The Importance of Social Support, Optimism and Resilience on the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients

Social Support Buffers the Effect of Social Deprivation on Comorbidity Burden in Adults with Cancer

BACKGROUND

Adults with cancer have higher rates of comorbidity compared to those without cancer, with excess burden in people from lower socioeconomic status (SES). Social deprivation, based on geographic indices, broadens the focus of SES to include the importance of "place" and its association with health. Further, social support is a modifiable resource found to have direct and indirect effects on health in adults with cancer, with less known about its impact on comorbidity.

PURPOSE

We prospectively examined associations between social deprivation and comorbidity burden and the potential buffering role of social support.

METHODS

Our longitudinal sample of 420 adults (Mage = 59.6, SD = 11.6; 75% Non-Hispanic White) diagnosed with cancer completed measures at baseline (~6 months post-diagnosis) and four subsequent 3-month intervals for 1 year.

RESULTS

Adjusting for age, cancer type, and race/ethnicity, we found a statistically significant interaction between social support and the effect of social deprivation on comorbidity burden (β = -0.11, p = 0.012), such that greater social support buffered the negative effect of social deprivation on comorbidity burden.

CONCLUSION

Implementing routine screening for social deprivation in cancer care settings can help identify patients at risk of excess comorbidity burden. Clinician recognition of these findings could trigger a referral to social support resources for individuals high on social deprivation.

Multidimensional Model of Energy in Patients With Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Evidence suggests that energy is a distinct symptom from fatigue in patients with cancer. The purpose of this paper is to present the Multidimensional Model of Energy in Patients with Cancer (MMEPC) that is based on emerging evidence and to make recommendations for clinical practice and future research.

METHODS

The literature was reviewed to determine various factors associated with variations in energy in patients with cancer. In addition, some of the emerging evidence in the model is supported by studies of energy in the general population and in patients with other chronic conditions.

RESULTS

Based on a review of the literature, specific concepts in the MMEPC include: person factors, clinical factors, cancer-related factors, biological factors, factors associated with energy balance, and co-occurring symptoms. The evidence to support the association between each of these factors and variations in energy levels in patients with cancer is described and synthesized.

CONCLUSION

This article provides emerging evidence on factors that influence variations in energy levels in patients with cancer. While the fundamental biobehavioral and biologic mechanisms that underlie variations in energy levels are not well understood, the model can be used to design pre-clinical and clinical studies of energy in patients with cancer. In addition, while emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that fatigue and energy are distinct symptoms, additional research on common and distinct risk factors and underlying mechanisms is warranted to be able to develop and test precision interventions for one or both symptoms.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The risk factors (eg, being female, sleep quality) associated with variations in energy levels in patients with cancer identified in this paper have important clinical implications. Clinicians can use the identified risk factors to guide their assessments; identify high-risk patients with decrements in energy decrement; and develop targeted energy conservation interventions for the patients.

A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of a one-to-one peer support intervention on resilience, social support, and salivary cortisol in recently diagnosed women with breast cancer

PURPOSE

Peer support has been suggested as a way to help women diagnosed with breast cancer to better cope with their situation, but studies on its effectiveness have conflicting results. This randomized controlled trial aimed to study the effectiveness of a one-to-one peer support intervention on psychological resilience, social support, and salivary cortisol among breast cancer patients.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 121 newly diagnosed women at Onkologikoa Hospital. Patients who were prescribed chemotherapy were randomly assigned to Intervention Group 1 (IG1) or Control Group 1 (CG1). Similarly, those prescribed adjuvant radiotherapy were assigned to IG2 or CG2. Women in IG1 received 8 biweekly social support sessions from volunteer survivors who had successfully overcome breast cancer, while IG2 received 6 biweekly sessions. CG1 and CG2 only received standard care. Resilience, social support, and salivary cortisol were assessed at baseline (T1) and at the end of the intervention (T2).

