Quality of life among advanced breast cancer patients with and without distant metastasis

Exploring fear of cancer recurrence and related factors among breast cancer patients: A cross-sectional study

AIMS

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a multifaceted concept influenced by individual characteristics, social support, psychological factors. This study aims to identify distinct FCR profiles among breast cancer patients and explore the associated variables with these patterns.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to March 2023.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 339 patients completed a questionnaire that assessed general and disease-related data, including the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Social Support Rating Scale, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire. Statistical analysis involved latent profile analysis (LPA) and multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Three latent patterns of FCR were found: the low fear (28.9%), the moderate fear (51.3%), and the high fear (18.0%). The study identified the social support, family monthly income, employment status, utilization of confrontation coping mode and avoidance coping mode, as factors that impacted the FCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Social support, family monthly income, employment status, and medical coping modes have been found to impact the FCR among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Healthcare professionals should focus on addressing FCR at diagnosis and implement effective interventions, such as promoting social support and encouraging adaptive coping, to alleviate this concern.

IMPACT

Urgently addressing the FCR in Chinese breast cancer patients is imperative due to its profound influence on their holistic health. Through advanced LPA, we categorized the FCR progression, highlighting risks. These findings have implications for healthcare strategies, offering new insights to manage the FCR and improve patient well-being. Our study adds a fresh perspective to the factors underlying the FCR in breast cancer patients, contributing to the broader comprehension and management of this complex survivorship issue.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

Health-state utility of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer in Vietnam: A multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer may have poor prognoses and short overall and disease-free survival. Most previous studies focused on assessing the quality of life and health-state utility of the general population of breast cancer patients. The number of studies for HER2-positive breast cancer patients is negligible. This study investigated the health-state utility and its associated factors among Vietnamese patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

METHODS

We conducted face-to-face interviews with 301 HER2-positive breast cancer patients to collect data. Their health-state utility was measured via the EQ-5D-5L instrument. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to compare the differences in utility scores between two groups and among three groups or more, respectively. Factors associated with patients' heath-state utility were identified via Tobit regression models.

RESULTS

Pain/discomfort (56.1%) and anxiety/depression (39.5%) were the two issues that patients suffered from the most, especially among metastatic breast cancer patients. The severity of distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) in patients was relatively mild. Of 301 patients, their average utility score was 0.86±0.17 (range: 0.03-1.00), and the average EQ-visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 69.12±12.60 (range: 30-100). These figures were 0.79±0.21 and 65.20±13.20 for 102 metastatic breast cancer patients, significantly lower than those of 199 non-metastatic cancer patients (0.89±0.13 and 71.13±11.78) (p<0.001), respectively. Lower health-state utility scores were significantly associated with older age (p = 0.002), lower education level (p = 0.006), lower monthly income (p = 0.036), metastatic cancer (p = 0.001), lower EQ-VAS score (p<0.001), and more severe level of distress (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed a significant decrement in utility scores among metastatic breast cancer patients. Patients' health-state utility differed by their demographic characteristics (age, education level, and income) and clinical characteristics (stage of cancer and distress). Their utility scores may support further cost-effectiveness analysis in Vietnam.

Psychosocial Aspects of Living Long Term with Advanced Cancer and Ongoing Systemic Treatment: A Scoping Review

(1) Background: Studies examining the psychosocial impact of living long term on systemic treatment in advanced cancer patients are scarce. This scoping review aimed to answer the research question “What has been reported about psychosocial factors among patients living with advanced cancer receiving life-long systemic treatment?”, by synthesizing psychosocial data, and evaluating the terminology used to address these patients; (2) Methods: This scoping review was conducted following the five stages of the framework of Arksey and O’Malley (2005); (3) Results: 141 articles published between 2000 and 2021 (69% after 2015) were included. A large variety of terms referring to the patient group was observed. Synthesizing qualitative studies identified ongoing uncertainty, anxiety and fear of disease progression or death, hope in treatment results and new treatment options, loss in several aspects of life, and worries about the impact of disease on loved ones and changes in social life to be prominent psychosocial themes. Of 82 quantitative studies included in the review, 76% examined quality of life, 46% fear of disease progression or death, 26% distress or depression, and 4% hope, while few studies reported on adaptation or cognitive aspects. No quantitative studies focused on uncertainty, loss, or social impact; (4) Conclusion and clinical implications: Prominent psychosocial themes reported in qualitative studies were not included in quantitative research using specific validated questionnaires. More robust studies using quantitative research designs should be conducted to further understand these psychological constructs. Furthermore, the diversity of terminology found in the literature calls for a uniform definition to better address this specific patient group in research and in practice.

