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Saab M, Han X. Exploring influencing factors in breast cancer survivors’ experience in Lebanon. Front Psychol 2022; 13:965825. [PMID: 36081713 PMCID: PMC9445656 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.965825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The research objective was to investigate social and cultural factors affecting breast cancer survivors’ experiences in Lebanese. Methods A snowball sampling of 20 breast cancer survivors participated in the study. Semi-structured open-ended interviews were used to collect data. Results The results showed that family support and religious beliefs were the primary supporting sources for breast cancer survivors. On the other hand, their body image and children were the major concerns. Thus, family and religious beliefs were needed to overcome breast cancer’s daily burden. Conclusion Women with breast cancer perceived their cancer experience through their social roles, reflecting a concern for image and role preservation.
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Tiirola H, Poutanen VM, Vornanen R, Pylkkänen L. Development of cancer support services for patients and their close ones from the Cancer Society of Finland's perspective. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 16:1915737. [PMID: 33880972 PMCID: PMC8079123 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1915737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study examined what support cancer patients and their close ones need and how this support should be organized when developing cancer care pathways. The study focused on the opinions of professionals of the Cancer Society of Finland (CSF), who play a central role in presenting the third sector’s perspective on care pathways. Method: Six semi-structured group interviews were carried out with counselling nurses (n = 12) and managers (n = 9) of the CSF during summer 2017. The results were analysed using content analysis. Results: Both patients and their close ones need more information, psychosocial support and financial counselling after diagnosis, during rehabilitation and follow-up, at relapse and during the palliative care phase; additionally, close ones require support after the patient’s death. Participants emphasized close collaboration between public healthcare and the CSF to meet the needs of patients and their close ones. Conclusion: Psychosocial support can—and should—be provided as part of the care pathway. This support can be provided by organizations in the third sector, such as the CSF, which have resources in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Tiirola
- Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Poutanen
- Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riitta Vornanen
- Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Liisa Pylkkänen
- Clinical Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Spouse caregivers' attributed gains from a skill-based counseling program. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:4389-4394. [PMID: 33438051 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-05985-5] [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: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe spouse caregivers' perceived gains in their own words from participating in a fully manualized 5-session educational counseling program whose goals were to enhance their self-care and skills to interpersonally support their wife with breast cancer. METHODS Interviews from 81 spouses obtained 7 months after exiting from a fully manualized educational counseling program, Helping Her Heal, were content analyzed using inductive coding methods adapted from grounded theory. Trustworthiness of study results was protected by coding to consensus, formal peer debriefing, and maintaining an audit trail. RESULTS Analysis yielded 3 conceptual domains: Giving Me Structure; Adding Skills to Help Her and Us; and Gaining Insights into Myself and My Wife, all of which reflected practical things on which spouses could take action and ways they could take care of themselves, support their wife, and from which they gained insight into their own and their wife's response to the breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that short-term, fully manualized counseling programs can provide opportunities and practical ways spouse caregivers are able to gain interpersonal communication, self-care skills, and personal insights. This scripted model of counseling is a way in which to deliver educational counseling with self-reported benefits, even though the program is fully scripted and not uniquely fashioned for each caregiver's unique experience. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS NCI-2013-01838 .
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Møller JJK, Jespersen E, Lindahl-Jacobsen R, Ahrenfeldt LJ. Associations between perceived information needs and anxiety/depressive symptoms among cancer caregivers: A cross-sectional study. J Psychosoc Oncol 2019; 38:171-187. [PMID: 31535929 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2019.1664699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Caregivers to cancer patients often experience information needs. This study investigates the associations between perceived information needs and anxiety/depressive symptoms among caregivers to cancer patients.Design: Cross-sectional study using self-completed questionnaires.Sample: A total of 128 caregivers to cancer patients who participated in a rehabilitation stay at REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Center for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, from April 2016 to March 2017.Methods: The caregivers completed a questionnaire assessing both information needs and anxiety/depressive symptoms. We used ordinal logistic regressions to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between seven information needs and anxiety/depressive symptoms. The reference group was caregivers with no perceived information needs.Findings: The combined score of perceived information needs was associated with higher odds of anxiety (OR = 3.86 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.85-8.03) and depressive symptoms (OR = 3.83 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.15-12.75). For the individual items, our results showed higher odds of anxiety symptoms for caregivers with perceived information needs regarding (1) the disease and its course, for both little need for information (OR = 3.62, 95% CI 1.39-9.43) and substantial need for information (OR = 4.57, 95% CI 1.40-14.93); however, for substantial information needs, an interaction with gender was found showing higher odds for men (OR = 28.90, 95% CI 4.46-187.41), but no significant association