RESULTS

We found a non-significant, yet a small to moderate size increase in resilience from T1 to T2 in IG1 (p = 0.246; dDc = 0.47). Upon regression analysis, we observed that this increase was determined by changes in cortisol (β = -0.658, p = 00.010), affective support (β = -0.997, p = 00.014), and emotional support (β = 0.935, p = 00.008). We also found a significant decrease in resilience levels in CG2 from T1 to T2 (p = 0.003; dDc = 0.88).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that peer support can exert a protective psychological influence on women diagnosed with breast cancer, and further indicates an exciting avenue for future intervention development in the breast cancer care continuum.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05077371.

Financial toxicity and its risk factors among patients with cancer in China: A nationwide multisite study

Objective

We assessed financial toxicity (FT) among Chinese patients with cancer and investigated associated risk factors guided by a multilevel conceptual framework.

Methods

Applying multistage stratified sampling, we selected six tertiary and six secondary hospitals across three economically diverse provinces in China. From February to October 2022, 1208 patients with cancer participated. FT was measured using the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST), with 28 potential risk factors identified at multilevel. Multiple regression analysis was used for risk factor identification.

Results

FT prevalence was 82.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.5%, 84.8%), with high FT (COST score ≤ 18.5) observed in 40.9% of participants (95% CI: 38.1%, 43.7%). Significant risk factors included younger age at cancer diagnosis, unmarried status, low annual household income, negative impact of cancer on participants' or family caregiver's work, advanced cancer stage, longer hospital stay for cancer treatment or treatment-related side effects, high perceived stress, poor emotional/informational support, lack of social medical insurance or having urban and rural resident basic medical insurance, lack of commercial medical insurance, tertiary hospital treatment, and inadequate cost discussions with healthcare providers (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Cancer-related FT is prevalent in China, contributing to disparities in cancer care access and health-related outcomes. The risk factors associated with cancer-related FT encompasses multilevel, including patient/family, provider/practice, and payer/policy levels. There is an urgent need for collective efforts by patients, healthcare providers, policymakers, and insurers to safeguard the financial security and well-being of individuals affected by cancer, promoting health equities in the realm of cancer care.

Quality of life and its association with predictors in lung transplant recipients: a latent profile analysis

Backgrounds

Improving quality of life (QOL) is one of the main aims of lung transplantation (LTx). There is a need to identify those who have poor quality of life early. However, research addressing inter individual quality of life variability among them is lacking. This study aims to identify group patterns in quality of life among lung transplant recipients and examine the predictors associated with quality of life subgroups.

Methods

In total, 173 lung transplant recipients were recruited from one hospital in Guangdong Province between September 2022 and August 2023. They were assessed using the Lung Transplant Quality of Life scale (LT-QOL), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Life Orientation Test-Revised scale (LOT-R), and Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). Latent profile analysis was used to identify QOL subtypes, and logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between latent profiles and sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics.

Results

Two distinct QOL profiles were identified: "low HRQOL" profile [N = 53 (30.94%)] and "high HRQOL" profile [N = 120 (69.06%)]. Single lung transplant recipients, and patients who reported post-transplant infection, high levels of negative emotion or low levels of mindfulness and optimism were significantly correlated with the low QOL subgroup.

Conclusion

Using the domains of the LT-QOL scale, two profiles were identified among the lung transplant recipients. Our findings highlighted that targeted intervention should be developed based on the characteristics of each latent class, and timely attention must be paid to patients who have undergone single lung transplantation, have had a hospital readmission due to infection, exhibit low levels of optimism, low levels of mindfulness or high negative emotions.

Spiritual interventions: Improving the lives of colorectal cancer survivors-A systematic literature review

AIM

To systematically review the types of spiritual interventions available for colorectal cancer survivors and determine if they improve their lives.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCE

A thorough literature search was conducted in July 2023 using PRIMO, PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, and EMBASE.

REVIEW METHODS

As an extension of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist, the Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis reporting guideline was employed. A narrative synthesis was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Thirty-five articles were analysed for this study. The findings suggest that psychoeducational intervention, cognitive behavioural therapy intervention, mindfulness intervention, social intervention, and spiritual counselling improved CRC survivor's coping skills, boosted self-esteem, lessened anxiety, instilled hope, enhanced daily functioning, improved survival rates, improved neurological functional status and quality of life (QoL).

