A STROBE-compliant article

Evidence of the effect of lifestyle behaviors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is scarce or ambiguous. The objective of the present study was to explore the associations between multiple lifestyle behaviors and HRQoL among the elderly individuals with prediabetes.Four hundred thirty-four elderly individuals with prediabetes were included in this cross-sectional study. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess HRQoL. Multiple lifestyle behaviors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, dietary habits, daily sedentary time and sleep duration were self-reported. The associations between HRQoL and multiple lifestyle behaviors were examined using a multivariate linear regression analysis.Lower-risk physical activities (β =3 .19, 95% CI: 1.32, 5.64), dietary habits (β = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.50, 4.72), and sedentary time (β = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.81) were positively associated with the physical health component score (PCS) for HRQoL. Meanwhile, a lower-risk behavior, such as sleep duration (β = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.77, 4.51), was associated with a higher mental health component score (MCS) for HRQoL after adjusting for socio-demographic factors, chronic diseases, anthropometric data and all other lifestyle behaviors. Engaging in a greater number of lower-risk lifestyle behaviors was positively correlated with a better HRQoL.Multiple lifestyle behaviors were associated with HRQoL among the elderly individuals with prediabetes in rural areas. These results highlight the need for multiple lifestyle behavioral interventions to maintain and improve HRQoL in the elderly individuals with prediabetes.

Breast Cancer Collaborative Registry informs understanding of factors predicting sleep quality

SIGNIFICANCE

Poor sleep quality is a common and persistent problem reported by women with breast cancer (BC). Empirical evidence identifies many risk factors for self-reported sleep deficiency, but inconsistencies limit translation to practice.

PURPOSE

To increase understanding of risk factors predicting self-reported poor sleep quality in women with BC who completed the Breast Cancer Collaborative Registry (BCCR) questionnaire.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited women with a first diagnosis of BC (n = 1302) at five sites in Nebraska and South Dakota. Women completed the BCCR that includes numerous variables as well as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and SF36v2 (n = 1260). Descriptive statistics and non-parametric correlations were used to determine associations and create predictive models of sleep quality with BCCR variables and SF36v2 subscales.

RESULTS

Most women were white (93.7%) and married (71.5%); mean age was 60.1 (21-90) years. Poor sleep was self-reported by 53% of women. Seven variables were highly associated with sleep quality (p ≤ 0.001). The first model found younger age, lower physical activity, and higher fatigue were the strongest combined and independent variables predicting poor sleep quality (F = 23.0 (p < .001), R² = 0.103). Participants self-reported lower health status on most SF36v2 subscales [Z = 44.9 (11.6) to 49.1 (10.1)]. A second model found that all subscales were predictors of poor sleep; vitality, mental health, bodily pain, and general health were the strongest predictors (F = 101.3 (p < .001), R² = 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Results confirm previously identified risk factors and reveal inconsistencies in other variables. Clinicians need to routinely screen for the identified risk factors of self-reported poor sleep quality.

Change in longitudinal trends in sleep quality and duration following breast cancer diagnosis: results from the Women's Health Initiative

Breast cancer survivors frequently report sleep problems, but little research has studied sleep patterns longitudinally. We examined trends in sleep quality and duration up to 15 years before and 20 years after a diagnosis of breast cancer, over time among postmenopausal women participating in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). We included 12,098 participants who developed invasive breast cancer after study enrollment. A linear mixed-effects model was used to determine whether the time trend in sleep quality, as measured by the WHI Insomnia Rating Scale (WHIIRS), a measure of perceived insomnia symptoms from the past 4 weeks, changed following a cancer diagnosis. To examine sleep duration, we fit a logistic regression model with random effects for both short (<6 h) and long (≥9 h) sleep. In addition, we studied the association between depressive symptoms and changes in WHIIRS and sleep duration. There was a significantly slower increase in the trend of WHIIRS after diagnosis (β = 0.06; p = 0.03), but there were non-significant increases in the trend of the probability of short or long sleep after diagnosis. The probability of depressive symptoms significantly decreased, though the decrease was more pronounced after diagnosis (p < 0.01). Trends in WHIIRS worsened at a relatively slower rate following diagnosis and lower depression rates may explain the slower worsening in WHIIRS. Our findings suggest that over a long period of time, breast cancer diagnosis does not adversely affect sleep quality and duration in postmenopausal women compared to sleep pre-diagnosis, yet both sleep quality and duration continue to worsen over time.

