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Bowers M, Higginson IJ, Maddocks M. Patient and carer experiences of cancer cachexia and its management. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2024; 18:132-137. [PMID: 38980806 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To explore the contributions of recent qualitative literature in progressing understanding of the experiences of cancer cachexia, and its management, from the perspectives of patients and unpaid/family carers. RECENT FINDINGS Challenges with conducting everyday activities, maintaining independence, and continuing usual roles within the family are sources of distress. Patients and carers value individualization, flexibility, and carer involvement in physical activity/exercise interventions. In psychosocial/educational interventions that were positively perceived, the opportunity to talk about cachexia was appreciated, leading to improved health literacy, awareness about nutrition, and relationships with food. However, the general patient and carer experience around clinical acknowledgement and management of cachexia remains poor. SUMMARY Eating-related distress and conflicts, lack of understanding about cachexia, and the visibility of weight loss remain recurring themes amongst literature on experiences of cancer cachexia. Studies exploring preferences for, and experiences of, interventions have primarily focused on physical activity or exercise. Psychosocial/educational and physical activity/exercise interventions are valued and perceived to alleviate some of the key quality of life issues amongst patients with cancer cachexia and their unpaid/family carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Bowers
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
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Ma Q, Luo J, Cao H, Ye S, Dang N, Wang T, Fan S, Tang M, Zheng G, Hou L. Social support, health behavior self-efficacy, and anxiety on physical activity levels among lung cancer survivors: a structural equation modeling. J Cancer Surviv 2024:10.1007/s11764-024-01626-y. [PMID: 38865009 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-024-01626-y] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to investigate the relationship among social support, health behavior self-efficacy, anxiety, and the physical activity (PA) levels of lung cancer survivors, and to analyze whether health behavior self-efficacy and anxiety mediate the relationship between social support and PA levels. METHODS In a cross-sectional study of 1128 lung cancer survivors from 16 Chinese hospitals, we collected demographic data and administered the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale (SRAHP), Anxiety Scale (AS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). SPSS 25.0 was used for descriptive analyses, while the structural equation model in SPSS AMOS 24.0 was used to identify the direct, indirect, and total effects among variables. RESULTS There were significant correlations among SSRS, SRAHP, AS, and PA (P < 0.01). Model outcomes revealed a positive association between social support and health behavior self-efficacy (β = 0.732, P < 0.001). Health behavior self-efficacy positively correlated with PA levels (β = 0.228, P < 0.001) and negatively with anxiety (β=-0.252, P = 0.001). Moreover, health behavior self-efficacy was found to partially mediate the relationship between social support and PA (β = 0.174, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS This study revealed a positive correlation between social support and health behavior self-efficacy, and between health behavior self-efficacy and PA levels among lung cancer survivors. Additionally, health behavior self-efficacy mediated the relationship between social support and PA levels. In future clinical practice, medical and nursing staff should assess social support and health behavior self-efficacy in lung cancer survivors to inform personalized PA interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Ma
- School of Nursing, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road 639, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Huxing Cao
- School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shengchang Ye
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road 639, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Nan Dang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Shajing Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Guohui Zheng
- Department of Nursing, The People's Hospital of Xiang Yun, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, 627199, China
| | - Lili Hou
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road 639, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Bland KA, France-Ratcliffe M, Krishnasamy M, Nandi A, Parr EB, Martin P, Cormie P, van Loon LJC, Zopf EM. "It gave me a sense of achievement and a sense of purpose"-a qualitative study of patient experiences of a virtually supervised exercise program for adults with advanced cancer and cachexia. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:325. [PMID: 38700712 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08526-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
People with advanced cancer and cachexia experience significant body weight loss, adversely impacting physical function and quality of life (QOL). Effective, evidence-based treatments for cancer cachexia are lacking, leaving patients with unmet needs. Exercise holds promise to improve patient QOL. However, information on patients' experiences of exercise, including their ability to cope with structured exercise, is limited. PURPOSE To explore patient experiences completing a structured, supervised exercise program for people with cachexia due to advanced cancer. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants enrolled in a phase II feasibility, randomized controlled trial to explore their experiences of an 8-week virtually supervised exercise program delivered via videoconference technology. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Seventeen participants completed interviews (female n = 9, 53%). Main interview themes included the following: (1) Deciding to exercise involves balancing concerns and expectations, (2) the exercise program is a positive experience, and (3) moving forward after the exercise program. While some participants initially held doubts about their physical capabilities and exercise safety, most wanted to exercise to enhance their wellbeing. Participants described the exercise program as a positive experience, offering diverse benefits. Some would have preferred in-person exercise, but all agreed the virtual format increased convenience. Participants emphasized the need to recommend the program to others in similar circumstances. They underscored the necessity and desire for ongoing support to sustain their new exercise habits. CONCLUSION Based on patient experiences, virtually supervised exercise programming appears to be feasible and meaningful to people with advanced cancer and cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelcey A Bland