CONCLUSION

There is proof that spiritual interventions help CRC patients and improve their QoL. It has been discovered that spiritual intervention is helpful in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of CRC conditions.

IMPACT

CRC survivors may have impairments in their physical ability and daily functioning as a result of many symptoms, such as pain, bowel dysfunction, and exhaustion. Furthermore, individuals may encounter difficulties in several aspects of their psychological, emotional, social, and role functioning due to the presence of dread symptoms. Therefore, these study will help CRC survivors To implement spiritual interventions in the management of their long-term care. To cultivate problem-solving abilities, foster self-assurance, and enhance self-awareness. To alleviate symptoms, enhance everyday functioning, and improve QoL.

NO INDUCEMENT

No financial incentives were used to compensate patients or members of the public for this review.

The Role of Resilience in the Relationship between Sociodemographic, Clinical Characteristics, and Social Support among Breast Cancer Patients in Serbia

BACKGROUND

The management of breast cancer treatments within the limitations of family, social, and professional life is emotionally burdening and negatively affects physical, psychological, and social well-being, reducing the overall quality of life of patients and their families.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted from March to August 2023 at the "Dr. Radivoj Simonović" General Hospital in Sombor. A total of 236 breast cancer patients participated in this study. The research was conducted using the following instruments: a questionnaire on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients, the Berlin Social-Support Scales-for assessing social support-and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-for assessing resilience. This study aimed to determine the predictors and levels of social support and resilience of breast cancer patients. We also wanted to examine whether resilience is a mediator between patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and levels of social support.

RESULTS

The total average value of social support was 3.51 ± 0.63, while on the resilience scale, the respondents achieved a total average score of 52.2 ± 9.63. Perceived and actually received social support of breast cancer patients were positively correlated with resilience [p < 0.01], while no statistically significant correlations were found for the need for support and satisfaction. The sets of predictors can significantly predict their effects on all types of perceived social support (emotional social support: 9%; perceived instrumental social support: 9%) and all types of received social support (actually received emotional social support: 8%; actually received instrumental social support: 7%; actually received informational social support: 8%). There is a potential mediating role of resilience in relation to sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, and the need for support.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that a strong connection exists between social support and resilience. However, the analysis did not confirm the mediating role of resilience between the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on the one hand and social support on the other.

Subjective Well-Being in Cancer Patients: The Roles of Social Support, Purpose in Life, Resilience, and Informativeness

The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between subjective well-being (life satisfaction, positive and negative experiences, and prosperity) and various psychosocial factors (social support received from family members and partners, purpose in life, resilience and information) in cancer patients and to examine the possibility of predicting components of subjective well-being based on these mentioned factors in cancer patients. A total of 338 adult cancer patients from Croatia participated in the study (41.1% male and 58.9% female). To measure the constructs, the Diener Subjective Well-Being Scale, the Social Support Scale at work and in the family, the Purpose in Life Scale, the Short Resilience Scale, and the EORTC-QLQ information questionnaire were used. Results showed a high level of life satisfaction and prosperity, as well as more frequent positive compared to negative experiences. A medium to high level of social support received from family members and from the partner was determined. High levels of purpose in life and medium levels of resilience and information were found. A high correlation was found among the components of the construct of subjective well-being, and a low to medium correlation among the predictors. Positive associations were found between the criteria of life satisfaction and prosperity with psychosocial factors. Negative associations were established between the positive/negative experience variables and the factors. Furthermore, the purpose in life was determined as an important predictor of all three components of subjective well-being, social support (both sources) as important for predicting life satisfaction, resilience for experiencing positive and negative experiences, and social family support for predicting the prosperity of cancer patients.

A latent class analysis of resilience and its association with patient-reported symptoms in patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy

Purpose

To identify the latent classes of resilience in patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy and develop a deeper understanding of the association between these classes and patient-reported symptoms.