for women. Also, substantial need for information regarding the disease and its course were associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms (OR = 11.43, 95% CI 1.18-111.21). Furthermore, we found higher odds of anxiety symptoms for caregivers who perceived information needs regarding (2) which symptoms and adverse effects to be aware of; (3) how to help and support a cancer patient; (4) expected mental responses in a person with cancer; (5) how to find information on the internet, and (6) where to direct caregiver questions and/or concerns after patient discharge.Conclusions: Among caregivers to cancer patients, perceived needs regarding the disease and its course were associated with higher odds of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, several other information needs were associated with anxiety symptoms.Implications for Psychosocial Providers or Policy: To prevent unnecessary anxiety and depressive symptoms among cancer caregivers, health care professionals should be aware of the importance of informing caregivers regarding the disease and its course. Other issues to address concerning anxiety symptoms are information regarding which symptoms and adverse effects to be aware of; how to help and support a cancer patient; expected mental responses in a person with cancer; how to find information on the internet; and where to direct caregiver questions and/or concerns after patient discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens-Jakob Kjer Møller
- REHPA - The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Nyborg, Denmark
| | - Eva Jespersen
- REHPA - The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Nyborg, Denmark.,Department of Rehabilitation, Odense University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rune Lindahl-Jacobsen
- Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Linda Juel Ahrenfeldt
- Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Keesing S, Rosenwax L, McNamara B. A dyadic approach to understanding the impact of breast cancer on relationships between partners during early survivorship. BMC Womens Health 2016; 16:57. [PMID: 27561256 PMCID: PMC5000504 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-016-0337-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The shared impact of breast cancer for women and their male partners is emerging as an important consideration during the experience of a breast cancer diagnosis, particularly during survivorship. This study aimed to explore the experiences of women and their partners during early survivorship and contributes a range of insights into the lives of those intimately affected by breast cancer. METHODS In-depth interviews were completed with Australian women survivors of breast cancer (n = 8) and their partners (n = 8), between six months and five years following cessation of treatment. Questions included a focus on the women and their partners' daily experiences during early survivorship, including the management of ongoing symptoms, engagement in leisure and social interests, returning to work, communicating with each other, maintenance of the current relationship and other important roles and responsibilities. Thematic analysis was employed to determine key themes arising from the dyadic accounts of women and their partners' experiences during early breast cancer survivorship. RESULTS Women and their partners experienced many changes to their previous roles, responsibilities and relationships during early breast cancer survivorship. Couples also reported a range of communication, intimacy and sexuality concerns which greatly impacted their interactions with each other, adding further demands on the relationship. Three significant themes were determined: (1) a disconnection within the relationship - this was expressed as the woman survivor of breast cancer needing to prioritise her own needs, sometimes at the expense of her partner and the relationship; (2) reformulating the relationship - this reflects the strategies used by couples to negotiate changes within the relationship; and (3) support is needed to negotiate the future of the relationship - couples emphasised the need for additional support and resources to assist them in maintaining their relationship during early survivorship. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that the early survivorship period represents a crucial time for both women and their partners and there are currently limited options available to meet their shared needs and preferences for support. Findings indicate that a suitable model of care underpinned by a biopsychosocial framework, access to comprehensive assessment, timely support and the provision of targeted resources are urgently needed to assist women and their partners during this critical time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Keesing
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845 Australia
| | - Lorna Rosenwax
- Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA Australia
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Ávila M, Brandão T, Coimbra JL, Lopez F, Matos PM. Experiencing an Intimate Partner's Breast Cancer: Attachment, Caregiving, and Burden in Men. Psychiatry 2016; 79:236-248. [PMID: 27880619 DOI: 10.1080/00332747.2016.1158003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined interrelationships among adult attachment orientations, caregiving, and caregiver burden in men of female partners with breast cancer, and tested whether caregiving patterns mediated associations between men's attachment orientations and their self-reported caregiver burden. METHOD The participants were 124 male partners of women with breast cancer. These participants completed assessments related to attachment, caregiving, and caregiver burden. Path models examined the associations between constructs and tested mediational effects. RESULTS Findings demonstrated significant associations between men's adult attachment orientations and their experience of caregiver burden. In addition, the maintenance of proximity in caregiving completely mediated the respective associations of attachment security and attachment avoidance to caregiver health problems, on one hand, and to the caregiver's self-esteem (e.g., another indicator for caregiver burden), on the other. Moreover, we found a direct effect of attachment avoidance on health problems. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted the importance of addressing adult attachment dispositions and caregiving to understanding the relational processes implicated in caregiver burden. The results support the conclusion that men's adult attachment orientations and caregiving patterns toward their female partners with breast cancer are relevant contributors to men's perceptions of caregiver burden.
