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Wurz A, Petrella A, Tulk J, Sabiston CM, Schulte F, Bender J, D’Agostino N, Hou SHJ, Eaton G, Chalifour K, Garland SN. Describing and Exploring Coping Strategies among Those Diagnosed with Cancer as an Adolescent or Young Adult: A YACPRIME Study. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:685-692. [PMID: 38392044 PMCID: PMC10888435 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31020050] [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] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A greater understanding of how young people cope with a cancer diagnosis is needed in order to inform age-appropriate supportive care. This paper describes the coping strategies used and explores relationships between coping strategies and personal, medical, and psychological variables among young adults (YAs) diagnosed with cancer. YAs (n = 547, mean age = 34.05 ± 6.00 years) completed an online survey, including the Brief COPE and measures of psychological functioning. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were computed. Acceptance, self-distraction, positive reframing, and planning were the most used coping strategies by this sample. There were small (r = -0.09) to large (r = 0.51) significant relationships between personal, medical, and psychological variables and selected coping strategies. Coping with a cancer diagnosis early in life remains poorly understood. Identifying additional correlates and exploring inter- and intrapersonal variation in coping strategy use is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Wurz
- School of Kinesiology, University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, BC V2S 7M7, Canada;
| | - Anika Petrella
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, University College Hospital, London NW1 2BU, UK;
| | - Joshua Tulk
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Catherine M. Sabiston
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5R 0A3, Canada;
| | - Fiona Schulte
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (F.S.); (S.H.J.H.)
| | - Jackie Bender
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (J.B.)
| | - Norma D’Agostino
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (J.B.)
| | - Sharon H. J. Hou
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (F.S.); (S.H.J.H.)
- Department of Psychology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Geoff Eaton
- Young Adult Cancer Canada, St. John’s, NL A1B 3K3, Canada
| | | | - Sheila N. Garland
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
- Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
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Oyedele OO, Phillips C, Robb SL. Spirituality in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2024; 41:16-31. [PMID: 37853729 DOI: 10.1177/27527530231190375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Background: Despite an increased focus on the importance of spirituality to human health, including adolescent health outcomes there remains an absence of evidence-based programs to address the spiritual needs of patients and families. A critical barrier is the absence of a clear conceptual understanding and operational definitions of spirituality for adolescents/young adults (AYAs) with cancer. The purposes of this concept analysis were to (a) clarify the concept of spirituality in the context of the AYAs' cancer experience and (b) generate a definition based on a review of the literature examining spiritual development and the role of spirituality in AYAs' health and cancer treatment. Method: We used Roger's evolutionary concept analysis method to identify antecedents, attributes, and consequences of spirituality in the context of AYAs' cancer using thematic analysis and included identification of case exemplars. Results: Of the 86 articles identified, 21 met our inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed four attributes of spirituality in AYAs with cancer: meaning and purpose, connectedness, life-long universal experience, and independent of or related to religion and faith traditions. Identified antecedents included the presence of spiritual resources, chronic illness, belief, or wonder about a higher power, and existential questions. Identified consequences included hope, meaning, feelings of peace, and enhanced well-being and illness acceptance. Based on the findings, we generated a definition of spirituality in AYAs with cancer. Discussion: Findings inform the development of measures and spiritual care interventions specific to AYAs with cancer. An important limitation to address in future research is the absence of AYAs' first-person accounts of their own spirituality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sheri L Robb
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Sira N, McNeil S, Hegde A, Geistman K, Schwartz A. Infertility and Identity: A Closer Look Into Experiences of Emerging Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2024; 41:32-43. [PMID: 37858932 DOI: 10.1177/27527530231190386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Objective: While medical advances are enabling more children with cancer to live into adulthood, a large majority of them suffer from the late effects of treatment and about 30% experience infertility. Infertility impacts both male and female survivors complicating typical development for emerging young adults (EYAs) who typically spend this developmental period actively constructing their identities related to family and gender roles, attaining professional skills, and establishing social views. As literature is limited on identity formation and coping with infertility in young survivors, this study aimed to understand the experiences of childhood cancer survivors who are faced with infertility as a late treatment effect while reconstructing their identity. Method: A qualitative descriptive approach was used to explore the experiences and effects of childhood cancer complications on the identity development of six emerging adults (ages 18-29). Guided by the theoretical framework of identity development data were collected using semistructured interviews. Results: Four distinct themes emerged after the data analyses: restricted exploration and uncertain future, challenges to intimacy and communication, restructuring identity through redefining roles, and coping through familial support. Conclusions: Findings indicate that developmental processes of identity formation are complicated by the challenges stemming from infertility and require specific efforts to reconstruct core identity and redefine desired parental roles. Experimentation and self-discovery may be restricted for EYA cancer survivors as they reevaluate their views on intimate relationships, communication, potential professional roles, and family composition. Practical recommendations for multidisciplinary team members to support this growing population are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sira
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Sarah McNeil
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Archana Hegde
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Kayla Geistman
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Abby Schwartz
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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Buro AW, Sauls R, Stern M, Carson TL. A qualitative study of stress experiences, health behaviors, and intervention preferences in young adult cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:295. [PMID: 37093353 PMCID: PMC10123481 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07756-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To inform behavioral intervention development, this study examined experiences and unmet needs related to stress, diet, and physical activity in young adult (YA) cancer survivors. METHODS Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of YA cancer survivors (n = 12 aged 18-29 years; n = 11 aged 30-39 years; 57% racial or ethnic minority) between May and July 2022 via Zoom. Data were analyzed using a coding reliability approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS Stressor-related themes included health and health care, economic stability, social and community context, and balancing responsibilities. Transition to independent adulthood was discussed among younger participants (18-29 years). Coping-related themes included letting go, keeping anchored in faith, and distraction. Older participants (30-39 years) reported more diverse coping strategies. Routine and consistency and the impact of stress were themes aligning with health behaviors. Control was a cross-cutting theme regarding stressors, coping, and health behaviors. Themes related to intervention preferences included individualized approach, expert-based content, peer support, integrative self-care, and manageability. Younger participants preferred multiple intervention formats (e.g., website, tracking logs). CONCLUSIONS Findings highlighted unmet needs regarding social and environmental stressors in YA cancer survivors and a preference for individualized, expert-based content and peer support in stress management-enhanced behavioral interventions. Such interventions may be tailored for specific age groups to account for differences in stress experiences and intervention preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acadia W Buro
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Rachel Sauls
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Marilyn Stern
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Child and Family Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Tiffany L Carson
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
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An Integrated Literature Review Revealing the Process of Awakening the Spiritual Self/Identity Among Adolescents With Cancer. ANS Adv Nurs Sci 2022; 46:E44-E65. [PMID: 36044347 DOI: 10.1097/ans.0000000000000452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This integrative review was conducted to determine the current state of science in understanding the process of awakening the spiritual self/identity among adolescents with cancer. Twenty-six studies were included in the data synthesis. Six major themes were identified: recounting rough spots of the cancer experience, the spiritual self/identity, nurturing the spiritual self/identity, affirming values and beliefs, abiding resilience and transcendence, and portraying the cancer experience. Findings offer increased understanding of the process of awakening the spiritual self/identity among adolescents with cancer that can guide spiritual nursing practice and inform future research including the development of spiritual care interventions.
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