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Latham S, Leach MJ, White VM, Webber K, Jefford M, Lisy K, Davis N, Millar JL, Evans S, Emery JD, IJzerman M, Ristevski E. Health-related quality of life in rural cancer survivors compared with their urban counterparts: a systematic review. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:424. [PMID: 38864894 PMCID: PMC11168981 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08618-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We conducted a systematic review to describe health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in rural cancer survivors (RCS), and compare HRQOL between RCS and urban cancer survivors (UCS). METHOD We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and PsycINFO for studies with HRQOL in adult cancer survivors living in rural, regional, remote, and urban areas, who had completed definitive primary cancer treatment, without evidence of residual disease. Where available, we used normative and clinically important values to ascribe meaning to HRQOL data. FINDINGS Fifteen studies (16 papers) were included. Most were from the US (n = 8) and reported on breast cancer survivors (n = 9). Six HRQOL instruments, collecting data across 16 domains, were used. Three instruments were specific to the survivorship phase. Normative and clinical data were available for 12 studies. Compared with normative populations, RCS had clinically worse physical HRQOL (6/12 studies), better social/family (5/7), and functional (3/6) HRQOL, and there were no differences in emotional or/mental HRQOL (9/12). In six studies with rural-urban comparator groups and normative and clinically important data, RCS and UCS had clinically worse physical (3/6 and 2/6, respectively) and better social/family (3/4 and 2/4 studies, respectively) HRQOL than normative populations. Functional HRQOL was better in RCS (2/4 studies) than UCS and normative populations. In 3/6 studies, there were no clinical differences in emotional or/mental HRQOL between RCS, UCS, and normative populations. CONCLUSION Overall, HRQOL is not clearly better or worse in RCS than UCS. Future research should include different tumor types, rural residents, and survivorship-specific HRQOL instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Latham
- Department of Oncology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Oncology, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
- Medical Oncology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M J Leach
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - V M White
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Webber
- Department of Oncology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Jefford
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Lisy
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Davis
- Cancer Survivor, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J L Millar
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Radiation Oncology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Evans
- Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J D Emery
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M IJzerman
- Centre for Health Policy, Cancer Health Services Research, Melbourne School of Population and Global/Total Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - E Ristevski
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, 15 Sargeant Street, Warragul, VIC, 3820, Australia.
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Nelson D, Selby P, Kane R, Harding-Bell A, Kenny A, McPeake K, Cooke S, Hogue T, Oliver K, Gussy M, Lawler M. Implementing the European code of cancer practice in rural settings. J Cancer Policy 2024; 39:100465. [PMID: 38184144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2023.100465] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Existing evidence often indicates higher cancer incidence and mortality rates, later diagnosis, lower screening uptake and poorer long-term survival for people living in rural compared to more urbanised areas. Despite wide inequities and variation in cancer care and outcomes across Europe, much of the scientific literature explicitly exploring the impact of rurality on cancer continues to come from Australia and North America. The European Code of Cancer Practice or "The Code" is a citizen and patient-centred statement of the most salient requirements for good clinical cancer practice and has been extensively co-produced by cancer patients, cancer professionals and patient advocates. It contains 10 key overarching Rights that a cancer patient should expect from their healthcare system, regardless of where they live and has been strongly endorsed by professional and patient cancer organisations as well as the European Commission. In this article, we use these 10 fundamental Rights as a framework to argue that (i) the issues and needs identified in The Code are generally more profound for rural people with cancer; (ii) addressing these issues is also more challenging in rural contexts; (iii) interventions and support must explicitly account for the unique needs of rural residents living with and affected by cancer and (iv) new innovative approaches are urgently required to successfully overcome the challenges faced by rural people with cancer and their caregivers. Despite equitable healthcare being a key European policy focus, the needs of rural people living with cancer have largely been neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nelson
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK; Macmillan Cancer Support, London, UK.