Relationship between sleep and exercise as colorectal cancer survivors transition off treatment

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between exercise and sleep disturbance in a sample of individuals diagnosed with stage I, II, and III colorectal cancer (CRC) as patients transitioned off first-line treatment. We also sought to identify heterogeneity in the relationship between sleep disturbance and exercise.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the MY-Health study, a community-based observational study of adults diagnosed with cancer. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS) measures (e.g., PROMIS Sleep) were administered, and participants self-reported demographics, comorbidities, cancer treatment, and exercise. Regression mixture and multiple regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between sleep disturbance and exercise cross-sectionally at an average of 10 months after diagnosis, and the change in sleep disturbance over a 7-month period, from approximately 10 to 17 months post-diagnosis.

RESULTS

Patients whose exercise was categorized as likely at or above American College of Sports Medicine's guidelines did not report statistically better sleep quality compared to patients who were classified as not active. However, retirement (B = - 2.4), anxiety (B = 0.21), and fatigue (B = 0.24) had statistically significant relationships with sleep disturbance (p < 0.05). Increase in exercise was not significantly associated with a decrease in sleep disturbance. No statistical heterogeneity was revealed in the relationship between sleep and exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

Further prospective research using an objective measure of exercise is warranted to confirm or refute the nature of the relationship between exercise and sleep disturbance in individuals diagnosed with CRC transitioning off first-line treatment.

Physical Exercise Positively Influences Breast Cancer Evolution

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in women. Its pathogenesis involves genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. A large body of evidence indicates that physical activity has positive effects on every aspect of breast cancer evolution, including prevention, medical treatment, and aftercare clinical settings. Thus, different types of exercise can influence the prevention and progression of the disease through several common mechanisms, such as reduction of insulin resistance and improvement of immunity and cardiovascular function. Furthermore, acute and chronic symptoms of breast cancer, such as cachexia, muscle mass loss, fatigue, cardiotoxicity, weight gain, hormone alterations, bone loss, and psychologic adverse effects, may all be favorably influenced by regular exercise. We review the relation of intensity and duration of exercise with potential pathophysiologic pathways, including obesity-related hormones and sex steroid hormone production, oxidative stress, epigenetic alterations such as DNA hypomethylation, and changes in telomere length, within the context of the beneficial effects of exercise. The potential role of exercise in reducing the intensity of the adverse effects that result from breast cancer and anticancer treatment is also discussed.

Sleep duration and breast cancer prognosis: perspectives from the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study

PURPOSE

To examine whether baseline sleep duration or changes in sleep duration are associated with breast cancer prognosis among early-stage breast cancer survivors in the multi-center Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study.

METHODS

Data were collected from 1995 to 2010. Analysis included 3047 women. Sleep duration was self-reported at baseline and follow-up intervals. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate whether baseline sleep duration was associated with breast cancer recurrence, breast cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality. Time-varying models investigated whether changes in sleep duration were associated with breast cancer prognosis.

RESULTS

Compared to women who slept 7-8 h/night at baseline, sleeping ≥9 h/night was associated with a 48% increased risk of breast cancer recurrence (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.48, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.01, 2.00), a 52% increased risk of breast cancer-specific mortality (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.09, 2.13), and a 43% greater risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.07, 1.92). Time-varying models showed analogous increased risk in those who inconsistently slept ≥9 h/night (all P < 0.05), but not in those who consistently slept ≥9 h/night.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent long or short sleep, which may reflect inter-individual variability in the need for sleep, does not appear to influence prognosis among early-stage breast cancer survivors.