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Gröpper S, van der Meer E, Landes T, Bucher H, Stickel A, Goerling U. Assessing cancer-related distress in cancer patients and caregivers receiving outpatient psycho-oncological counseling. Support Care Cancer 2015; 24:2351-2357. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-015-3042-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Kauffmann R, Bitz C, Clark K, Loscalzo M, Kruper L, Vito C. Addressing psychosocial needs of partners of breast cancer patients: a pilot program using social workers to improve communication and psychosocial support. Support Care Cancer 2015; 24:61-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-015-2721-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Cheng T, Jackman M, McQuestion M, Fitch M. ‘Knowledge is power’: perceived needs and preferred services of male partners of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:3175-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2314-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Cardoso F, Bese N, Distelhorst SR, Bevilacqua JLB, Ginsburg O, Grunberg SM, Gralla RJ, Steyn A, Pagani O, Partridge AH, Knaul FM, Aapro MS, Andersen BL, Thompson B, Gralow JR, Anderson BO. Supportive care during treatment for breast cancer: resource allocations in low- and middle-income countries. A Breast Health Global Initiative 2013 consensus statement. Breast 2013; 22:593-605. [PMID: 24001709 PMCID: PMC7442957 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2013.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer patients may have unmet supportive care needs during treatment, including symptom management of treatment-related toxicities, and educational, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. Delivery of supportive care is often a low priority in low- and middle-income settings, and is also dependent on resources available. This consensus statement describes twelve key recommendations for supportive care during treatment in low- and middle-income countries, identified by an expert international panel as part of the 5th Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) Global Summit for Supportive Care, which was held in October 2012, in Vienna, Austria. Panel recommendations are presented in a 4-tier resource-stratified table to illustrate how health systems can provide supportive care services during treatment to breast cancer patients, starting at a basic level of resource allocation and incrementally adding program resources as they become available. These recommendations include: health professional and patient and family education; management of treatment related toxicities, management of treatment-related symptoms of fatigue, insomnia and non-specific pain, and management of psychosocial and spiritual issues related to breast cancer treatment. Establishing supportive care during breast cancer treatment will help ensure that breast cancer patients receive comprehensive care that can help 1) improve adherence to treatment recommendations, 2) manage treatment-related toxicities and other treatment related symptoms, and 3) address the psychosocial and spiritual aspects of breast cancer and breast cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nuran Bese
- Acibadem Maslak Hospital Breast Health, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | - Ophira Ginsburg
- Women’s College Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Steven M. Grunberg
- Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, Shelburne, Vermont, USA
| | | | - Ann Steyn
- Reach to Recovery International; Reach to Recovery South Africa, Cape Town. South Africa
| | - Olivia Pagani
- European School of Oncology and Institute of Oncology of Southern Switzerland, Viganello, Switzerland
| | | | - Felicia Marie Knaul
- Harvard Global Equity Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Tómatelo a Pecho A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Beti Thompson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Julie R. Gralow
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Benjamin O. Anderson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Pauwels E, Van Hoof E, Charlier C, Lechner L, De Bourdeaudhuij I. Design and process evaluation of an informative website tailored to breast cancer survivors' and intimate partners' post-treatment care needs. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:548. [PMID: 23034161 PMCID: PMC3583797 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background On-line provision of information during the transition phase after treatment carries great promise in meeting shortcomings in post-treatment care for breast cancer survivors and their partners. The objectives of this study are to describe the development and process evaluation of a tailored informative website and to assess which characteristics of survivors and partners, participating in the feasibility study, are related to visiting the website. Methods The development process included quantitative and qualitative assessments of survivors’ and partners’ care needs and preferences. Participants’ use and evaluation of the website were explored by conducting baseline and post-measurements. During the intervening 10–12 weeks 57 survivors and 28 partners were granted access to the website. Results Fifty-seven percent (n=21) of survivors who took part in the post-measurement indicated that they had visited the website. Compared to non-visitors (n=16), they were more likely to have a partner and a higher income, reported higher levels of self-esteem and had completed treatment for a longer period of time. Partners who consulted the on-line information (42%, n=8) were younger and reported lower levels of social support compared to partners who did not visit the website (n=11). Visitors generally evaluated the content and lay-out positively, yet some believed the information was incomplete and impersonal. Conclusions The website reached only about half of survivors and partners, yet was mostly well-received. Besides other ways of providing information and support, a website containing clear-cut and tailored information could be a useful tool in post-treatment care provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Pauwels
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000, Gent, Belgium
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