| | - Peter Selby
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Lincoln Medical School, Universities of Nottingham and Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Ros Kane
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | - Amanda Kenny
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK; La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Kathie McPeake
- Macmillan Cancer Support, London, UK; NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, Sleaford, UK
| | - Samuel Cooke
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Todd Hogue
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | - Mark Gussy
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK; La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Mark Lawler
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Vahl JM, Nagel G, Grages A, Brand M, von Witzleben A, Sonntag M, Theodoraki M, Greve J, Aboukors T, Denkinger M, Dallmeier D, Idel C, Hoffmann TK, Laban S. Demographics and access to head and neck cancer care in rural areas compared to urban areas in Germany. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18826-18836. [PMID: 37706654 PMCID: PMC10557897 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6505] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Demographic development in rural and urban areas differs substantially. Demographics and access to specialized head and neck cancer centers may affect head and neck cancer patients' (HNCP) outcomes. Here, we compare epidemiological indicators and outcomes of HNCP in rural and urban Germany. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a retrospective analysis of data from the Center for Cancer Registry Data (ZfKD) between 2002 and 2017, 212,920 HNCP were included. Incidence, demographics, travel distance to specialized centers, and ground values were compared between rural and urban areas with a focus on their association with patient outcomes. RESULTS The mean age of HNCP was significantly higher in urban areas (mean difference = 1.4 years; p < 0.0001), but increased at a comparable rate (p = 0.26) in rural and urban areas during the observation period. Gender imbalance was higher in rural areas (mean ratio of men/women: 4.1 vs. 3.1; p < 0.0001), but showed a comparable trend toward equilibration in both, rural and urban districts (p = 0.46). The portion of HNCP of the entire HNCP population living in urban areas increased from 55.9% in the year 2002 to 76.4% in the year 2017. There was no significant difference or change in the ratio of advanced to low UICC stage during the observation period (p = 0.26). However, travel distances to medical centers were higher in rural areas, especially (p < 0.0001) in East Germany. Median survival of HNCP in rural areas was significantly lower than in urban areas (42 months [SEM = 0.7; CI: 40.5-43.5] vs. 54 months [SEM = 1.2; CI: 51.7-56.3]; p < 0.0001) in East Germany, whereas in West Germany no significant difference was observed (59 months [SEM = 0.8; CI: 57.4-60.6] vs. 60 months [SEM = 0.5; CI: 59.0-61.0]; p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS Place of residence contributes to survival outcome of HNCP. Access to specialized care and socioeconomic factors could be improved in East Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius M. Vahl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center UlmUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
| | - Gabriele Nagel
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical BiometryUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
| | - Ayla Grages
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center UlmUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
| | - Matthias Brand
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center UlmUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
| | - Adrian von Witzleben
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center UlmUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
| | - Michael Sonntag
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center UlmUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
| | - Marie‐Nicole Theodoraki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center UlmUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
| | - Jens Greve
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center UlmUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
| | - Tsima Aboukors
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center UlmUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
| | - Michael Denkinger
- Agaplesion Bethesda Ulm, Geriatric Research Ulm University and Geriatric CenterUlmGermany
| | - Dhayana Dallmeier
- Agaplesion Bethesda Ulm, Geriatric Research Ulm University and Geriatric CenterUlmGermany
| | - Christian Idel
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyUniversity Hospital Schleswig‐HolsteinLübeckGermany
| | - Thomas K. Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center UlmUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
| | - Simon Laban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center UlmUniversity Medical Center UlmUlmGermany
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Rivera-Rivera JN, Borger T, Sizemore Y, Burris JL. Similarities and differences across the underlying dimensions of social functioning in rural and nonrural cancer survivors: A mixed-methods study. J Rural Health 2023; 39:434-443. [PMID: 36315053 PMCID: PMC10038817 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE For cancer survivors, social functioning greatly influences other quality of life dimensions. While there is potential for differences in social functioning to vary as a function of geographic residence, few studies examine the social functioning of rural cancer survivors specifically. This study aims to help fill this gap. METHODS This was an embedded mixed-methods study where all participants completed a questionnaire, and some were purposively selected to complete an interview to gather more information about social functioning (ie, social roles, activities, network, support, and constraint). Participants (n = 93; 63% rural) were recruited through a state cancer registry and cancer care facility. Participants were predominately White, non-Hispanic (92.47%), roughly half female (54.84%), and on average, diagnosed in the past two years (SD = 1.68), and 61.45 (SD = 10.87) years old. FINDINGS Few differences in the social functioning of rural and nonrural participants were found on questionnaires, though rural participants reported larger networks and more overall support. Across groups, common themes in the interview data were the experience of both social support (eg, instrumental support) and social constraint (eg, others minimizing participants' problems or sharing their own negative experiences). CONCLUSIONS This was the first cancer survivorship study to thoroughly examine social functioning by geographic residence. Rural cancer survivors described some unique strengths, but major group differences were not apparent. All participants highlighted situations when others, even with good intentions, were unhelpful to them. Future interventions to improve social functioning could work to dispel the belief that cancer survivors should handle their cancer on their own.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tia Borger
- University of Kentucky Department of Psychology, Lexington, KY
- University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY
| | - Yancey Sizemore
- University of Kentucky Department of Psychology, Lexington, KY
| | - Jessica L. Burris
- University of Kentucky Department of Psychology, Lexington, KY
- University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY
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An Exploration of Rural-Urban Residence on Self-Reported Health Status with UK Cancer Survivors Following Treatment: A Brief Report. NURSING REPORTS 2022; 12:574-582. [PMID: 35997464 PMCID: PMC9397029 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep12030056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effect of rural−urban residence on the self-reported health status of UK cancer survivors following primary treatment. Design: A post-positivist approach utilizing a cross-sectional survey that collected data on demographics, postcode and self-reported health status. Methods: An independent samples t test was used to detect differences in health status between rural and urban respondents. Pearson’s χ2 was used to control for confounding variables and a multivariate analysis was conducted using Stepwise linear regression. Setting: East Midlands of England. Participants: Adult cancer survivors who had undergone primary treatment in the last five years. Participants were excluded if they had recurrence or metastatic spread, started active oncology treatment in the last twelve months, and/or were in receipt of palliative or end-of-life care. Main outcome: Residence was measured using the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) RUC2011 Rural−Urban Classifications and Health Status via the UK ONS self-reported health status measure. Ethics: The study was reviewed and approved (Ref: 17/WS/0054) by an NHS Research Ethics Committee and the Health Research Authority (HRA) prior to recruitment and data collection taking place. Results: 227 respondents returned a questionnaire (response rate 27%). Forty-five percent (n = 103) were resident in a rural area and fifty-three percent (n = 120) in an urban area. Rural (4.11 ± 0.85) respondents had significantly (p < 0.001) higher self-reported health statuses compared to urban (3.65 ± 0.93) respondents (MD 0.47; 95% CI 0.23, 0.70). Conclusion: It is hoped that the results will stimulate further work in this area and that researchers will be encouraged to collect data on rural−urban residency where appropriate.