Expanding Application of the Long-Term Quality of Life Instrument to the Population of Women Undergoing Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

The Long-Term Quality of Life (LTQL) instrument was designed for female cancer survivors who have completed treatment and includes an existential spirituality subscale that is omitted in many other quality of life scales. Women with advanced breast cancer are now living longer, while also expressing greater spiritual concerns.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this analysis was to test the psychometric properties of the LTQL among women undergoing treatment of advanced breast cancer.

METHODS

This secondary analysis was based on a sample of 385 women. Validity was evaluated using a confirmatory factor analysis and associations with Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's α for each subscale of the LTQL.

RESULTS

The mean age was 56 years, 84% of participants were white, and 69% had metastasis. Model fit indices for the confirmatory factor analysis were acceptable, with the root mean square error of approximation of 0.076 (90% confidence interval, 0.071-0.081) and a comparative fit index of 0.91. The LTQL subscale scores were significantly correlated with the subscales of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer of similar conceptual content. Internal consistency reliability for the subscales ranged from 0.80 to 0.86.

CONCLUSIONS

The factor structure of the LTQL was consistent with previous findings in long-term female cancer survivors. The instrument has adequate psychometric properties for use among women with advanced breast cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The LTQL can be used to assess the physical, psychosocial, and existential spiritual domains of quality of life among women with advanced breast cancer as well as in long-term female cancer survivors.

An Examination of the Role of Socioeconomic Status in the Relationship between Depression and Prostate Cancer Survivorship in a Population-Based Sample of Men from Atlantic Canada

OBJECTIVE

Prostate and skin cancer are among the most prevalent forms of cancer among men and have favorable survival rates compared to other, more aggressive forms of cancers. Recent studies have shown that the odds of depression among men with a lifetime history of prostate cancer are higher compared to men without a lifetime history of prostate cancer. Here we extend previous findings and examine the role of socioeconomic status in the relationship between depression and cancer survivorship status in a population-based sample of men from Atlantic Canada.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a subsample of 6,585 male participants aged 49-69 years from the 2009-2015 survey cycle of the Atlantic PATH study. The primary outcome was screening positive for mild, moderate or severe depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The main predictor variable was cancer survivorship status (the presence of a lifetime history of prostate cancer, skin cancer, forms of cancer other than prostate or skin cancer, or absence of a lifetime cancer diagnosis). Covariates included age, education, marital status, household income, province, ethnicity, comorbidity, and survivorship time.

RESULTS

An estimated 14.7% of men in this sample screened positive for mild, moderate or severe depression. Men with a history of prostate cancer were 2.60 (95% CI: 1.02, 6.65) times more likely to screen positive for depression than men with a history of any other form of cancer. The odds ratios were 10.23 (95% CI: 2.82, 37.49) or 4.00 (95% CI: 1.20, 13.34) times higher for survivors of prostate or skin cancer who reported a low household income to screen positive for depression compared to men with a history of any other form of cancer and high household income.

CONCLUSIONS

These results extend current evidence of the association between prostate cancer survivorship and depression compared with men who never had a history of cancer diagnosis by indicating that this association still stands when the survivors of prostate cancer are compared to survivors of any other form of cancer, and further indicates that this association is moderated by household income. The findings highlight the importance of delivering mental health screening and support to prostate cancer survivors during the cancer journey, especially those with low household incomes.

Health-related quality of life and work productivity in UK patients with HER2-positive breast cancer: a cross-sectional study evaluating the relationships between disease and treatment stage

BACKGROUND

The impact of different disease stages and treatment for human epidermal growth factor 2 positive (HER2-positive) breast cancer (BC) on work productivity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is poorly understood.

