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Arthur EK, Ridgway-Limle EA, Krok-Schoen JL, Boehmer U, Battle-Fisher M, Lee CN. Scoping review of experiences of sexual minority women treated for breast cancer. J Psychosoc Oncol 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38501984 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2024.2323471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To summarize and critique research on the experiences and outcomes of sexual minority women (SMW) treated with surgery for breast cancer through systematic literature review. METHODS A comprehensive literature search identified studies from the last 20 years addressing surgical experiences and outcomes of SMW breast cancer survivors. Authors performed a quality assessment and thematic content analysis to identify emergent themes. RESULTS The search yielded 121 records; eight qualitative studies were included in the final critical appraisal. Quality scores for included studies ranged 6-8 out of 10. Experiences and outcomes of SMW breast cancer survivors were organized by major themes: 1) Individual, 2) Interpersonal, 3) Healthcare System, and 4) Sociocultural and Discursive. CONCLUSIONS SMW breast cancer survivors have unique experiences of treatment access, decision-making, and quality of life in survivorship. SMW breast cancer survivors' personal values, preferences, and support network are critical considerations for researchers and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Arthur
- Nursing Research, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily A Ridgway-Limle
- Nursing Research, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica L Krok-Schoen
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ulrike Boehmer
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Clara N Lee
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Li M, Wang D, Huang J, Luan S, Wang Q. Sexual Behaviors and Intimate Relationships of Sexual Partners of Young Patients with Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Qualitative Study. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:5377-5387. [PMID: 38021052 PMCID: PMC10674558 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s437150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to explore the sexual behaviors and intimate relationships of sexual partners of young patients with cervical cancer. Patients and Methods This study employed a descriptive phenomenological research design, which falls within the realm of qualitative research methods. Qualitative research typically utilizes interview techniques for gathering participants' experiences, perceptions, and behaviors. This study conduct face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the sexual partners of 15 young cervical cancer patients receiving cancer treatment to collect their experiences and perspectives on intimate relationships and sexual behavior with cervical cancer patients, and use the Colaizzi method for data analysis. Results Four themes were identified through the interview analysis: (1) reduction or absence of sexual behavior, (2) unpleasant sexual experiences, (3) adjustment of intimate relationships, and (4) lack of sexual health education. Conclusion The sexual partners of young cervical cancer patients have experienced significant shifts in their perspectives on sexual behavior and intimate relationships. These changes include reduction or absence of sexual behavior, unpleasant sexual experiences, adjustment of intimate relationships, and lack of sexual health education. Hospitals should pay more attention to the sexual behavior and intimate relationships of patients with cervical cancer and their sexual partners, and social support systems and psychological and emotional counselling services should be established for providing relevant knowledge and guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Li
- School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, 256603, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongyang Wang
- Department of Nursing, the Third People’s Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaxiang Huang
- Oncology Department, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shunlian Luan
- Oncology Department, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinghua Wang
- School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, 256603, People’s Republic of China
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Heiden-Rootes K, Linsenmeyer W, Levine S, Oliveras M, Joseph M. A scoping review of research literature on eating and body image for transgender and nonbinary youth. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:168. [PMID: 37740228 PMCID: PMC10517525 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00853-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) adolescents and young adults are underrepresented in the literature on eating disorders and body image-related problems, despite increased mental health disparities and emerging research showing high associations between gender dysphoria, body image, and eating disorders among TGNB youth. AIMS The scoping review was designed to critically examine the research on TGNB adolescents and young adults who experience eating and body image related problems as well as clinical studies on treatment approaches and effectiveness. METHOD Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used for reporting this scoping review. The electronic databases of MEDLINE and PsychInfo were used for searching subject terms. Inclusion criteria for studies required the quantitative measurement or qualitative exploration of body image or eating for transgender minor children, adolescents, or young adult samples (18 to 25 years old) and address differences in eating/body-related problems by age. The relevant data was extracted and narratively summarized. RESULTS 49 studies were identified, data extracted, and analyzed. Increased prevalence of eating disorders and body image problems were identified for TGNB youth. Body-gender congruence through gender affirming social and medical interventions (e.g., hormone therapy) were noted as significant for alleviating body image problems and facilitating eating disorder treatment. Family and social factors were not well understood in the literature and a need for increased study of TGNB youth from varied racial/ethnic, neurodiverse, and within specific identities (e.g., nonbinary) and families and cultural contexts is still needed. CONCLUSIONS Future research should consider the use of developmental and family theories for guiding inclusion of salient social factors influencing eating patterns, body image, and treatment outcomes. In addition, more studies are needed with those from minoritized racial and ethnic groups, neurodiversity, and varied gender identities (e.g., nonbinary and gender queer) for identifying important differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Heiden-Rootes
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 3700 Lindell Blvd., Ste 1100, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA.