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Chu JN, Canchola AJ, Keegan THM, Nickell A, Oakley-Girvan I, Hamilton AS, Yu RL, Gomez SL, Shariff-Marco S. Evaluating the Impact of Social and Built Environments on Health-Related Quality of Life among Cancer Survivors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022; 31:161-174. [PMID: 34728471 PMCID: PMC8755614 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-21-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With almost 17 million U.S. cancer survivors, understanding multilevel factors impacting health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is critical to improving survivorship outcomes. Few studies have evaluated neighborhood impact on HRQOL among cancer survivors. METHODS We combined sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral data from three registry-based studies in California. Using a three-level mixed linear regression model (participants nested within block groups and study/regions), we examined associations of both independent neighborhood attributes and neighborhood archetypes, which capture interactions inherent among neighborhood attributes, with two HRQOL outcomes, physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) composite scores. RESULTS For the 2,477 survivors, 46% were 70+ years, 52% were non-Hispanic White, and 53% had localized disease. In models minimally adjusted for age, stage, and cancer recurrence, HRQOL was associated with neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES), racial/ethnic composition, population density, street connectivity, restaurant environment index, traffic density, urbanicity, crowding, rental properties, and non-single family units. In fully adjusted models, higher nSES remained associated with better PCS, and restaurant environment index, specifically more unhealthy restaurants, associated with worse MCS. In multivariable-adjusted models of neighborhood archetype, compared with upper middle-class suburb, Hispanic small town and inner city had lower PCS, and high status had higher MCS. CONCLUSIONS Among survivors, higher nSES was associated with better HRQOL; more unhealthy restaurants were associated with worse HQROL. As some neighborhood archetypes were associated with HRQOL, they provide an approach to capture how neighborhood attributes interact to impact HRQOL. IMPACT Elucidating the pathways through which neighborhood attributes influence HRQOL is important in improving survivorship outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet N Chu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Alison J Canchola
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | | | | | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rosa L Yu
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Scarlett Lin Gomez
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Salma Shariff-Marco
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Alonso I, Lopez-Perez L, Martin Guirado JC, Fernanda Cabrera-Umpierrez M, Arredondo MT, Fico G. Data analytics for predicting quality of life changes in head and neck cancer survivors: a scoping review. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:2262-2265. [PMID: 34891737 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9629619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide. The incidence of this cancer is increasing, but at the same time, the cancer-related mortality rate has decreased over time, leaving more head and neck cancer survivors. More emphasis is needed on quality-of-life research in the head and neck cancer field to improve their daily lives and reduce the disease and treatment response burden. To achieve this, we conducted a scoping review to find and learn which predictors and data analysis techniques have been used in previous studies. This work is undertaken in the context of the BD4QoL EU Research project.
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de Oliveira Faria S, Hurwitz G, Kim J, Liberty J, Orchard K, Liu G, Barbera L, Howell D. Identifying Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for Routine Surveillance of Physical and Emotional Symptoms in Head and Neck Cancer Populations: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184162. [PMID: 34575271 PMCID: PMC8470145 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this review were to identify symptoms experienced by head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and their prevalence, as well as to compare symptom coverage identified in HNC specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Searches of Ovid Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, and CINAHL were conducted to identify studies. The search revealed 4569 unique articles and identified 115 eligible studies. The prevalence of reported symptoms was highly variable among included studies. Variability in sample size, timing of the assessments, and the use of different measures was noted across studies. Content mapping of commonly used PROMs showed variability and poor capture of prevalent symptoms, even though validation studies confirmed satisfactory reliability and validity. This suggests limitations of some of the tools in providing an accurate and comprehensive picture of the patient's symptoms and problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheilla de Oliveira Faria
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada;
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3061-8278
| | - Gillian Hurwitz
- Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (G.H.); (J.K.); (J.L.); (K.O.)