METHODS

This was a UK cross-sectional study of 299 adult patients with HER2-positive early or metastatic BC (NCT03099200). Productivity was assessed using the work productivity and activity impairment scale; HRQoL was measured using EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Breast (FACT-G and -B) instruments. Three balanced patient groups were recruited: (1) early BC on treatment post-surgery, (2) early BC after completion of adjuvant treatment, (3) during metastatic BC treatment. Between-group comparisons were performed using an analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Group 1 comprised 89 patients, Group 2, 108 and Group 3, 102. Age, ethnicity and comorbidities were similar across groups. Patients in Group 3 reported more often being unable to work (significant Bonferroni adjusted p < 0.003). Proportions of employed patients were 50.6%, 50.9% and 27.5% in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. For patients in part-time employment, the number of hours worked was significantly higher in Group 2 patients versus Group 3 (p = 0.002). Group 2 also had significantly lower levels of work absenteeism and overall work impairment compared with Group 1 (p < 0.001). Patients in Group 3 reported worse health utility scores (p ≤ 0.002), moderate or worse problems in the EQ-5D-5L self-care and usual activity domains (p ≤ 0.001), and lower HRQoL as assessed by FACT summary scores (p < 0.001 for FACT-B and -G) than Groups 1 and 2. Poorer HRQoL was significantly associated with higher work impairment (p < 0.001), with the strongest relationships being observed between activity impairment and HRQoL (Pearson's r: 0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Metastatic disease and treatment of HER2-positive BC adversely impacted on work productivity and HRQoL. The results of this study support the idea that being able to delay or prevent the metastatic recurrence of BC, for example by extending the time patients are in remission or at early stage of BC, has wider benefits in terms of patient productivity and HRQoL.

Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy

Background: Life-quality tests are the basis for assessing the condition of oncological patients. They allow for obtaining valuable information from the patients regarding not only the symptoms of disease and adverse effects of the treatment but also assessment of the psychological, social and spiritual aspects. Taking into account assessment of the quality of life made by the patient in the course of disease has a positive effect on the well-being of patients, their families and their caregivers as well as on satisfaction with the interdisciplinary and holistic oncological care. Methods: A population-based, multi-area cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with cancer in the study in order to assess their life quality. The method used in the study was a clinical interview. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Karnofsky Performance Status, our own symptom checklist, Edmonton Symptom Assessment and Visual Analogue Scale. Results: In the subjective assessment of fitness, after using the Karnofsky fitness index, it was shown that 28% (95% CI (confidence interval): 27–30) of patients declared the ability to perform normal physical activity. In the assessment the profile, quality of life and psychometric properties of EQ-5D-5L, it was shown that patients had the most severe problems in terms of self-care (81%, 95% CI: 76–89) and feeling anxious and depressed (63%, 95% CI: 60–68). Conclusions: Cancer undoubtedly has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients, which is related to the disease process itself, the treatment used and the duration of the disease.

Metastatic breast cancer in older patients: A longitudinal assessment of geriatric outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 20% of older patients with breast cancer either present with metastatic disease or develop distant metastases after early breast cancer. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of psychosocial problems in older patients with metastatic breast cancer, and to assess longitudinal changes in functional status, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life.

METHODS

For this prospective cohort study, patients with metastatic breast cancer aged 70 years and older were recruited in four Dutch hospitals. A baseline geriatric assessment was performed evaluating somatic, functional and psychosocial domains. Self-administered questionnaires were performed at baseline, three and six months: the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Loneliness scale, Apathy scale, Distress Thermometer and EORTC-QLQ-C30. Longitudinal changes on these scales were assessed by performing crude and adjusted linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Of the 100 patients that were included and underwent a geriatric assessment, 85 patients completed the baseline self-administered questionnaires. Almost half of the patients (46%) had depressive symptoms, and up to 64% experienced distress. Apathy was present in 53%, and 36% experienced loneliness. Three- and six-month questionnaires were completed by 77 and 72 patients, respectively. Although a significant increase in loneliness between baseline and six months was seen, this size of this change was not clinically relevant. No other longitudinal changes were found.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of distress, depressive symptoms, apathy and loneliness in older patients with metastatic breast cancer is high. Timely detection, for which a geriatric assessment is effective, could potentially improve quality of life.

Quality of life of women with breast cancer undergoing treatment and follow-up at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Background: Assessment of quality of life can significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment course of breast cancer, resulting in a better prognosis among patients. However, very limited data are available regarding quality of life among breast cancer patients in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To determine the quality of life of women with breast cancer referred to the Surgery Department of King Salman Armed Forces Hospital for treatment and follow-up.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to assess the quality of life of 96 adult Saudi female patients diagnosed with breast cancer from January 2016 to September 2017.

Results: One-third of the surveyed patients (31.3%) were >48 years of age, and 29.2% were in the 18- to 27-year age group. Regarding marital status, 35.4% of the women were married and 8.3% were single. The highest score was observed for the physical well-being subscale (7.65±071), followed by the spiritual well-being subscale (7.19±0.66), psychological well-being scale (7.09±0.30) and social concerns subscale (7.02±0.41). Age, marital status and cancer stage differed remarkably (P=0.00) for the physical well-being subscale scores. Meanwhile, employed women differed significantly (P=0.01) in terms of psychological well-being compared to those who were not employed. The social well-being subscale score of single and married women was significantly higher than that of widowed and divorced women. Women who underwent radiation and immunotherapy had significantly higher scores for the spiritual well-being subscale.