Correlation of Disturbed Sleep and Cancer Stress

To illuminate the course of insomnia in the presence of an acute comorbidity, we examined the association between insomnia severity and breast cancer symptom severity over time and determined if this association varies with insomnia history and presleep arousal. Twenty-nine newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, who also exhibited insomnia, completed sleep diary and cancer symptom severity questionnaires every other week (total of 28 days) over 7 weeks, as well as baseline and postobservation measures. Participants were defined as having insomnia prior to cancer (IPC) or insomnia secondary to cancer (ISC) based on precancer sleep status. Insomnia and cancer symptom severity were strongly correlated at baseline but significantly declined over the evaluation period. Among ISC individuals, there was an association between sleep severity and cancer severity at baseline but not 7 weeks later. IPC individuals showed a consistent pattern of no significant association between sleep severity and cancer symptom severity. IPC had higher levels of cognitive presleep arousal than ISC. The current study documented the evolution of the relation between insomnia and breast cancer symptom severity over time and identified factors (premorbid insomnia and presleep hyperarousal) that may influence this association.

Symptom burden and quality of life in survivorship: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Cancer has a great impact on the well-being of affected persons and their caregivers long into survivorship.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the state of science on the survivorship experience of cancer survivors and caregivers, with a focus on symptom burden and quality of life (QOL) after treatment termination.

METHODS

The primary databases utilized included PubMed and CINAHL. Search results were limited to human participants, English language, and publications from 2008 to 2013. The articles retrieved included studies of prostate, breast, colorectal, and gynecologic cancers during adulthood.

RESULTS

As many as a third of cancer survivors experienced symptoms after treatment cessation equivalent to those experienced during treatment. Fatigue, depression or mood disturbance, sleep disruption, pain, and cognitive limitation were commonly reported by survivors across various malignancies; depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance affected some caregivers. The studies indicated residual symptoms that extend into survivorship have a great impact on QOL and are associated with disability and healthcare utilization. Younger age, lower socioeconomic status, and increased comorbidities are associated with poorer QOL and higher symptom distress in cancer survivors. Younger age and lower income are associated with greater distress and poorer QOL in caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors and caregivers struggle with symptom burden and diminished QOL long into survivorship. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the persistence and severity of symptom burden over time as well as long-term and late effects of these symptoms.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Interventions designed to help alleviate symptom burden in those most affected are needed.

Exploring the relationship between fear of cancer recurrence and sleep quality in cancer survivors

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and sleep disturbance are identified as top psychosocial concerns in cancer survivorship, yet few studies have explored the association between these two factors. Using data from a study of 67 cancer survivors, hierarchical logistic regression models examined the relationships between socio-demographic characteristics, FCR, and sleep disturbance. More than half of survivors reported poor sleep quality; those with some college education and those with higher levels of FCR were at greater risk for poor sleep. These findings provide formative data for oncology social workers to implement interventions that target FCR as a strategy for improving sleep.

Correlates of quality of life in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors at enrollment into a weight loss trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this analysis was to examine the correlates of the physical and psychosocial domains of quality of life (QOL) in a cohort of breast cancer survivors participating in a weight loss intervention trial.

METHODS

Correlates of QOL and psychosocial functioning were examined in 692 overweight or obese breast cancer survivors at entry into a weight loss trial. QOL was explored with three measures: Short-form 36 (SF-36), Impact of Cancer scale (IOC), and the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) symptom scales. Available data included information on weight and physical activity, as well as demographic and medical characteristics. Multivariate analyses were used to identify associations adjusted for other characteristics.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, younger age was associated with higher negative impact scores (p < 0.0001). Hispanic, African-American, and Asian women had higher positive IOC impact scores compared with White non-Hispanic women (p < 0.01). Increased number of comorbidities was associated with lower physical and mental QOL scores (p < 0.01). Body mass index was not independently associated with QOL measures. Physical activity was directly associated with physical and mental QOL and IOC positive impact, and inversely related to IOC negative impact and Breast Cancer Prevention Trial symptom scales.