| | - Jaemin Kim
- Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (G.H.); (J.K.); (J.L.); (K.O.)
| | - Jacqueline Liberty
- Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (G.H.); (J.K.); (J.L.); (K.O.)
| | - Kimberly Orchard
- Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (G.H.); (J.K.); (J.L.); (K.O.)
| | - Geoffrey Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada;
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Lisa Barbera
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Doris Howell
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada;
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada
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van der Kruk SR, Butow P, Mesters I, Boyle T, Olver I, White K, Sabesan S, Zielinski R, Chan BA, Spronk K, Grimison P, Underhill C, Kirsten L, Gunn KM. Psychosocial well-being and supportive care needs of cancer patients and survivors living in rural or regional areas: a systematic review from 2010 to 2021. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:1021-1064. [PMID: 34392413 PMCID: PMC8364415 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06440-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To summarise what is currently known about the psychosocial morbidity, experiences, and needs of people with cancer and their informal caregivers, who live in rural or regional areas of developed countries. Methods Eligible studies dating from August 2010 until May 2021 were identified through several online databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and RURAL (Rural and Remote Health Database). Results were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines and the protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020171764). Results Sixty-five studies were included in this review, including 20 qualitative studies, 41 quantitative studies, and 4 mixed methods studies. Qualitative research demonstrated that many unique psychosocial needs of rural people remain unmet, particularly relating to finances, travel, and accessing care. However, most (9/19) quantitative studies that compared rural and urban groups reported no significant differences in psychosocial needs, morbidity, or quality of life (QOL). Five quantitative studies reported poorer psychosocial outcomes (social and emotional functioning) in urban cancer survivors, while three highlighted poorer outcomes (physical functioning, role functioning, and self-reported mental health outcomes) in the rural group. Conclusion Recent research shows that rural people affected by cancer have unique unmet psychosocial needs relating to rurality. However, there was little evidence that rural cancer survivors report greater unmet needs than their urban counterparts. This contrasts to the findings from a 2011 systematic review that found rural survivors consistently reported worse psychosocial outcomes. More population-based research is needed to establish whether uniquely rural unmet needs are due to general or cancer-specific factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannen R. van der Kruk
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Phyllis Butow
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Ilse Mesters
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Terry Boyle
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Ian Olver
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Kate White
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Sabe Sabesan
- College of Medicine and Dentistry (CMD), James Cook University, QLD, Townsville, Australia
| | - Rob Zielinski
- Central West Cancer Care Centre, Orange Base Hospital, Orange, NSW Australia
- Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Bryan A. Chan
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Kristiaan Spronk
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA Australia
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Peter Grimison
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | | | | | - Kate M. Gunn
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA Australia
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA Australia
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Smith L, Downing A, Norman P, Wright P, Hounsome L, Watson E, Wagland R, Selby P, Kind P, Donnelly DW, Butcher H, Huws D, McNair E, Gavin A, Glaser AW. Influence of deprivation and rurality on patient-reported outcomes of men living with and beyond prostate cancer diagnosis in the UK: A population-based study. Cancer Epidemiol 2020; 69:101830. [PMID: 33002843 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2020.101830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the UK, inequalities exist in prostate cancer incidence, survival and treatment by area deprivation and rurality. This work aimed to identify variation in patient-reported outcomes of men with prostate cancer by area type. METHODS A population-based survey of men 18-42 months after prostate cancer diagnosis (N = 35608) measured self-assessed health (SAH) using the EQ-5D and five functional domains using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26). RESULTS Mean SAH was higher for men in least deprived areas compared to most deprived (difference 6.3 (95 %CI 5.6-7.2)). SAH scores were lower for men in most urban areas compared to most rural (difference 2.4 (95 %CI 1.8-3.0)). Equivalent estimates in the general population reported a 13 point difference by deprivation and a 4 point difference by rurality. For each EPIC-26 domain, functional outcomes were better for men in the least deprived areas, with clinically meaningful differences observed for urinary incontinence and hormonal function. There were no clinically meaningful differences in EPIC-26 outcomes by rurality with less than a three point difference in scores for each domain between urban and rural areas. CONCLUSION In men 18-42 months post diagnosis of prostate cancer in the UK, impacts of area deprivation and rurality on self-assessed health related quality of life were not greater than would be expected in the general population. However, clinically meaningful differences were identified for some prostate functional outcomes (urinary and hormonal function) by deprivation. No impact by rurality of residence was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Smith
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Leeds Institute of Data Analytics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Amy Downing
- Leeds Institute of Data Analytics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Paul Norman
- School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Penny Wright
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Luke Hounsome
- National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Eila Watson
- Department of Midwifery, Community and Public Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Wagland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Peter Selby
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Paul Kind
- Academic Unit of Health Economics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David W Donnelly
- Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Hugh Butcher
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Dyfed Huws
- Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Emma McNair