Conclusions: Scores were determined for the physical, spiritual, psychological and social well-being scales. Age, marital status and cancer stage significantly influenced the physical well-being scale; the occupation status of the patients significantly impacted the psychological well-being scale. Social well-being can be predicted by marital status, and chemotherapy and radiation significantly impacted the spiritual well-being scale.

Massage Therapy in Outpatient Cancer Care: A Metropolitan Area Analysis

Massage offers cancer patients general quality of life benefits as well as alleviation of cancer-related symptoms/cancer-treatment-related symptoms including pain, anxiety, and fatigue. Little is known about whether massage is accessible to cancer patients who receive treatment in the outpatient setting and how massage is incorporated into the overall cancer treatment plan. Outpatient cancer centers (n = 78) in a single metropolitan area were included this mixed-methods project that included a systematic analysis of website information and a telephone survey. Massage was offered at only 40 centers (51.3% of total). A range of massage modalities were represented, with energy-based therapies (Reiki and Therapeutic Touch) most frequently provided. Although massage therapists are licensed health care providers in the states included in this analysis, massage was also provided by nurses, physical therapists, and other health care professionals.

Association between poor clinical prognosis and sleep duration among breast cancer patients

Objective:

to investigate the association between clinical progression and the quality and duration of sleep in women with breast cancer.

Method:

longitudinal study, with 114 participants, conducted in a hospital in Brazil. The instruments used were: questionnaire for sociodemographic and clinical characterization, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; Beck Depression Inventory and Herth Hope Scale. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and survival analyses (outcome: poor clinical progression), using the Kaplan-Meier curve, Log-rank test and Cox proportional model.

Results:

a higher probability of poor clinical progression was verified in women with sleep durations of less than six hours or nine hours and over (p=.0173).

Conclusion:

the results suggest the importance of further studies that seek to verify whether the quantitative management of sleep disorders would have an impact on the progression of breast cancer. Women should be encouraged to report sleep problems to nurses.

The predictors of poor quality of life in a sample of Saudi women with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The protocols for treatment, along with many adverse effects, can strongly affect cancer patients' quality of life (QoL). As there is limited research on the QoL of Saudi Arabian women being treated for breast cancer, the purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of poor QoL in a sample of Saudi women with breast cancer.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 145 Saudi women with breast cancer who attended the Oncology Outpatient Clinic at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh for routine follow-up. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected for each patient, and a Medical Outcome Study Health Survey 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) instrument was used to assess QoL.

RESULTS

Of 145 breast cancer patients studied, 42.1% had a family history of cancer and 52.4% were newly diagnosed cancer patients (first-year-after-cancer diagnosis). According to linear regression analyses, cancer patients with metastasis tended to have pain, along with poor physical function, little vitality, and poor general health (a decrease in SF-36 scores of 22.9, 15.0, 19.4, and 16.9, respectively). Regular exercise was a positive predictor of poor general health (an increase in the SF-36 score of 8.2). Patients with first-year-after-cancer diagnoses tended to have poor emotional well-being (a decrease in the SF-36 score of 8.5).

CONCLUSION

In breast cancer patients, regular exercise was a significant positive predictor of better general health. Breast cancer patients with multiple tumors, metastasis, or fever tended to experience significantly poor QoL in several SF-36 domains. Clearly, a routine assessment of QoL in breast cancer patients is important.

What Factors are Associated With Quality Of Life, Pain Interference, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients With Metastatic Bone Disease?

BACKGROUND

It would be helpful for the decision-making process of patients with metastatic bone disease to understand which patients are at risk for worse quality of life (QOL), pain, anxiety, and depression. Normative data, and where these stand compared with general population scores, can be useful to compare and interpret results of similar patients or patient groups, but to our knowledge, there are no such robust data.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We wished (1) to assess what factors are independently associated with QOL, pain interference, anxiety, and depression in patients with metastatic bone disease, and (2) to compare these outcomes with general US population values.