| | - Whitney Linsenmeyer
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Samantha Levine
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 3700 Lindell Blvd., Ste 1100, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Mark Oliveras
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 3700 Lindell Blvd., Ste 1100, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Miriam Joseph
- University Libraries, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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4
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Heiden-Rootes K, Linsenmeyer W, Levine S, Oliveras M, Joseph M. A scoping review of the research literature on eating and body image for transgender and nonbinary adults. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:111. [PMID: 37400915 PMCID: PMC10318796 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00828-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorder treatment approaches and outcome studies have historically centered almost exclusively on cisgender populations. Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) adults are underrepresented in general and intervention research despite being at increased risk for eating and body image-related problems. AIMS This scoping review was designed to gather and examine the research with TGNB adults who experience eating and body image related problems, as well as clinical studies on the effectiveness of treatment approaches. METHOD Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used for reporting this review. MEDLINE and PsychInfo were used as electronic databases for searching subject terms. Inclusion criteria for studies required the quantitative measurement or qualitative exploration of body image or eating for TGNB adults. The relevant data were extracted and summarized based on quantitative findings and qualitative themes. RESULTS After review of over 1258 articles, 59 studies met criteria and data were extracted and summarized. Factors associated with eating disorders and body image problems across studies suggests gender-affirming medical interventions are effective and emphasized treatment for an eating disorder is warranted alongside gender affirming medical care. Body image was associated with eating patterns aimed at meeting gendered ideals of body shape and size. There was variation in guiding theories and absence of consensus in the definition of transgender in the review studies. This likely demonstrates the changing language, social acceptance of TGNB people and identities, diagnostic criteria, and clinical conceptualizations of eating and body image. CONCLUSIONS Future research should consider the use of theory for guiding inclusion of salient social factors influencing eating patterns, body image, and treatment outcomes. In addition, future research is needed that centers on nonbinary and genderqueer populations, as well as those from minoritized racial and ethnic groups to inform culturally appropriate concerns, needs, and treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Heiden-Rootes
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 3700 Lindell Blvd., Ste 1100, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA.
| | - Whitney Linsenmeyer
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Samantha Levine
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 3700 Lindell Blvd., Ste 1100, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Mark Oliveras
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 3700 Lindell Blvd., Ste 1100, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Miriam Joseph
- University Libraries, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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5
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Tan KR, Waters AR, Chen Q, Hendricks BA, Coombs LA, Kent EE. Inequities Among Cancer Caregivers with Diverse Identities: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:803-812. [PMID: 37043117 PMCID: PMC10091341 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01415-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The number of older adults with cancer relying on support from caregivers continues to increase. Health disparities in older adults with cancer often extend to their caregivers. This review aims to assess the state of cancer caregiving research in historically underrepresented diverse populations and provide recommendations for future research and policy. RECENT FINDINGS Research on caregivers of older adults with cancer from diverse backgrounds has primarily been descriptive. Health disparities for historically underrepresented caregivers (LGBTQ + , BIPOC, rural, young adults, youth) exist across several dimensions (e.g., financial, mental, and physical health, and access to caregiver support). Few published studies have closely examined the unique experiences of these caregivers nor provided culturally appropriate tailored interventions. Health equity research within caregiving populations is in its infancy. Priorities for future work should focus on identifying modifiable targets for intervention, changing systems-level processes in acknowledging and supporting caregivers, and creating policies that reduce financial inequities of caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Tan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 101 East Weaver Street, CB 7293, 2nd Floor, Suite 220, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Austin R Waters
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Qi Chen
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Bailey A Hendricks
- College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Lorinda A Coombs
- School of Nursing, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin E Kent