- Information Services Division, NHS National Services Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna Gavin
- Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Adam W Glaser
- Leeds Institute of Data Analytics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Symptom Burden of Nonresected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: An Analysis of 10,753 Patient-Reported Outcome Assessments. Pancreas 2020; 49:1083-1089. [PMID: 32769858 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is a debilitating disease. We sought to analyze symptom burden and trajectories after diagnosis of PAC and identify predictors of severe symptoms for nonresected patients. METHODS This was a retrospective review of linked administrative health care databases examining patients with PAC not undergoing resection. Primary outcome was severe patient-reported symptoms (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System ≥7). Multivariable modified Poisson regression models were used to identify factors associated with reporting severe symptoms. RESULTS A total of 10,753 symptom assessments from 2168 patients were analyzed. The median age was 67 years, and 47% were female; median survival was 7 months. Most common severe symptoms were tiredness (54.7%), anorexia (53.6%), overall impaired well-being (45.3%), and drowsiness (37.1%). Severity of symptoms decreased 1 month after diagnosis and plateaued 4 months after diagnosis. Female sex, comorbidities, and older age were associated with reporting severe symptoms; recent radiation treatment and residence in a rural community were associated with reporting less severe symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of severe symptoms in patients with nonresected PAC was high, but potentially modifiable. We identified vulnerable groups of patients that may benefit from focused interventions. This information is important for patient counseling and design of supportive care strategies.
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12
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Lee YH, Goo-Yoshino S, Lew HL, Chi WC, Yen CF, Liao HF, Chen SC, Liou TH. Social participation in head and neck cancer survivors with swallowing disorder: World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 study. Head Neck 2019; 42:905-912. [PMID: 31886608 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social function and quality of life were negatively impacted by the sequelae of treatment for the disease in the head and neck cancer survivor with swallowing disorder. METHOD Data from a total of 1023 survivors between July 2012 and November 2017 were collected from the Taiwan Data Bank of Persons with Disability. Nonparametric rank F test was used to analyze the influence of different variables on social participation. RESULTS (a) All WHODAS (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule) 2.0 scores revealed significantly increased difficulty when swallowing impairment increased (P < .001). (b) Unemployment, institutionalization, severity of swallowing impairment, cancer sites, and WHODAS 2.0 score of domains 1 to 4 were negatively related to social participation, while living in rural area is related to increased social participation. CONCLUSIONS Social participation was negatively affected by many variables in this population. Among these variables, cancer sites and WHODAS 2.0 score of domains 1 to 4 were the strongest factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hao Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shari Goo-Yoshino
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Henry L Lew
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Wen-Chou Chi
- School of Occupational Therapy, Chungshan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Feng Yen
- Department of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hua-Fang Liao
- Taiwan Association of Child Development and Early Intervention, Hualien City, Taiwan.,School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ching Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsan-Hon Liou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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Lu L, O'Sullivan E, Sharp L. Cancer-related financial hardship among head and neck cancer survivors: Risk factors and associations with health-related quality of life. Psychooncology 2019; 28:863-871. [PMID: 30779397 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer survivors are susceptible to financial hardship. In head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors, we investigated (a) predictors for cancer-related financial hardship and (b) associations between financial hardship and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in HNC survivors identified from the National Cancer Registry Ireland. HRQoL was based on the Functional Assessment for Cancer Therapy General (FACT-G) plus Head and Neck Module (FACT-HN). Objective cancer-related financial hardship (financial stress) was assessed as household ability to make ends meet due to cancer and subjective financial hardship (financial strain) as feelings about household financial situation due to cancer. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify predictors for financial hardship. Bootstrap linear regression was used to estimate associations between hardship and FACT domain scores. RESULTS Pre-diagnosis retirement (relative risk [RR] 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-0.67), pre-diagnosis financial stress (RR 1.85, 95% CI 1.58-2.15), and treatment were significantly associated with objective financial hardship. Predictors of subjective financial hardship were similar: aged greater than or equal to 65 years, pre-diagnosis financial stress, and treatment. Participants with objective financial hardship reported significantly lower physical (coefficient -3.45, 95% CI -4.39 to -2.44), emotional (-2.01, 95% CI -2.83 to -1.24), functional (-2.56, 95% CI -3.77 to -1.33) and HN-specific HRQoL (-3.55, 95% CI -5.04 to -2.23). Physical, emotional, and functional HN-specific HRQoL were also significantly lower in participants with subjective financial hardship. CONCLUSION Cancer-related financial hardship is common and associated with worse HRQoL among HNC survivors. This supports the need for services and supports to address financial concerns among HNC survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Lu
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne
| | | | - Linda Sharp
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne
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14
