"We're in this together": Perceived effects of breast cancer on African American survivors' marital relationships

Inequities in childhood cancer research: A scoping review

An integral part of understanding and then designing programs to reduce childhood cancer inequities includes adequate representation of people with cancer in research, including children. A scoping review was carried out to understand how cancer research is oriented toward inequities and to identify who has participated in childhood qualitative cancer research. A systematic search identified 119 qualitative studies that met inclusion criteria, with most studies taking place in high-income countries (n=84). Overall, data were lacking on social determinants of health at multiple levels-structural, household, child, and guardian. Only 29 studies reported on race and/or ethnicity, with the majority of those including predominantly or all white children. Six articles included socioeconomic information, and across most articles, attention was absent to the financial ramifications of cancer care. Limited reporting of sociodemographics highlights a broader issue of neglecting key demographics and social factors that contribute to inequities.

Factors influencing psychological distress among breast cancer survivors using machine learning techniques

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Breast cancer patients experience significant distress relating to their diagnosis and treatment. Managing this distress is critical for improving the lifespan and quality of life of breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to assess the level of distress in breast cancer survivors and analyze the variables that significantly affect distress using machine learning techniques. A survey was conducted with 641 adult breast cancer patients using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer tool. Participants identified various factors that caused distress. Five machine learning models were used to predict the classification of patients into mild and severe distress groups. The survey results indicated that 57.7% of the participants experienced severe distress. The top-three best-performing models indicated that depression, dealing with a partner, housing, work/school, and fatigue are the primary indicators. Among the emotional problems, depression, fear, worry, loss of interest in regular activities, and nervousness were determined as significant predictive factors. Therefore, machine learning models can be effectively applied to determine various factors influencing distress in breast cancer patients who have completed primary treatment, thereby identifying breast cancer patients who are vulnerable to distress in clinical settings.

Developing a conceptual model for understanding caregiving experience and their impacts on quality of life for Chinese breast cancer family caregivers: A qualitative study

AIM

The purpose of this study was to understand the caregiving experiences of breast cancer family caregivers and explore the profound impacts of those experiences on their quality of life.

DESIGN

A qualitative research method was used.

METHODS

We extended invitations to 23 family caregivers of outpatients and inpatients receiving breast surgery and oncology treatments in Taiyuan, China, to participate in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the interview data.

RESULTS

Four themes and associated categories were identified: (1) changes in family dynamics, (2) the socio-medical context, (3) interactions between family and society, (4) self-efficacy and nine subthemes and their related categories, where virtually all participants expressed future uncertainty, emotional contagion, and personal challenges, and self-efficacy had a moderating influence on the first three themes.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

This study did not involve direct participation of patients or the public. However, their experiences and perspectives on caregiving were indirectly reflected through the insights provided by the family caregivers who participated in the interviews. Their valuable input contributed to a deeper understanding of the caregiving experience and its impact on the quality of life for Chinese breast cancer family caregivers.

"We need a little strength as well": Examining the social context of informal caregivers for Black women with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Informal caregivers (e.g., partners, other family members, friends) often provide social support to Black women with breast cancer, and caregivers find both benefits and challenges in their caregiving role.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, twenty-four caregivers for Black women with breast cancer participated in focus groups and interviews. Participants responded to a brief close-ended questionnaire as well as semi-structured questions about their experiences as cancer caregivers. Demographic information was collected, and relationship satisfaction was measured by the Relationship Assessment Scale-General scale (RAS-G). Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by two independent coders. Using an iterative, discussion-based process, the study team developed and refined themes.

RESULTS

All caregivers described themselves as Black/African American, and the majority identified as female (79%). The mean RAS-G score was 4.5 (SD = 0.5), indicating high levels of relationship satisfaction. Qualitative themes included using a range of strategies to provide emotional support; shifting between roles; needing time and space; and trying to stay strong. Several female caregivers described how the cumulative experiences of providing care for multiple family members and friends could be draining, as could their own experiences in the patient role.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show a complex, multilayered social context that affects both the patient-caregiver relationship and the health and wellbeing of caregivers. Clinicians providing treatment and support for Black women with breast cancer should be mindful of how the health context of the family may affect patient and caregiver outcomes.

Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, and Recommendations for Care Delivery among Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study

For women diagnosed with breast cancer, partners are consistently identified as the primary support person. Despite growing consensus about the psychosocial experience and unmet needs of cancer caregivers, limited evidence exists about strategies to offer partner-centered care across the cancer continuum. This study describes challenges endured by partners of breast cancer survivors (BCS), strategies implemented to manage these experiences, and recommendations for healthcare providers to inform targeted psychosocial care. Using convenience sampling, 22 partners of female BCS were recruited and completed semi-structured interviews. Conventional content analysis was used to code and synthesize findings. Participants described undergoing five experiences in their role as romantic partners: (a) assuming the role of caregiver, (b) becoming healthcare advocates for BCS, (c) connecting emotionally with the partner, (d) managing their own painful emotions, and (e) connecting with others for support. Experience-specific coping strategies and recommendations were identified. Romantic partners face multiple transitions across the cancer care continuum, which warrant investigation to sustain their well-being and active participation in illness management. Psychosocial interventions for this group will benefit from flexible implementation and attention to care delivery, mental health, and supportive/social needs.