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Cancer Control, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | | | - Meinir Krishnasamy
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amruta Nandi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Evelyn B Parr
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Martin
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Palliative Care, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Prue Cormie
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Luc J C van Loon
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Human Biology, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Eva M Zopf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC, Australia
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Gale N, Jones U, Rees T, Hicks A, Davies J, Holliday S, Hopkinson J. A cancer personalised activity and lifestyle tool (CAN-PAL): A codesign study with patients and healthcare professionals. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:572-579. [PMID: 38062580 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To codesign a cancer personalised activity and lifestyle tool (CAN-PAL) based on an existing tool. To help cancer care workers support people affected by cancer to plan and integrate physical activity into lifestyles. DESIGN Mixed-methods codesign study. METHODS Phase 1: Focus groups with people affected by cancer (n = 10) or interviews (n = 2) to discuss suitable physical activities and adaptation of the existing tool. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Themes informed the design of the prototype CAN-PAL and user guide. Phase 2: Healthcare professionals considered the potential use of the CAN-PAL prototype and completed an online survey including the system usability scale and free text responses. RESULTS Phase 1: Identified suitable physical activities and four themes were identified including: Capability, benefits, barriers and resources which informed the prototype CAN-PAL and user guide. Phase 2: The user survey was completed by 12 healthcare professionals. Median (range) system usability scale was 80 (50-95) (best score 100), scores >68 indicate good or better usability. Themes from the free text comments included strengths, amendments, considerations and limitations. Results were used to finalise CAN-PAL and the user guide. CONCLUSION The codesigned CAN-PAL tool had good usability. Further work is needed to evaluate the impact of CAN-PAL on activity levels and behaviour in people affected by cancer. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE People affected by cancer need support to undertake physical activity. The purpose of CAN-PAL is to assist cancer care workers to support people affected by cancer to plan and integrate physical activity into lifestyles. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Public partners considered the findings from Phase 1 and 2 and informed the design of the prototype, final CAN-PAL and user guide and coauthored the paper. REPORTING METHOD The study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines; the study was reported according to the COREQ checklist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichola Gale
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Una Jones
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Tracy Rees
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alexandra Hicks
- Public Partner, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Janet Davies
- Public Partner, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Jane Hopkinson
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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McClement SE. Toward a holistic understanding of cancer cachexia: Application of the human response to illness model. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2023; 10:100306. [PMID: 38197036 PMCID: PMC10772185 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Cachexia is a commonly presenting multidimensional syndrome in individuals living with advanced cancer. Given its prevalence of between 50% and 80%, nurses are going to encounter individuals manifesting ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass (with or without loss of fat mass) that can be partially but not entirely reversed by conventional nutritional support. Thus nurses require a comprehensive understanding of this complex clinical problem. Research suggests, however, that nurses receive minimal education about cachexia or its management. Limited understanding undermines the ability to confidently care for patients with cachexia and their families, thereby hampering effective practice. The human response to illness model provides nurses with an organizing framework to guide and make sense of their assessments in clinical practice when caring for patients with cancer cachexia and provides direction for appropriate intervention. This article illustrates the integration of the human response to illness model to clinical practice, thereby assisting nurses to develop a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, pathophysiological, behavioral, and experiential facets of cachexia in advanced cancer patients. Contemporary areas of further interest and research will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E. McClement
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Helen Glass Centre for Nursing, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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