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Pateman KA, Cockburn NL, Batstone MD, Ford PJ. Quality of life of head and neck cancer patients in urban and regional areas: An Australian perspective. Aust J Rural Health 2018; 26:157-164. [PMID: 29913059 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Head and neck cancer treatment affects quality of life. There are differences in quality of life outcomes and perceived supportive care needs between cancer patients living in metropolitan and regional-remote areas. This study investigated quality of life over the first 6 months following head and neck cancer diagnosis and observed differences in quality of life by geographical location. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING Tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Newly diagnosed patients who were referred for the diagnosis, and/or treatment of head and neck cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Quality of life was measured by the University of Washington Quality of Life Survey, version 4 (UW-QoL). Participants completed the UW-QoL questionnaire prior to starting treatment, 1 month and 6 months post treatment. Metropolitan and regional or remote status was classified according to the Australian Standard Geographic Classification-Remoteness Area system. RESULTS Ninety-five participants were included at baseline; 49 and 41 participants completed the 1-month and 6-month follow-ups, respectively. Scores in most UW-QoL domains decreased between baseline and 1 month post treatment and increased towards pre-treatment scores at the 6-month follow-up (except for anxiety and saliva). Pain at baseline was significantly worse in the regional-remote participants compared with metropolitan participants. No other statistically significant differences in UW-QoL score by geographical location were observed. CONCLUSION The findings generally did not support significant differences in quality of life outcome between metropolitan and regional-remote head and neck cancer patients. The difference in pain experience between metropolitan and regional-remote groups requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A Pateman
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole L Cockburn
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Martin D Batstone
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pauline J Ford
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Chen CC, Chen LW, Cheng SH. Rural–urban differences in receiving guideline-recommended diabetes care and experiencing avoidable hospitalizations under a universal coverage health system: evidence from the past decade. Public Health 2017; 151:13-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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16
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Kim JD, Firouzbakht A, Ruan JY, Kornelsen E, Moghaddamjou A, Javaheri KR, Olson RA, Cheung WY. Urban and rural differences in outcomes of head and neck cancer. Laryngoscope 2017; 128:852-858. [PMID: 28940575 DOI: 10.1002/lary.26836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To assess for potential urban and rural disparities in head and neck cancer (HNC) outcomes within a single-payer healthcare system. STUDY DESIGN A large retrospective population-based cohort analysis of consecutive HNC patients treated in British Columbia, Canada between 2001 and 2010 was conducted. METHODS All patients diagnosed with HNC from 2001 to 2010 and referred to any one of five British Columbia Cancer Agency centers for management were reviewed. Based on census data, patients were classified into: 1) rural, 2) small urban, 3) moderate urban, and 4) large urban areas. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models were used to correlate site of residence with overall survival (OS), controlling for prognostic factors that included sociodemographic and other tumor and treatment-related characteristics. RESULTS We identified 3,036 patients; the median age was 64 years, 26% were women, and 32% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0 or 1. The majority resided in large urban areas (55%) followed by rural (22%), moderate urban (13%), and small urban (10%). In regression analyses, smoking (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-3.45, P < .001), ECOG 2 + (HR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.26-5.22, P < .001), oral cavity (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.03-2.32, P = .04) and hypopharyngeal tumors (HR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.42-3.77, P = .00), and large tumor size (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08-2.64, P = .02) were correlated with inferior OS, but site of residence was not. When stratified by type of treatment, OS remained similar irrespective of urban or rural residence. CONCLUSIONS Urban-rural differences in HNC survival outcomes were not observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2c. Laryngoscope, 128:852-858, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Kim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aryan Firouzbakht
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jenny Y Ruan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emily Kornelsen
- Department of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Calgary, Tom Baker Cancer Center, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ali Moghaddamjou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Khodadad R Javaheri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert A Olson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Winson Y Cheung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Calgary, Tom Baker Cancer Center, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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17
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Hanly P, Maguire R, Balfe M, O'Sullivan E, Sharp L. Making Implicit Assumptions Explicit in the Costing of Informal Care: The Case of Head and Neck Cancer in Ireland. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2017; 35:591-601. [PMID: 28205149 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-017-0490-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From a health service perspective, informal care is often viewed as a potentially cost-effective way of transferring costs out of the formal healthcare sector. However, informal care is not a free resource. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to assess the impact of alternative valuation methods and key assumptions on the cost of informal care. METHODS Informal carers who assisted in the care of a head and neck cancer survivor for at least 1 year were sent a postal questionnaire during January-June 2014 requesting information on time spent on caring tasks in the month prior to the survey. Time was costed using the opportunity cost approach (OCA; base-case) and the generalist (GRCA) and specialist (SRCA) replacement cost approaches. The impact on results of how household work and informal carers not in paid employment are treated were investigated. RESULTS We estimated a cost of €20,613 annually in the base case (OCA - mean wage) for informal care. The GRCA and SRCA equivalent costs were 36% (€13,196) and 31% (€14,196) lower, respectively. In the extreme scenario of applying a 'zero' opportunity cost to carers not in paid employment, costs fell by 67% below the base case. CONCLUSION While the choice of costing method is important for monetary valuation, the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of the underlying population can be equally so. This is especially important given the heterogeneous treatment of older carers, female carers and carers not in paid employment in the OCA. To limit this, we would suggest using the SRCA to value informal care across heterogeneous carer populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hanly
- National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.
