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Martino ML, Sebri V, Singer J, Madow K, Giudice AV, Mazzoni D, Freda MF, Pravettoni G. Specificity and integration of meaning in self-defining memories of breast cancer survivors: clinical reflections to promote a narrative identity integration. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1433266. [PMID: 39205968 PMCID: PMC11349666 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1433266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Potential traumatic events, such as breast cancer, can influence autobiographical memory (AM), interrupting the continuity of narrative identity. AM is based on a hierarchical search across different levels of specificity that are indexed from top to bottom when a memory is retrieved. In the breast cancer field, non-specific AMs are an observed clinical phenomenon. In particular, breast cancer survivors report issues related to self-defining memories (SDMs), specific and significant AMs that evoke strong emotions and sensory details at the time of memory. SDMs are linked to life goals and facilitate adaptation to critical experiences, preserving the continuity of identity. This study explored the narrative identity integration process of breast cancer survivors, analyzing themes, specificity, and integrative meaning in SDMs. Ten women participated in an online group support program centered on the integration of AMs linked to the cancer journey. Participants were asked to assess their body image perceptions, filling out an online survey three times, in which they had to report three SDMs each time. A reflexive thematic analysis of the SDMs identified three main themes: the onset of breast cancer; the labeling of negative emotions, and changes in the body. The results indicated inhibited retrieval of specific episodes, fostering a progressive failure in memory characterization and the concurrent meaning-making process. Participants struggled with connecting the memories to insights regarding their self and life, as well as relating the memories to external conditions and other individuals. Further studies might examine the impact of these difficulties on the psychological adjustment of BC long-term survivors. They could also explore cognitive reconstruction by reframing the memories and re-evaluating their traumatic meanings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Sebri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO European, Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Jefferson Singer
- Department of Psychology, Connecticut College, New London, CT, United States
| | - Katie Madow
- Department of Psychology, Connecticut College, New London, CT, United States
| | - Alice Viola Giudice
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO European, Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Mazzoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO European, Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Rodrigues IO, Duarte I, Costa CG, Pimentel AL, Chaves S, Gomes AP, Santos L, Santos JI, Moreira AC, Lobão A, Nazaré I, Santos P. Knowledge about cervical cancer in young Portuguese women: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1357606. [PMID: 38560438 PMCID: PMC10978639 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1357606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Health literacy is crucial to adherence to medical interventions in therapeutics, prevention, and diagnosis. The basis for literacy is knowledge. To accomplish the goals for the elimination of cervical cancer, one of the most prevalent and preventable cancers, we must understand the determinants of non-adherence and address them specifically to ensure patients' active participation. Aim To determine women's knowledge regarding the manifestations of cervical cancer and its prevention. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in an urban population from northern Portugal. Women aged 18 to 30 years were randomly assigned to answer the Cervical Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire, including questions of knowledge about the causes and symptoms of cervical cancer, prospecting for individual and social-related determinants. Results The total number of participants was 270, with a mean age of 24.7 years. Knowledge about symptoms scored 5.4 ± 2.6, with a maximum of 12 points, and knowledge about the causes scored 5.7 ± 1.9, with a maximum of 11 points. The correlation between both was 0.334. High education, high socio-economic status, self-perception of one's capacity to recognize symptoms, and knowledge about the HPV vaccine were associated with better knowledge. Discussion Portuguese women present low knowledge about cervical cancer, potentially affecting their health through exposure to risk situations and non-adherence to routine screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inês Duarte
- USF Barão do Corvo, ULS Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | | | | | - Sílvia Chaves
- USF Barão do Corvo, ULS Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | | | - Lina Santos
- USF Barão do Corvo, ULS Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | | | | | - Andrea Lobão
- USF Barão do Corvo, ULS Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Isabel Nazaré
- USF Barão do Corvo, ULS Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Paulo Santos
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Health Technology and Services Research – CINTESIS@RISE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Öztürk R, Bakir S, Kazankaya F, Paker S, Ertem G. Awareness about Gynecologic Cancers and Related Factors among Healthy Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 36:847-856. [PMID: 34433370 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2021.1965936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The risk of cancer-related mortality and morbidity decreases when women are aware of the risk factors for gynecologic cancers and implement strategies such as attending relevant early screening programs. This cross-sectional study conducted between August 2017 and August 2018 at a public hospital in Turkey aimed to determine the awareness about gynecologic cancers among healthy women by utilized the Krieger's ecosocial theory as a framework for the study. The study included 554 Turkish women aged 18-65 years. Data were collected using the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS) and a questionnaire designed in this study. Significant differences were noted between the average GCAS score and variables such as the amount of menstrual bleeding, entering menopause, a history of reproductive system disease, regular gynecological examination (including Pap test), regular vaginal self-examination, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), genital hygiene behavior, the fear of having cancer, having knowledge about cancer, and requiring information about cancer (p < .05). Despite the high level of awareness about gynecologic cancer among these women, the lack of proper knowledge and preventive measures was high. Having knowledge about gynecologic cancers results in increased awareness; however, the level of knowledge is not sufficient to prevent gynecologic cancers, which shows the need for sufficient and effective cancer screening and education programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruşen Öztürk