CONCLUSIONS

Quality-of-life measures in breast cancer survivors are differentially associated with demographic and other characteristics. When adjusted for these characteristics, degree of adiposity among overweight or obese women does not appear to be independently associated with QOL. Among overweight or obese breast cancer survivors, higher level of physical activity is associated with higher QOL across various scales and dimensions.

Association of obesity and sleep problems among breast cancer survivors: results from a registry-based survey study

PURPOSE

Sleep-related complaints are common among breast cancer survivors. However, the risk factors underlying sleep disturbances in this population are not completely understood. Some studies have shown that maintaining normal weight can result in a reduced risk of cancer-related symptoms, including sleep problems; however, data from published studies are not consistent. This study examined the associations between body mass index (BMI) and sleep-related complaints in breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

Self-reported survey data from 861 breast cancer survivors at a single institution were analyzed. BMI was calculated based on self-reported weight and height at the time of the survey. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Average sleep duration was calculated based on the reported hours of sleep on a typical weekday and weekend. Associations between BMI and the sleep outcomes were estimated using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In adjusted models, BMI was not significantly associated with either excessive daytime sleepiness or "short" sleep pattern (≤ 6 h) in our sample of breast cancer survivors. Younger age, presence of strong acute pain, and lower level of education were independent risk factors for excessive daytime sleepiness. African American race, presence of strong acute pain, and lower level of education were independent risk factors for being a short sleeper.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study indicate that BMI is not independently associated with sleep-related outcomes among breast cancer survivors. More research is needed to identify cancer survivors who are at increased risk for sleep disturbances as well as the mechanisms that underlie such disturbances.

Systematic review of sleep disorders in cancer patients: can the prevalence of sleep disorders be ascertained?

Although sleep is vital to all human functioning and poor sleep is a known problem in cancer, it is unclear whether the overall prevalence of the various types of sleep disorders in cancer is known. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to evaluate if the prevalence of sleep disorders could be ascertained from the current body of literature regarding sleep in cancer. This was a critical and systematic review of peer-reviewed, English-language, original articles published from 1980 through 15 October 2013, identified using electronic search engines, a set of key words, and prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Information from 254 full-text, English-language articles was abstracted onto a paper checklist by one reviewer, with a second reviewer randomly verifying 50% (k = 99%). All abstracted data were entered into an electronic database, verified for accuracy, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequencies in SPSS (v.20) (North Castle, NY). Studies of sleep and cancer focus on specific types of symptoms of poor sleep, and there are no published prevalence studies that focus on underlying sleep disorders. Challenging the current paradigm of the way sleep is studied in cancer could produce better clinical screening tools for use in oncology clinics leading to better triaging of patients with sleep complaints to sleep specialists, and overall improvement in sleep quality.

Lifestyle factors associated with cognitive functioning in breast cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

Weight, physical activity, and sleep are modifiable lifestyle factors that impact cognitive functioning in noncancer populations but have yet to be examined in cancer survivors. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of obesity, physical activity, and sleep, with cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

Participants were 136 early-stage postmenopausal breast cancer survivors who completed an assessment of neuropsychological testing, height, weight, physical activity, and sleep. Linear regression models examined the associations of the seven neuropsychological domains with obesity, physical activity, and sleep. Logistic regression models examined odd of impairment in each domain. All models controlled for breast cancer treatment variables and relevant demographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