| | - Rebecca Maguire
- National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | | | | | - Linda Sharp
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
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18
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Cahir C, Thomas AA, Dombrowski SU, Bennett K, Sharp L. Urban-Rural Variations in Quality-of-Life in Breast Cancer Survivors Prescribed Endocrine Therapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14040394. [PMID: 28387748 PMCID: PMC5409595 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14040394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The number of breast cancer survivors has increased as a result of rising incidence and increased survival. Research has revealed significant urban-rural variation in clinical aspects of breast cancer but evidence in the area of survivorship is limited. We aimed to investigate whether quality of life (QoL) and treatment-related symptoms vary between urban and rural breast cancer survivors prescribed endocrine therapy. Women with a diagnosis of stages I-III breast cancer prescribed endocrine therapy were identified from the National Cancer Registry Ireland and invited to complete a postal survey (N = 1606; response rate = 66%). A composite measure of urban-rural classification was created using settlement size, population density and proximity to treatment hospital. QoL was measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G) and an endocrine subscale. The association between urban-rural residence/status and QoL and endocrine symptoms was assessed using linear regression with adjustment for socio-demographic and clinical covariates. In multivariable analysis, rural survivors had a statistically significant higher overall QoL (β = 3.81, standard error (SE) 1.30, p < 0.01), emotional QoL (β = 0.70, SE 0.21, p < 0.01) and experienced a lower symptom burden (β = 1.76, SE 0.65, p < 0.01) than urban survivors. QoL in breast cancer survivors is not simply about proximity and access to healthcare services but may include individual and community level psychosocial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitriona Cahir
- Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | | | | | - Kathleen Bennett
- Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Linda Sharp
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK.
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19
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Thomas AA, Pearce A, O'Neill C, Molcho M, Sharp L. Urban–rural differences in cancer-directed surgery and survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. J Epidemiol Community Health 2016; 71:468-474. [DOI: 10.1136/jech-2016-208113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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20
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Balfe M, O'Brien KM, Timmons A, Butow P, O'Sullivan E, Gooberman-Hill R, Sharp L. Informal caregiving in head and neck cancer: caregiving activities and psychological well-being. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2016; 27:e12520. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Balfe
- National Cancer Registry of Ireland; Cork Airport Business Park; Cork Ireland
| | - K. M. O'Brien
- National Cancer Registry of Ireland; Cork Airport Business Park; Cork Ireland
| | - A. Timmons
- National Cancer Registry of Ireland; Cork Airport Business Park; Cork Ireland
| | - P. Butow
- Centre for Medical Psychology; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - E. O'Sullivan
- School of Dentistry; University College Cork; Cork Ireland
| | | | - L. Sharp
- National Cancer Registry of Ireland; Cork Airport Business Park; Cork Ireland
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21
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Burden and happiness in head and neck cancer carers: the role of supportive care needs. Support Care Cancer 2016; 24:4283-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-016-3261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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22
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O’Leary E, Drummond FJ, Gavin A, Kinnear H, Sharp L. Psychometric evaluation of the EORTC QLQ-PR25 questionnaire in assessing health-related quality of life in prostate cancer survivors: a curate’s egg. Qual Life Res 2015; 24:2219-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s11136-015-0958-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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23
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Sharp L, Deady S, Gallagher P, Molcho M, Pearce A, Alforque Thomas A, Timmons A, Comber H. The magnitude and characteristics of the population of cancer survivors: using population-based estimates of cancer prevalence to inform service planning for survivorship care. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:767. [PMID: 25319534 PMCID: PMC4216835 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rising cancer incidence and survival mean that the number of cancer survivors is growing. Accumulating evidence suggests many survivors have long-term medical and supportive care needs, and that these needs vary by survivors’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. To illustrate how cancer registry data may be useful in survivorship care service planning, we generated population-based estimates of cancer prevalence in Ireland and described socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the survivor population. Methods Details of people diagnosed with invasive cancer (ICD10 C00-C96) during 1994–2011, and who were still alive on 31/12/2011, were abstracted from the National Cancer Registry, and tabulated by cancer site, sex, current age, marital status, initial treatment, and time since diagnosis. Associations were investigated using chi-square tests. Results After excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, 17-year cancer prevalence in Ireland was 112,610 (females: 58,054 (52%) males: 54,556 (48%)). The four most prevalent cancers among females were breast (26,066), colorectum (6,598), melanoma (4,593) and uterus (3,505) and among males were prostate (23,966), colorectum (8,207), lymphoma (3,236) and melanoma (2,774). At the end of 2011, 39% of female survivors were aged <60 and 35% were ≥70 compared to 25% and 46% of males (p < 0.001). More than half of survivors of bladder, colorectal and prostate cancer were ≥70. Cancers with the highest percentages of younger (<40) survivors were: testis (50%); leukaemia (females: 28%; males: 22%); cervix (20%); and lymphoma (females: 19%; males: 20%). Fewer female (57%) than male (64%) survivors were married but the percentage single was similar (17-18%). More female (25%) than male survivors (18%; p < 0.001) were ≥10 years from diagnosis. Overall, 69% of survivors had undergone cancer-directed surgery, and 39%, 32% and 18% had received radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy, respectively. These frequencies were higher among females than males (surgery: 82%, 54%; radiotherapy: 42%, 35%; chemotherapy: 40%, 22%; hormone therapy: 23%, 13%). Conclusions These results reveal the socio-demographic and clinical heterogeneity of the survivor population, and highlight groups which may have specific medical and supportive care needs. These types of population-based estimates may help decision-makers, planners and service providers to develop follow-up and after-care services to effectively meet survivors’ needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sharp
- National Cancer Registry, Building 6800, Cork Airport Business Park, Kinsale Road, Cork, Ireland.