METHODS

Between November 2011 and February 2015, 859 patients with metastatic bone disease presented to our orthopaedic oncology clinic; 202 (24%) were included as they completed the EuroQOL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D^TM), PROMIS^® Pain Interference, PROMIS^® Anxiety, and PROMIS^® Depression questionnaires as part of a quality improvement program. We did not record reasons for not responding and found no differences between survey respondents and nonrespondents in terms of age (63 versus 64 years; p = 0.916), gender (51% men versus 47% men; p = 0.228), and race (91% white versus 88% white; p = 0.306), but survey responders were more likely to be married or living with a partner (72%, versus 62%; p = 0.001). We assessed risk factors for QOL, pain interference, anxiety, and depression using multivariable linear regression analysis. We used the one-sample signed rank test to assess whether scores differed from US population averages drawn from earlier large epidemiologic studies.

RESULTS

Younger age (β regression coefficient [β], < 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00-0.01; p = 0.041), smoking (β, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.22 to -0.01; p = 0.026), pathologic fracture (β, -0.10; 95% CI, -0.18 to -0.02; p = 0.012), and being unemployed (β, -0.09; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.02; p = 0.017) were associated with worse QOL. Current smoking status was associated with more pain interference (β, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.6-11; p = 0.008). Poor-prognosis cancers (β, 3.8; 95% CI, 0.37-7.2; p = 0.030), and pathologic fracture (β, 6.3; 95% CI, 2.5-7.2; p = 0.001) were associated with more anxiety. Being single (β, 5.9; 95% CI, 0.83-11; p = 0.023), and pathologic fracture (β, 4.4; 95% CI, 0.8-8.0; p = 0.017) were associated with depression. QOL scores (0.68 versus 0.85; p < 0.001), pain interference scores (65 versus 50; p < 0.001), and anxiety scores (53 versus 50; p = 0.011) were worse for patients with bone metastases compared with general US population values, whereas depression scores were comparable (48 versus 50; p = 0.171).

CONCLUSIONS

Impending pathologic fractures should be treated promptly to prevent deterioration in QOL, anxiety, and depression. Our normative data can be used to compare and interpret results of similar patients or patient groups. Future studies could focus on specific cancers metastasizing to the bone, to further understand which patients are at risk for worse patient-reported outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic study.

Quality of Life among Cancer Patients

Introduction:

Cancer is a leading cause of death. People living with cancer experience a variety of symptoms. Quality of life (QOL) is a major concern of patients with terminal cancer. Symptoms affect their QOL. Management of symptoms improves distress and QOL.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess the QOL among cancer patients.

Materials and Methods:

A survey was conducted among 768 cancer patients selected by a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected from cancer patients by interview technique using structured and validated interviewed schedule.

Results:

Out of 768 cancer patients, 30.2% patients were in the age group of 51–60 years, majority with head–and-neck cancer (40.1%), and 57.7% had stage III disease. QOL of majority of patients was influenced by their symptoms. 82.3% of them had low QOL scores.

Conclusion:

Cancer patients experienced many symptoms that affected their QOL. There is a need to develop interventions for effective management of symptoms that will empower the patients to have a greater sense of control over their illness and treatment and to improve the QOL.

Patient-Reported Physical Function Measures in Cancer Clinical Trials

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used to monitor treatment-related symptoms and physical function decrements in cancer clinical trials. As more patients enter survivorship, it is important to capture PRO physical function throughout trials to help restore pretreatment levels of function. We completed a systematic review of PRO physical function measures used in cancer clinical trials and evaluated their psychometric properties on the basis of guidelines from the US Food and Drug Administration. Five databases were searched through October 2015: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Health and Psychosocial Instruments, and Cochrane. From an initial total of 10,233 articles, we identified 108 trials that captured PRO physical function. Within these trials, approximately 67% used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and 25% used the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36. Both the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 instruments generically satisfy most Food and Drug Administration requirements, although neither sought direct patient input as part of item development. The newer Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical function short form may be a brief, viable alternative. Clinicians should carefully consider the psychometric properties of these measures when incorporating PRO instrumentation into clinical trial design to provide a more comprehensive understanding of patient function.

Chemotherapy interruptions in relation to symptom severity in advanced breast cancer

PURPOSE

Interruptions in medical treatment such as dose delays, reductions, or stoppages can lead to suboptimal treatment of cancer. Knowing how and for whom symptom severity and symptom interference with activities of daily living (ADL) are associated with treatment interruptions can guide behavioral interventions for supportive care. The purpose of this analysis is to inform research and clinical practice by bringing attention to specific patient symptoms that may hinder dose completion.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of data collected in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of reflexology for symptom management was performed. The trial enrolled women with advanced breast cancer undergoing treatment (N = 385). Outcome data were collected at baseline, weeks 5 and 11 using valid and reliable measures. Medical records provided data on treatment interruptions and metastasis. The association between alterations in medical treatment during the study period with symptom severity, symptom interference with ADLs, and metastatic status were tested using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models.