Background

China accounts for more than half of the global burden of esophageal cancer, and patients with esophageal cancer experience numerous symptoms that affect their quality of life and prognosis. Given that resilience is a key element that alleviates the progression of symptoms, it may represent a potential means of to enhancing cancer patients' physical and psychological well-being.

Methods

The study was implemented in the thoracic surgery departments of three tertiary hospitals in eastern China. The participants were patients who were still hospitalized after esophagectomy. Data were gathered by self-report questionnaires, and a latent class analysis was utilized to identify different categories of resilience among the patients.

Results

A total of 226 patients were recruited. The three classes of resilience identified included high strength and striving (53.5%), medium resilience but weak self-recovery (35.9%), and minimal tenacity and external support (10.6%). Patients with low income (OR = 12.540, p = 0.004) were more likely to be in the minimal tenacity and external support class. Patients without comorbidities (OR = 2.413, p = 0.013) and aged 66-70 years (OR = 4.272, p < 0.001) were more likely to be in the high strength and striving class. The patient-reported symptoms and symptom-related interference of patients after esophagectomy varied considerably among the three categories of resilience.

Conclusion

Accurate interventions should be devised and executed according to the features of each type of resilience in patients after esophagectomy to maximize intervention efficacy. These findings highlight the important role of precision nursing.

Effects of family-centered positive psychological intervention on psychological health and quality of life in patients with breast cancer and their caregivers

PURPOSE

Positive psychological intervention could improve individual's psychological health and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of family-centered positive psychological intervention on resilience, hope, perceived benefits, and quality of life in breast cancer patients and their caregivers.

METHODS

A two-group, randomized controlled study, including 98 dyads of breast cancer patients and caregivers, was conducted. Dyads were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 49) and control (n = 49) groups. Both the control and intervention groups received 4 weeks of health education, while the intervention group additionally received a 4-week family-centered positive psychological intervention. Outcome measures compared at baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2), and at 1-month follow-up (T3), included validated measures of resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), hope (Herth Hope Index), perceived benefits (Perceived Benefits of Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Positive Aspects of Caregiving), and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast, Caregiver Quality of Life Scale).

RESULTS

Resilience, hope, perceived benefits, and quality of life of dyads were significantly higher in the intervention group than those in the control group at T2 and T3 (all p < 0.05). Linear mixed model analysis demonstrated a significant interaction effect of group × time × role (p = 0.007) on hope and a significant difference in the improvement of hope (p < 0.05) between patients and their caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our family-centered positive psychological intervention was effective in improving psychological health and quality of life for breast cancer patients and caregivers. This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of positive clinical psychological interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2300072809.

The relationship between resilience and quality of life in advanced cancer survivors: multiple mediating effects of social support and spirituality

Background

While previous studies have revealed a positive association between resilience and quality of life in advanced cancer survivors, the mechanisms of the relationship is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationships between resilience, social support, spirituality, and quality of life and determine the multiple mediation effects of social support and spirituality on the relationship between resilience and quality of life.

Methods

With 286 advanced cancer survivors, a cross-sectional, correlational survey was adopted using convenience sampling. Resilience, social support, spirituality, and quality of life were evaluated by self-report questionnaires. The PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to test the multiple mediation model.

Results

The scores for resilience, social support, spirituality and quality of life were positively correlated with one another. Resilience was found to be directly impact quality of life. Meanwhile, the relationship between resilience and quality of life was mediated by social support (effect = 0.067, 95% CI [0.019, 0.120]) and by spirituality (effect = 0.221, 95% CI [0.134, 0.332]), respectively, and by these two serially (effect = 0.036, 95% CI [0.015, 0.067]).