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24
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Thomas AA, Gallagher P, O'Céilleachair A, Pearce A, Sharp L, Molcho M. Distance from treating hospital and colorectal cancer survivors' quality of life: a gendered analysis. Support Care Cancer 2014; 23:741-51. [PMID: 25179691 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2407-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Distance from residence to hospital has been associated with clinical outcomes for colorectal cancer patients. However, little is known about the association of remoteness with quality of life (QoL) for colorectal cancer survivors. We examined the relationship between distance from hospital and colorectal cancer survivors' QoL, with a specific focus on gender. METHODS Colorectal cancer survivors in Ireland who were more than 6-months postdiagnosis completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30, measuring global health status (GHS) and physical, role, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning. Bootstrap linear regression was used to evaluate the association between remoteness and QoL scales, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Separate models were generated for the full sample, for women, and for men. RESULTS The final analytical sample was 496 colorectal cancer survivors; 186 women and 310 men. Living remote from the treating hospital was associated with lower physical functioning (coefficient -4.38 [95 % confidence interval -8.13, -0.91]) and role functioning (coeff. -7.78 [-12.64, -2.66]) among all colorectal cancer survivors. In the separate gender models, remoteness was significantly associated with lower physical (coeff. -7.00 [-13.47, -1.49]) and role functioning (coeff. -11.50 [-19.66, -2.65]) for women, but not for men. Remoteness had a significant negative relationship to GHS (coeff. -4.31 [-8.46, -0.27]) for men. CONCLUSIONS Aspects of QoL are lower among colorectal cancer survivors who live far from their treating hospital. There are gender differences in how remoteness is related to QoL domains. The results of this study suggest that policy makers, service providers, and health care professionals should consider the specific QoL needs of remote colorectal cancer survivors, and be attuned to and prepared to address the differing needs of men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Alforque Thomas
- Health Promotion Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Aras na Coiribe, Galway, Ireland,
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Long-term workforce participation patterns following head and neck cancer. J Cancer Surviv 2014; 9:30-9. [PMID: 25060809 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-014-0382-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This analysis describes the long-term workforce participation patterns of individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS Survivors of HNC (ICD10 C00-C14, C32) diagnosed at least 8 months previously were identified from the National Cancer Registry Ireland and sent a survey including questions about working arrangements before and since diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine the factors that influence workforce participation at 0, 1 and 5 years after diagnosis. RESULTS Two hundred sixty-four individuals employed at the time of diagnosis responded to the survey, an average 6 years post-diagnosis. Seventy-seven percent took time off work after diagnosis, with a mean work absence of 9 months (range 0-65 months). Fifty-two percent of participants reduced their working hours (mean reduction 15 h/week). The odds of workforce participation following HNC were increased by not being eligible for free medical care (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.15-5.94), having lip, mouth or salivary gland cancer (compared to cancer of the pharynx or cancer of the larynx, OR 2.79, 1.20-6.46), being self-employed (OR 2.01, 1.07-3.80), having private health insurance (OR 2.06, 1.11-3.85) and not receiving chemotherapy (OR 2.82, 1.31-6.06). After 5 years, only the effect of medical card remained (i.e., medical insurance) (OR 4.03, 1.69-9.62). CONCLUSIONS Workforce participation patterns after HNC are complex and are influenced by cancer, treatment and employment factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Patients should be informed of the potential impacts of HNC on workforce participation, and clinicians, policy makers and employers should be aware of these potential longer-term effects and related variables.
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