RESULTS

The relationship between dose delays and dose reductions and symptom severity was differential according to metastatic status, with the higher strength of association among women with distant metastasis compared to those with loco-regional disease (p = 0.02). The interaction of symptom interference and metastatic status was also significantly related to dose delays and reductions (p = 0.04). Severity of pain was a stronger predictor of dose delays or reductions among patients with distant metastasis compared to those with loco-regional disease (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The analysis highlights the importance of understanding symptom outcomes that impact research, practice, and treatment decisions.

Spiritual well-being among outpatients with cancer receiving concurrent oncologic and palliative care

PURPOSE

Spiritual well-being is threatened by cancer, but its correlation with other illness symptoms and the efficacy of palliative care (PC) to ameliorate spiritual suffering are not well understood.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study using a convenience sample of oncology patients at a comprehensive cancer center who received concurrent oncologic and palliative care between 2008 and 2011 and completed ESAS, QUAL-E, and Steinhauser Spiritual well-being survey questions was conducted. Descriptive, correlation, and t test statistics.

RESULTS

Eight hundred eighty-three patients surveyed had an average age of 65.6 years, with 54.1 % female, 69.3 % white, and 49.3 % married. Half (452, 51.2 %) had metastatic disease. Religious affiliation was reported as Christian by 20.3 %, Catholic by 18.7 %, and "none" by 39.0 %. Baseline spiritual well-being was not significantly correlated with age, gender, race, cancer stage, marital status, insurance provider, or having a religious affiliation. Greater spiritual well-being was correlated with greater quality of life (<p = 0.001) and well-being (<p = 0.001), and with less depression (<p = 0.001), anxiety (<p = 0.001), fatigue (p = 0.005), and pain (p = 0.01). In multiple regression analysis, the associations persisted between spiritual well-being and anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life (R (2) = 0.677). Spiritual well-being improved comparing mean scores immediately prior to initial PC consultation with those at first follow-up (2.89 vs. 3.23 on a 1-5 scale, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with cancer receiving concurrent oncologic and palliative care, spiritual well-being was not associated with patient age, gender, or race, or disease stage. It was correlated with physical and emotional symptoms. Spiritual well-being scores improved from just prior to the initial PC consultation to just prior to the first PC follow-up visit.

Quality of life during chemotherapy and satisfaction with nursing care in Turkish breast cancer patients

This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate quality of life for breast cancer patients (n = 105) undergoing chemotherapy, and to assess their satisfaction with nursing care. It also explored relationships between quality of life, satisfaction with nursing care, and demographic and disease-related characteristics. Ethics approval for this study was provided. The research was carried out between October 2011 and June 2012. Quality of life and satisfaction with nursing care were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Scale, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale and the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale. We found that emotional well-being was the area most negatively affected, with patients reporting being afraid of death, feeling sad and being worried about their health. Patients were overall quite satisfied with the nursing care they received at the hospital. We found a positive correlation between total scores on the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale and social and family well-being scores. Breast cancer patients have fears and concerns about their health and need support during chemotherapy for coping with negative changes in their emotional well-being, physical and functional well-being.

Assessment of the Quality of Life in Turkish Breast Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer significantly influences the quality of life (QoL) in women. The aim of this study was to assess the QoL in breast cancer patients and to determine the factors that have an effect on the QoL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used sociodemographic data questionnaire, European Cancer Research and Treatment Organization QLQ-C30 questionnaire and linear regression analysis to determine the factors that affect the QLQ-C30 global health score, functional score, and symptom score.

RESULTS

This study included 113 patients with a median age of 50.61 years (range: 17-80 years). Half of the patients used complementary and alternative treatments, 45.5% used painkillers, and 19.4% used antidepressants. The most important factors related to the global health score were the place of birth, use of painkillers, and employment status. The most important factors related to the functional status were the disease stage at the time of diagnosis and the information status about the disease. The most important factors related to symptom status were age, the disease stage at the time of diagnosis, the information status about the disease, and psychiatric referral.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicated the consistency and strength of the relationship between clinical and sociodemographic factors and the QoL in breast cancer patients. Psychological support, when necessary, and the use of painkillers and antidepressants may improve the QoL in breast cancer patients.