Conclusion

Social support and spirituality played multiple mediating roles in the relationship between resilience and quality of life. Interventions aimed at increasing resilience, and then boosting social support and spirituality may be beneficial for promoting quality of life of advanced cancer survivors.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Prostate Cancer 5-Year Survival: The Role of Health-Care Access and Disease Severity

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer (PCa) exhibits one of the widest racial and socioeconomic disparities. PCa disparities have also been widely linked to location, as living in more deprived regions was associated with lower healthcare access and worse outcomes. This study aims to examine PCa survival across various USA counties in function of different socioeconomic profiles and discuss the role of potential intermediary factors.

METHODS

The SEER database linked to county-level SES was utilized. Five-year PCa-specific survival using the Kaplan-Meier method was performed for five racial/ethnic categories in function of SES quintiles. Multilevel Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to assess the relationship between county-level SES and PCa survival. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to examine the role of healthcare utilization and severity.

RESULTS

A total of 239,613 PCa records were extracted, and 5-year PCa-specific survival was 94%. Overall, living in counties in the worst poverty/income quintile and the worst high-school level education increased PCa mortality by 38% and 33%, respectively, while the best bachelor's-level education rates decreased mortality risk by 23%. Associations varied considerably upon racial/ethnic stratification. Multilevel analyses showed varying contributions of individual and area-level factors to survival within minorities. The relationship between SES and PCa survival appeared to be influenced by healthcare utilization and disease stage/grade.

DISCUSSION

Racial/ethnic categories responded differently under similar county-level SES and individual-level factors to the point where disparities reversed in Hispanic populations. The inclusion of healthcare utilization and severity factors may provide partial early support for their role as intermediaries. Healthcare access (insurance) might not necessarily be associated with better PCa survival through the performance of biopsy and or/surgery. County-level education plays an important role in PCa decision making as it might elucidate discussions of other non-invasive management options.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study demonstrate that interventions need to be tailored according to each group's needs. This potentially informs the focus of public health efforts in terms of planning and prioritization. This study could also direct further research delving into pathways between area-level characteristics with PCa survival.

Depression, anxiety, & loneliness among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression, anxiety, and loneliness between those with and without a history of cancer.

DESIGN

This prospective observational study used a quantitative approach.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult members of the Kaiser Permanente Research Bank (N = 104,640).

METHODS

Participants completed a series of surveys from May to December 2020. The difference in score of depression, anxiety, and loneliness were estimated using linear mixed regression.

FINDINGS

Among cancer survivors, 21% and 19% met the thresholds for increased risk of depression and anxiety. Among cancer survivors, younger age groups and females reported increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the continued necessity of addressing mental health needs and social support in cancer survivors during and after a public health emergency.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS

Cancer survivors may need particular resources after cancer treatment to strengthen resilience and improve quality of life.

Social support score in patients with malignant diseases-with sociodemographic and medical characteristics

Introduction

Social support as a complex construct has a positive influence not only on a patient's condition but also on the process of the patient's emotional adjustment to cancer. The goal of this study is to investigate aspects of the level of social support in oncology patients and its interconnection with sociodemographic and medical variables.

Method

The study was conducted as a prospective observational study in 2020, including 250 patients aged 19 and over, both sexes, with a diagnosis of oncological disease. The research was conducted in the Department of General Medicine of the Health Center Trstenik, Central Serbia, after approval by the Ethics Committee of the Health Center Trstenik, Central Serbia. A social support assessment questionnaire (Oslo-3 Social Support Scale) was used as a research instrument.

Results

Data collected from the entire study population showed that bad social support was present in almost 90% of cases. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed a statistically significant influence of the following variables on the bad social support: education level, activity limitation, difficulties in performing daily activities, the impact of pain on the performance of activities, the need for additional help with activity, the need for help at home, unfulfilled needs for health care, means of information, anxiety score and depression score.

Conclusion

Interventions to increase social support may be important for enhancing mental health and quality of life in cancer patients.

