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Chen PY, Liu KL, Chuang CK, Wu CT, Pang ST, Chang YH, Yu KJ, Chien CH. Body image in patients with prostate cancer undergoing treatment with hormone therapy: Observational study using both a cross-sectional and longitudinal design. J Health Psychol 2024; 29:921-934. [PMID: 38196159 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231223930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to examine changes in body image (BI) over time and factors related to BI among patients with prostate cancer who receive hormone therapy (HT). A cross-sectional design and longitudinal design were utilized. Patients with prostate cancer who received HT were recruited from the urology outpatient departments in two hospitals in Taiwan between August 2017 and December 2020. Cross-sectional data were collected from 177 patients who had started HT for prostate cancer. Longitudinal data were collected from 34 newly diagnosed patients before receiving HT and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after HT. The variables measured included hormonal symptoms and distress, self-efficacy, and BI. The results showed that BI dissatisfaction ranged from 6.1% to 17.2%. Hormonal symptoms and distress (e.g. lack of vitality) were correlated with BI dissatisfaction. Education on the side effects of HT and coping strategies can be provided to patients to prevent BI dissatisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yi Chen
- National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taiwan
- Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Taiwan
| | | | - Cheng-Keng Chuang
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Te Wu
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University, Taiwan
| | - See-Tong Pang
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsu Chang
- Chang Gung University, Taiwan
- New Taipei City Municipal Tucheng Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Jie Yu
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hui Chien
- National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taiwan
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Sailian SD, Salifu Y, Preston N. Dignity enhanced through faith & family support in palliative care: a qualitative study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:142. [PMID: 38849809 PMCID: PMC11157805 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01478-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dignity is integral to palliative care. Illness can diminish it, causing hopelessness and the wish to hasten death. Yet, dignity is a complex multidimensional phenomenon, influenced by values and context. Understanding its varying interpretations can inform practice and policy. The aim of the study is to explore the understanding of dignity in adult patients with palliative care needs from a Lebanese perspective and how it is preserved during illness and while receiving health services. DESIGN Qualitative interview study underpinned with a social constructionist lens. Fourteen patients recruited from home-based hospice and outpatient clinics in Lebanon. Data analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Four themes were developed across all the interviews: (a) Dignity anchored through faith in God and religious practices; (b) Family support in maintaining physical, psychological wellbeing, and social connectedness; (c) Physical fitness, mental acuity, and healthy appearance through which patients may escape the stigma of disease, (d) accessible, equitable, and compassionate healthcare. DISCUSSION Dignity is elusive and difficult to define but faith and religious beliefs play a significant contribution in this study. For the participants, illness is seen as a natural part of life that does not necessarily diminish dignity, but it is the illness related changes that potentially affect dignity. Findings show the importance of family and children in preserving dignity during illness and how their active presence provide a sense of pride and identity. Participants aspired to restore physical, social, and mental well-being to reclaim their dignity and normalize their lives. Challenges related to physical appearance, memory loss, vitality, and social stigma associated with illness diminished dignity. Accessible, equitable and compassionate healthcare services are also crucial in preserving dignity. Participants valued clear communication, respect, and empathy from healthcare providers and identified affordability of care essential for maintaining dignity. CONCLUSION Faith in God, and strong family ties are dominant elements to maintaining dignity in the Lebanese context. Relational connectedness with family, children or God is also a need in maintaining dignity in other communal countries with variations in emphasis. The study indicates that religious and cultural context shapes the needs and perceptions of dignity during illness. These findings are likely to be transferable to many Middle Eastern countries but also countries with strong religious and family ties globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silva Dakessian Sailian
- American University of Beirut, Hariri School of Nursing, Riad El Solh, PO Box: 11 0236, Beirut, 1107, 2020, Lebanon.