Obese participants had significantly worse performance (β = -5.04, standard error (SE) = 2.53) and were almost three times more likely to be impaired (odds ratio (OR) = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.02-8.10) on the Information processing domain. The highest tertile of physical activity was significantly related to better performance on the executive functioning domain (β = 5.13, SE = 2.42) and attention domain (β = 4.26, SE = 2.07). The middle tertile of physical activity was significantly related to better performance (β = 9.00, SE = 3.09) and decreased odds of impairment (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.07-0.91) on the visual-spatial domain. More hours of sleep per night was significantly associated with better performance (β = 2.69, SE = 0.98) and decreased odds of impairment (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.33-0.82) on the verbal functioning domain.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that obesity, physical activity, and sleep are related to cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors and have potential to be intervention targets to improve cognitive functioning.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of melatonin on breast cancer survivors: impact on sleep, mood, and hot flashes

The purpose is to examine the effects of melatonin supplementation on sleep, mood, and hot flashes in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 95 postmenopausal women with a prior history of stage 0-III breast cancer, who had completed active cancer treatment (including hormonal therapy) were randomly assigned 1:1 to either 3 mg oral melatonin (n = 48) or placebo daily (n = 47) for 4 months. Sleep, mood, and hot flashes were assessed at baseline and 4 months via self-administered questionnaire using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D), and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) hot flash diary, respectively. Eighty-six women (91 %) completed the study and provided pre- and post-questionnaires. At baseline, 52 % of participants reported poor sleep in the month prior to enrollment. Compared to subjects on placebo, subjects randomized to melatonin experienced significantly greater improvements in subjective sleep quality as measured by the PSQI, including domains on sleep quality, daytime dysfunction and total score. For example, the mean change in PSQI score was -0.1 in the placebo group compared to -1.9 in the melatonin group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in measures of depression or hot flashes. Sleep disturbances are common among breast cancer survivors, even after completion of active cancer treatment. This is the first randomized placebo-controlled study among breast cancer survivors to demonstrate that melatonin was associated with an improvement in subjective sleep quality, without any significant adverse effects.

Weight, inflammation, cancer-related symptoms and health related quality of life among breast cancer survivors

Maintaining weight is important for better prognosis of breast cancer survivors. The associations between weight and cancer-related symptoms are not known. We examined associations among weight, weight change, inflammation, cancer-related symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a cohort of stage 0-IIIA breast cancer survivors. Participants were recruited on average 6 months (2–12 months) after diagnosis. Height, weight, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed at approximately 30 months post-diagnosis; cancer-related symptoms (chest wall and arm symptoms, vasomotor symptoms, urinary incontinence, vaginal symptoms, cognition/mood problems, sleep, sexual interest/function), and HRQOL (SF-36) were assessed at approximately 40 months post-diagnosis. Weight was measured at baseline in a subset. Data on 661 participants were evaluable for body mass index (BMI); 483 were evaluable for weight change. We assessed associations between BMI (<25.0, 25.0–29.9, ≥30.0 kg/m2), post-diagnosis weight change (lost ≥5 %, weight change <5 %, gained ≥5 %), and CRP (tertile) with cancer-related symptoms and HRQOL using analysis of covariance. Higher symptoms scores indicate more frequent or severe symptoms. Higher HRQOL scores indicate better HRQOL. Compared with those with BMI <25 kg/m2, women with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 had the following scores: increased for arm symptoms (+25.0 %), urinary incontinence (+40.0 %), tendency to nap (+18.9 %), and poorer physical functioning (−15.6 %, all p < 0.05). Obese women had lower scores in trouble falling asleep (−9.9 %; p < 0.05). Compared with weight change <5 %, participants with ≥5 % weight gain had lower scores in physical functioning (−7.2 %), role-physical (−15.5 %) and vitality (−11.2 %), and those with weight loss ≥5 % had lower chest wall (−33.0 %) and arm symptom scores (−35.5 %, all p < 0.05). Increasing CRP tertile was associated with worse scores for chest wall symptoms, urinary incontinence, physical functioning, role-physical, vitality and physical component summary scores (all P trend < 0.05). Future studies should examine whether interventions to maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation could alleviate cancer-related symptoms and improve HRQOL.