- Department of Women Health and Diseases Nursing, Ege University Faculty of Nursing, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sümeyye Bakir
- Department of Women Health and Diseases Nursing, Ege University Faculty of Nursing, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Figen Kazankaya
- Department of Women Health and Diseases Nursing, Ege University Faculty of Nursing, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Selin Paker
- Department of Women Health and Diseases Nursing, Ege University Faculty of Nursing, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gül Ertem
- Department of Women Health and Diseases Nursing, Ege University Faculty of Nursing, Izmir, Turkey
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Uchendu I, Hewitt-Taylor J, Turner-Wilson A, Nwakasi C. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about cervical cancer, and the uptake of cervical cancer screening in Nigeria: An integrative review. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e01013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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The Impact of Education About Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus on Women's Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors and Beliefs. Cancer Nurs 2019; 42:106-118. [DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
Objective: Examine perceptions about the Papanicolaou (Pap) test from the perspectives of Chilean women with cervical cancer. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in Santiago, Chile. Participants: 127 Chilean women. Results: The principal reasons for not having had a PAP test were procrastination and barriers related to fear, embarrassment, discomfort, not caring, lack of time, and lack of knowledge. Conclusion: All the reasons given by the Chilean women who took part in the study must be considered by health care professionals who are in a position to advocate for education and cervical cancer screening for women, especially in countries where the disease is still prevalent. These results can serve as a guide for education programs and can be applied in intervention research.
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Ito T, Takenoshita R, Narumoto K, Plegue M, Sen A, Crabtree BF, Fetters MD. A community-based intervention in middle schools to improve HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening in Japan. ASIA PACIFIC FAMILY MEDICINE 2014; 13:13. [PMID: 25431533 PMCID: PMC4245727 DOI: 10.1186/s12930-014-0013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM Japan has low rates of cervical cancer screening and Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination. This research examines the effectiveness of a family medicine resident-led, intervention in increasing knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer in middle school-girls and increasing knowledge and intention to have cervical cancer screening in their mothers. METHODS We utilized a pre-test/post-test intervention design in three rural middle schools with 7(th) grade middle school-girls and their mothers. A school-based activity educated girls about HPV and cervical cancer. A home-based activity utilized a homework assignment for girls and their mothers. Pre/post intervention surveys were completed by the girls and their mothers. Major outcomes included changes in knowledge among girls and mothers and barriers to be screened for cervical cancer among mothers. RESULTS Sixty-five students and sixty-three mothers completed the study. Two out five mothers were not in compliance with current screening recommendations. Identified barriers included: embarrassment (79%), poor access (56%), fear of having cancer (52%), and cervical cancer screening being an unknown procedure (46%). Forty-four percent of mothers deemed their daughters to be at risk for cervical cancer. Trusted sources of information included: doctors (97%), newspapers/television (89%), government (79%), the Internet (78%), and friends (62%). Student knowledge scores (7-point scale) improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention (4.8 vs. 5.9, p < 0.001). Knowledge scores (14-point scale) among mothers also significantly improved (11.7 vs. 12.0, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a community-based intervention on a sensitive topic by family medicine residents can be implemented in middle schools, can improve school-girls' knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer, and can reach their mothers. Additional research could examine whether those intending to be screened receive screening and how to reach women who still resist screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Ito
- />Shiga Center for Family Medicine, 1825 Yuge, Ryuo, Gamo District, Shiga Prefecture, 520-2501 Japan
| | - Remi Takenoshita
- />Shizuoka Family Medicine Program, Shizuoka, Japan
- />Mori Machi Family Medicine Clinic, 387-1 Kusagaya, Mori, Shuchi District, Shizuoka Prefecture, 437-0214 Japan
| | - Keiichiro Narumoto
- />Shizuoka Family Medicine Program, Shizuoka, Japan
- />Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Family Medicine, Hamamatsu University, School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Japan
- />Mori Machi Family Medicine Clinic, 387-1 Kusagaya, Mori, Shuchi District, Shizuoka Prefecture, 437-0214 Japan
| | - Melissa Plegue
- />Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
| | - Ananda Sen
- />Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
| | - Benjamin Franklin Crabtree
- />Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Research Division, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey USA
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