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Ketcher D, Reblin M, Mansfield KJ, McCormick R, Skinner AM, Otto AK, Tennant K, Wawrzynski SE, Reed DR, Cloyes KG. "It's Kind of Complicated": A Qualitative Exploration of Perceived Social Support in Young Adult and Young Adult Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and/or Queer Cancer Survivors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2022; 11:564-570. [PMID: 35166594 PMCID: PMC9784592 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0210] [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: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This qualitative secondary analysis describes the perceived importance of familial, peer, and health system social support for an understudied group of cancer survivors: young adults (YAs), including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ). Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with YA cancer survivors as part of a study of social support networks and interactions. Team members conducted content analysis of interview transcripts; coding decisions were reviewed and discussed among the research team. Descriptions of social support were ultimately organized around family, peer, and health care system support. Results: Twelve YA survivors recruited using two National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and social media participated between August 2019 and May 2020. Survivors averaged 28.2 years old. Half of survivors self-identified as female; four survivors were LGBTQ. Participants described both the positives of social support, as well as barriers to meeting support needs, within the following three levels: familial, peer, and health care providers or system. Conclusion: YA survivors have needs that are often addressed by their families, peers, and the health care system. However, barriers such as complex relationship history and lack of targeted/tailored support programs can prevent survivors from receiving adequate support. The growing diversity and intersectionality represented in the YA population call for targeted support and training by the health care system to sufficiently support this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Ketcher
- Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Maija Reblin
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | | | - Rachael McCormick
- Department of Health Outcomes & Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Amber M. Skinner
- Adolescent Young Adult Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Amy K. Otto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Karrin Tennant
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Damon R. Reed
- Adolescent Young Adult Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Cloyes KG, Guo JW, Tennant KE, McCormick R, Mansfield KJ, Wawrzynski SE, Classen SC, Jones EC, Reblin M. Exploring Social Support Networks and Interactions of Young Adult and LGBTQIA+ Cancer Survivors and Care Partners. Front Oncol 2022; 12:852267. [PMID: 35463370 PMCID: PMC9033283 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.852267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the social support networks and daily support interactions of cancer-affected individuals, including young adult (YA) and LGBTQIA+ survivors and care partners. Methods Participants were recruited at two United States cancer centers and via social media for a pilot study testing a novel online method for collecting prospective, daily social support interaction data (N=28). All participants were aged 18+; survivors had a current or recent cancer diagnosis and were engaged in treatment and/or services; care partners were identified by the survivors. Enrollment also purposefully targeted YA and LGBTQIA+ survivors. Social network data (up to 10 members) were assessed at baseline. Daily online surveys assessed support interactions between participants and specific network members over 14 days. Descriptive statistics summarized data and explored between-group (YA/non-YA, LGBTQIA+/non-LGBTQIA+) differences in social network characteristics (size, heterogeneity, density, centralization, cohesion) and support interactions (support source and type). Results There were no significant differences between YA and non-YA participants on any measures. LGBTQIA+ participants’ support networks were less dense (Mdn=0.69 vs. 0.82, p=.02), less cohesive (Mdn=0.85 vs. 0.91,.02), more centered on the participant (Mdn=0.40 vs. 0.24, p=.047), and included more LGBTQIA+ members (Mdn=0.35 vs. 0.00, p<.001). LGBTQIA+ participants reported having more interactions with LGBTQIA+ network members (Mdn=14.0 vs. Mdn=0.00, p<.001) and received significantly more of all types of support from LGBTQIA+ vs. non-LGBTQIA+ members. LGBTQIA+ participants also reported receiving more appraisal support than non-LGBTQIA+ (Mdn 21.64 vs. 9.12, p=.008) including more appraisal support from relatives (Mdn=11.73 vs 6.0, p+.037). Conclusions Important information related to support access, engagement, and needs is embedded within the everyday contexts of the social networks of cancer-affected people. Individualized, accessible, and prospective assessment could help illuminate how their “real world” support systems are working and identify specific strengths and unmet needs. These insights would inform the development of more culturally competent and tailored interventions to help people understand and leverage their unique support systems. This is particularly critical for groups like YA and LGBTQIA+ survivors and care partners that are underserved by formal support services and underrepresented in cancer, caregiving, and social support research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin G. Cloyes
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: Kristin G. Cloyes,
| | - Jia-Wen Guo
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Karrin E. Tennant
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Rachael McCormick
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Kelly J. Mansfield
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - Sarah C. Classen
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Eric C. Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Maija Reblin
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
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8
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Reblin M, McCormick R, Mansfield KJ, Wawrzynski SE, Ketcher D, Tennant KE, Guo JW, Jones EC, Cloyes KG. Feasibility, usability, and acceptability of personalized web-based assessment of social network and daily social support interactions over time. J Cancer Surviv 2022; 16:904-912. [PMID: 35064551 PMCID: PMC8782690 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01083-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of implementing a web-based method for collecting social network and longitudinal daily interaction data from cancer survivors and their caregivers. Methods Young adult and sexual/gender minority cancer survivors and their informal caregivers were recruited as dyads. Feasibility data, including enrollment and retention, were captured. Individual social network data were collected at baseline and used to individualize daily electronically delivered surveys assessing characteristics of daily social support-related interactions with identified network members for 14 days. Follow-up questionnaires assessing usability and exit interviews assessing acceptability were completed at the end of the 2-week study period. Results Fourteen survivor-caregiver dyads (28 individual participants) were enrolled and completed all baseline and final measures. Participants completed 85.2% of daily diary reports and reported excellent usability ratings. Acceptability was also high. In qualitative interviews, participants reported enjoying the daily reflection on social support facilitated by our methods. Conclusions Our method has been shown to be highly feasible, usable, and acceptable. Implications for Cancer Survivors Developing better data collection tools can lead to better understanding of the social support cancer survivors and their caregivers receive, and how the social network structure facilitates or creates barriers to accessing this support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Reblin