"I wanted information": navigating breast Cancer and its treatment in Lima, Peru

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer impacts millions of people worldwide, and in Peru, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer related death among women. Breast cancer treatment is physically and emotionally burdensome and challenging for patients.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 female breast cancer patients and survivors in Lima, Peru. The interviews explored four main themes: the women's emotional experiences, coping mechanisms, resources available or needed, and advice for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

RESULTS

Respondents described a tremendous lack of informational support during and after diagnosis and treatment and requested more of this support from health professionals. Social support groups were helpful to participants; however, these forms of support were not available to all participants. Emotional and esteem support seemed amply received from family and friends, faith organizations, and fellow cancer patients. Participants experienced a range of emotions upon diagnosis and during treatment including fear, anxiety, difficulty accepting bodily changes, loneliness, and denial.

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer and its treatment can be a long, emotional journey; more extensive forms of informational support could help patients cope with this process.

Higher Stress in Oncology Patients is Associated With Cognitive and Evening Physical Fatigue Severity

CONTEXT

Cognitive and physical fatigue are common symptoms experienced by oncology patients. Exposure to stressful life events (SLE), cancer-related stressors, coping styles, and levels of resilience may influence the severity of both dimensions of fatigue.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate for differences in global, cancer-specific, and cumulative life stress, as well as resilience and coping in oncology patients (n=1332) with distinct cognitive fatigue AND evening physical fatigue profiles.

METHODS

Latent profile analysis, which combined the two symptom scores, identified three subgroups of patients with distinct cognitive fatigue AND evening physical fatigue profiles (i.e., Low, Moderate, High). Patients completed measures of global, cancer-specific, and cumulative life stress as well measures of resilience and coping. Differences among the latent classes in the various measures were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

Compared to Low class, the other two classes reported higher global and cancer-specific stress. In addition, they reported higher occurrence rates for sexual harassment and being forced to touch prior to 16 years of age. Compared to the other two classes, High class reported lower resilience scores and higher use of denial, substance use, and behavioral disengagement.

CONCLUSION

To decrease both cognitive and evening physical fatigue, clinicians need to assess for relevant stressors and initiate interventions to increase resilience and the use of engagement coping strategies. Additional research is warranted on the relative contribution of various social determinants of health to both cognitive and physical fatigue in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy.

The effect of positive thinking on resilience and life satisfaction of older adults: a randomized controlled trial

The cumulative effects of adversity and unhappiness affect life satisfaction and quality of life in the growing older adult population. Most of the interventions aimed at improving the health and quality of life of older adults have adopted a problem-oriented or weakness-focused approach. However, a positive or strengths-focused approach can also have a virtuous but more effective capacity to contribute to the well-being and life satisfaction of older adults. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of positive thinking training on improving resilience and life satisfaction among older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 100 older adults with simple random sampling. The intervention group received 90-min weekly sessions for eight weeks on positive thinking training through written homework for reflection, group discussion, and media. The data were collected using Ingram and Wisnicki Positive Thinking Questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Tobin Life Satisfaction Questionnaire at baseline and one week and two months after the training. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software 26. P values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Positive thinking training led to better thinking (p < 0.001), higher resilience (p < 0.001), and greater life satisfaction (p < 0.001). The study's findings showed the effectiveness of the positive thinking training approach in improving resilience and life satisfaction in older adults. It is recommended to evaluate the long-term outcome in populations with different social, economic, and cultural statuses in future studies.

Determinants of Post-Traumatic Growth and Quality of Life in Ghanaian Breast Cancer Survivors

This study assessed the psychosocial factors associated with post-traumatic growth (PTG) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women breast cancer survivors. Women (N = 128) completed questionnaires on social support, religiosity, hope, optimism, benefit-finding, PTG and HRQoL. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Results showed that perceived social support, religiosity, hope, optimism, and benefit finding were positively associated with PTG. Religiosity and PTG were positively associated with HRQoL. The results suggest that interventions aimed at increasing religiosity, hope, optimism, and perceived support can help survivors cope better with breast cancer.