| | - Yakubu Salifu
- International Observatory on End-of-Life Care, Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Sir John Fisher Drive, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Nancy Preston
- International Observatory on End-of-Life Care, Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Sir John Fisher Drive, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
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Dax V, Ftanou M, Tran B, Lewin J, Ayton D, Seidler Z, Wallace T, Wiley JF. Self-perceptions of masculinities and testicular cancer: Qualitative explorations. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6333. [PMID: 38520671 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Masculinities have been explored in men with testicular cancer (TC), though limited contemporary research is available on traditional masculine norms important to masculine self-perception. The purpose of this research was to explore the discourse of TC experience in relation to masculine self-perception. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was conducted consisting of semi-structured interviews with 21 men. Men were aged between 31 and 47 (Mage = 35.7). Most men were diagnosed with Stage 1 cancer (66.6%), all men had finished active treatment and time since diagnosis ranged from 17.3 to 71.8 months (M = 47.2). Independent coding was conducted by two researchers and was refined in coding meetings with authors. Themes were developed in a predominantly deductive manner, and analysis of themes was undertaken using a reflexive analysis approach. RESULTS Traditional masculine norms showed differing relationships to masculine self-perception. Two main themes were identified [1] Maintained or enhanced masculine self-perception and [2] threats to masculine self-perception. Subthemes demonstrated that maintaining emotional control, strength and 'winning' was important to men, and reduced physical competencies (i.e., strength, sexual dysfunction, virility) challenged self-perception. Strict adherence to traditional norms in response to threatened self-perception related to psychological distress. CONCLUSION Leveraging traditionally masculine norms such as physical strength and control and developing flexible adaptations of masculinities should be encouraged with men with TC to retain self-perception and potentially enable better coping. Masculine self-perception of gay/bisexual men may centre around sexual functioning, though further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Dax
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Ftanou
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben Tran
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Division of Personalized Medicine, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeremy Lewin
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ontrac at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darshini Ayton
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zac Seidler
- Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Movember Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tania Wallace
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua F Wiley
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Abboah-Offei M, Bayuo J, Salifu Y, Afolabi O, Akudjedu TN. Experiences and perceptions of men following breast cancer diagnosis: a mixed method systematic review. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:179. [PMID: 38317128 PMCID: PMC10845771 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men with breast cancer experience unique physical and emotional challenges. However, a thorough understanding of these experiences including the psychosocial effects and supportive care needs have received less attention. In some settings, men with breast cancer experience stigma within the healthcare system and their care needs are not prioritised. This influences the level of professional support offered, consequently worsening their health and well-being outcomes. This review explored the variabilities in the experiences and treatment modalities of male breast cancer (MBC) across different contexts. METHODS All primary study designs including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies that reported on the experiences, treatment approaches and outcomes of MBC were included in this systematic review. Six databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Global Health, CINAHL and Web of Science) were searched for articles from January 2000 to September 2023. A results-based convergence synthesis was used for data analysis and reported using PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS Of the studies screened (n = 29,687), forty-four fulfilled the predetermined criteria and were included. Our findings relating to the experiences and treatment approaches of MBC are broadly themed into three parts. Theme 1-Navigating through a threat to masculinity: describes how males experienced the illness reflecting on detection, diagnosis, coming to terms with breast cancer, and disclosure. Theme 2- Navigating through treatment: captures the experiences of undergoing breast cancer treatment/ management following their diagnosis. Theme 3-Coping and support systems: describes how MBC patients coped with the disease, treatment process, aftercare/rehabilitative care, and the available support structures. CONCLUSIONS Men experience a myriad of issues following a breast cancer diagnosis, especially with their masculinity. Awareness creation efforts of MBC among the public and healthcare practitioners are urgently required, which could change the perception of men in promoting early diagnosis, adherence to treatments, post-treatment monitoring, oncological results and a better quality of life. Considerations for training, education and development of specialised guidelines for healthcare practitioners on MBC would provide the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their practice through the adoption of person-centred and male-specific care strategies. Professional care intervention and support for MBC should not end after the diagnosis phase but should extend to the entire treatment continuum and aftercare including future research focusing on MBC specific clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42021228778.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Abboah-Offei
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Court, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jonathan Bayuo
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hongkong, China
| | - Yakubu Salifu
- International Observatory On End of Life Care (IOELC), Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4AT, UK.
| | - Oladayo Afolabi
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Theophilus N Akudjedu
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Science, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
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Tuck CZ, Cooper R, Aryeetey R, Gray LA, Akparibo R. A critical review and analysis of the context, current burden, and application of policy to improve cancer equity in Ghana. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:254. [PMID: 38066530 PMCID: PMC10709985 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-02067-2] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer causes a major disease burden worldwide. This is increasingly being realised in low and middle-income countries, which account disproportionately for preventable cancer deaths. Despite the World Health Organization calling for governments to develop policies to address this and alleviate cancer inequality, numerous challenges in executing effective cancer policies remain, which require consideration of the country-specific context. As this has not yet been considered in Ghana, the aim of this review was to bring together and critique the social-environmental, health policy and system factors to identifying opportunities for future health policies to reduce cancer burden in the Ghanian context. A critical policy-focused review was conducted to bring together and critique the current health systems context relating to cancer in Ghana, considering the unmet policy need, health system and social factors contributing to the burden and policy advances related to cancer. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the changing burden of cancer in Ghana and the contextual factors within the socio-ecosystem that contribute to this. Policies around expanding access to and coverage of services, as well as the harmonization with medical pluralism have potential to improve outcomes and increase equity but their implementation and robust data to monitor their impact pose significant barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Zabrina Tuck
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Richard Cooper
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | | | - Laura A Gray
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Robert Akparibo
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
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