- Department of Health Outcomes & Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
- College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Rachael McCormick
- Department of Health Outcomes & Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Sarah E Wawrzynski
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Dana Ketcher
- Department of Health Outcomes & Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Jia-Wen Guo
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Eric C Jones
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Thompson T, Ketcher D, Gray TF, Kent EE. The Dyadic Cancer Outcomes Framework: A general framework of the effects of cancer on patients and informal caregivers. Soc Sci Med 2021; 287:114357. [PMID: 34500320 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that cancer affects not only patients but also their friends and family members who provide informal, and typically unpaid, care. Given the dual impact that cancer often has on patients and their informal caregivers (i.e., family members, partners, or friends), an expanded dyadic framework that encompasses a range of health and psychosocial outcomes and includes primary caregivers with a range of relationships to the patients is critically needed. Moreover, an emphasis on the role of social and contextual factors may help the framework resonate with a broader range of patient-caregiver relationships and allow for the development of more effective dyadic interventions. This article describes the development of the Dyadic Cancer Outcomes Framework, which was created to guide future research and intervention development. Using an iterative process, we conducted a conceptual review of currently used dyadic and/or caregiving models and frameworks and developed our own novel dyadic framework. Our novel Dyadic Cancer Outcomes Framework highlights individual- and dyad-level predictors and outcomes, as well as incorporating the disease trajectory and the social context. This framework can be used in conjunction with statistical approaches including the Actor Partner Interdependence Model to evaluate outcomes for different kinds of partner-caregiver dyads. This flexible framework can be used to guide intervention development and evaluation for cancer patients and their primary caregivers, with the ultimate goal of improving health, psychosocial, and relationship outcomes for both patients and caregivers. Future research will provide valuable information about the framework's effectiveness for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Thompson
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - Dana Ketcher
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Tamryn F Gray
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing & Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin E Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
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Borowczak M, Lee MC, Weidenbaum E, Mattingly A, Kuritzky A, Quinn GP. Comparing Breast Cancer Experiences and Quality of Life between Lesbian and Heterosexual Women. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174347. [PMID: 34503157 PMCID: PMC8431629 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary While issues related to support for women with breast cancer have been well studied among heterosexual women, less is known about the supportive care needs of women who are in same-sex or lesbian relationships. Aside from being at increased risk for development of, and mortality from, breast cancer compared to their heterosexual counterparts, there is a growing collection of literature that suggests that lesbian women with breast cancer have different psychosocial and supportive care needs than heterosexual women. The purpose of this study was to examine heterosexual and lesbian women breast cancer survivors’ perceptions of their cancer care experience and support sources. As survivorship care continues to evolve, it is important to recognize not only the specific needs of lesbian minority women, but also the many strengths of this community as these factors may inform future interventions and approaches to improved survivorship care. Abstract Background: While breast cancer among women in general has been well studied, little is known about breast cancer in sexual minority women (SMW). Aside from being at an increased risk for development of, and mortality from, breast cancer compared to their heterosexual counterparts, there is a growing collection of literature that suggests that SMW experience breast cancer differently to heterosexual women. Methods: Qualitative study of both straight and lesbian women with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Focus groups were conducted to assess straight and SMW experiences pertaining to perceived barriers, resources/support from partners as well as attitudes pertaining to breast reconstruction. Results: A sample of 15 participants (10 straight and 5 lesbian women) were included in the present study. Focus group themes focused on support, wishes for support, satisfaction with inclusion of partner, fear, perceived discrimination, quality of life, body image, treatment delay, financial concern, frustration with the system, reconstruction, access to information, and attitudes towards cancer diagnosis. A majority of women in both groups chose to undergo breast reconstruction. Conclusion: In our study, SMW experienced their breast cancer treatment through a uniquely supportive and positive lens, often with higher relationship satisfaction and better self-image when compared to straight women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Borowczak
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ 08043, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Marie C. Lee
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Emily Weidenbaum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; (E.W.); (G.P.Q.)
| | | | - Anne Kuritzky
- Trihealth Cancer Institute, Cincinnati, OH 45242, USA;
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; (E.W.); (G.P.Q.)
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