Comparison of health-related quality of life and emotional distress among Chinese cancer survivors

The purpose of this study is to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and emotional distress among diverse cancer survivors who had completed all treatment within the previous year. A convenience sample of 353 cancers survivors (lung, head and neck, breast and prostate cancers) were recruited to complete a survey, which consisted of (i) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales; (ii) Chinese version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General version; and (iii) demographic and clinical data. The HRQoL scores were similar among the four types of survivors. Mild anxiety and depression levels were reported, but no significant difference was noted. Younger females with financial burdens and uncertain prognosis were particularly associated with HRQoL and emotional distress. Further studies are essential to identify specific problems that cancer patients experience after cancer diagnosis that might lead to the early detection of those most at risk of ongoing problems.

Premature menopause in young breast cancer: effects on quality of life and treatment interventions

Many young women are at increased risk for premature menopause following adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. These women must deal with consequences of menopause, including loss of fertility and physiologic symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and weight gain. These symptoms can be particularly distressing for young women and can adversely affect both health-related and psychosocial quality of life (QOL). While there are a wide range of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions available to help with these symptoms and in turn, improve QOL, there is little data available about the use and efficacy of these interventions in younger women who become menopausal as a result of their breast cancer treatment. Future studies should focus on this vulnerable population, with the goal of identifying effective strategies to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in young breast cancer survivors.

Importance of metabolic changes induced by chemotherapy on prognosis of early-stage breast cancer patients: a review of potential mechanisms

Weight variation has been reported as a side effect of chemotherapy treatment in early breast cancer patients and has been identified as a factor of poor prognosis. Causes of weight variation during chemotherapy and mechanisms involved in the poor prognosis have been little studied. Here is reviewed the current knowledge about the main causes and mechanisms involved in body weight change. Special emphasis is placed on factors associated with weight variation which could potentially be involved in the risk of relapse in breast cancer survivors. In recent decades, some studies have investigated the causes of weight variation by studying energy balance of breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. Weight gain or loss may be the consequence of energy imbalance through different factors linked with chemotherapy, such as poor treatment tolerance, decreased muscle mass and function, or hormonal alterations. This results in body composition modifications in favour of fat gain and/or lean body mass loss. Increased adipose tissue, especially in the abdominal region, could induce metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance, through various pathways involving adipokines. These molecules have growth properties and could therefore play a role in cancer relapse. Understanding such mechanisms is key to developing preventive strategies for improving the prognosis of early-stage breast cancer patients.

Daytime sleepiness and sleep duration in long-term cancer survivors and non-cancer controls: results from a registry-based survey study

PURPOSE

Sleep-related complaints are common in cancer survivors. Although daytime sleepiness and sleep duration are associated with poor functional status, quality of life, and mortality in the general population, little is known about these issues in long-term cancer survivors. This study examined differences in daytime sleepiness and sleep duration between long-term cancer survivors and non-cancer controls.

METHODS

Survey data were analyzed from individuals diagnosed with cancer ≥2 years in the past (n = 1,171, mean age = 64.30, 80.8% white, 22.8% male) and spouse/friends controls (n = 250, mean age = 60.78, 88.0% white, 64.8% male). Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Associations between sleep-related variables and history of cancer were estimated with multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Stratified analyses were conducted to identify subgroups of survivors most at risk for sleep problems.

RESULTS

Cancer survivors were more likely than controls to report excessive daytime sleepiness (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.50). A cancer diagnosis was associated with longer sleep duration among males (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.53), but not in females (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.37, 1.05). All other associations were similar regardless of cancer site, histology, time since diagnosis, treatment history, and history of multiple cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Disturbances in daytime sleepiness and sleep duration persist among long-term cancer survivors and should be monitored in routine survivorship care. More research is needed to identify cancer survivors who are at increased risk for daytime sleepiness and disturbed sleep duration, as well as to identify causal mechanisms for, and interventions to mitigate, persistent differences.