Undergoing radical treatment for prostate cancer and its impact on wellbeing: A qualitative study exploring men's experiences

INTRODUCTION

Quality of life in prostate cancer survivorship is becoming increasingly important, with mental and social wellbeing recognised as key components. However, limited global evaluation of psychosocial challenges experienced after treatment exists. Therefore, we aimed to explore the lived experiences of men who underwent radical treatment, and its psychosocial impact.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This qualitative study was conducted using 19 men who had undergone radical treatment (prostatectomy or radiotherapy) for their cancer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted exploring lived experiences of men after treatment. A Structured thematic analysis of collected data was undertaken, with an inductive co-construction of themes through the lens of the biopsychosocial model. Themes generated were considered within a psychological, social, and physical wellbeing framework.

RESULTS

An initial knowledge gap meant mental wellbeing was strongly impacted initially leading to a 'Diagnostic Blow and the Search for Clarity'. Doubt over individuals' future resulted in 'An Uncertain Future' in many men. Once treatment was completed a 'Reflective journey' began, with men considering their outcomes and decisions made. Social wellbeing was also impacted with many identifying the 'Emotional Repercussions' on their relationships and the impact their diagnosis had on their partner and family. Many subsequently sought to increase their support through 'The Social Network and Advocacy', while physical changes led to an increased need for 'Social Planning'. Finally, physical wellbeing was highlighted by a continual acknowledgement of the 'Natural process of ageing' leading to a reluctancy to seek help, whilst simultaneously attempting to improve existing health via 'The Health Kick'.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical treatments have a considerable impact on mental and social wellbeing of individuals. Anxiety after diagnosis and significant uncertainty over individual futures exist, with physical complications of treatment leading to social repercussions. Future research should aim to identify forms of support to improve quality of life of these men.

Cancer-Related Stigmatization, Quality of Life, and Fear of Death Among Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

The purpose of the study is to investigate the gender differences among newly diagnosed cancer patients from the cultural perspective of Pakistan. The data comprised two equal groups: men (50%) and women (50%). Most participants were 31-45 years old, and the duration of the cancer diagnosis was less than 6 months (74.6%). The data was collected on the following scales: the discrimination and stigma scale, the internalized stigma scale, the WHO-quality of life scale, and the fear of death scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.25; descriptive statistics, an independent sample t-test, and simple linear regression were applied to the data. The results revealed that men and women are both experiencing cancer-related stigmatization in Pakistan. However, women face a higher level of stigmatization, lower quality of life, and higher fear of death than men. Furthermore, the regression analysis result confirms that the cancer-related stigma faced by the diagnosed patients decreases the patient's quality of life and induces the fear of death.

Perceived social support and coping style as mediators between resilience and health-related quality of life in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer: a cross-sectional study

Background

Breast cancer may impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We examined the mediating roles of perceived social support (PSS) and coping style (CS) in the relationship between resilience and HRQoL in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Methods

Following a cross-sectional design, 431 patients completed a survey at two hospitals in Shaanxi Province, China. Four validated self-report measures assessed HRQoL, psychological resilience, PSS, and CS. A one-sample t-test analyzed differences between resilience, PSS, and CS in breast cancer patients and the corresponding norm. Multivariate linear regression analyzed the independent predictors of HRQoL. The mediating roles of PSS and CS between resilience and HRQoL were investigated using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Results

Participants had significantly lower scores for resilience and PSS, and higher scores for the avoidance and resignation CSs than their corresponding norm. SEM analysis showed resilience had significant direct effects on PSS (Bs: 0.59, 95% CI 0.49, 0.68, P = 0.003), CS (confrontation: 0.53 (0.44, 0.62), P = 0.001; resignation: − 0.66 (− 0.74, − 0.57), P = 0.002), and HRQoL (Bs range from 0.44 to 0.63, P < 0.05). Resilience had significant indirect effects (Bs range from 0.09 to 0.27), and PSS and CS had significant direct effects on HRQoL (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients had lower resilience and PSS, and higher negative CSs, suggesting that PSS and CS mediated the influence of resilience on HRQoL. A multimodal intervention program focusing on PSS and CS might improve the positive influences of resilience on HRQoL in breast cancer patients.