Impact of Community Palliative Care on Quality of Life among Cancer Patients in Bangladesh

From Crypts to Cancer: A Holistic Perspective on Colorectal Carcinogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global health burden, with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Recent progress in research highlights the distinct clinical and molecular characteristics of colon versus rectal cancers, underscoring tumor location's importance in treatment approaches. This article provides a comprehensive review of our current understanding of CRC epidemiology, risk factors, molecular pathogenesis, and management strategies. We also present the intricate cellular architecture of colonic crypts and their roles in intestinal homeostasis. Colorectal carcinogenesis multistep processes are also described, covering the conventional adenoma-carcinoma sequence, alternative serrated pathways, and the influential Vogelstein model, which proposes sequential APC, KRAS, and TP53 alterations as drivers. The consensus molecular CRC subtypes (CMS1-CMS4) are examined, shedding light on disease heterogeneity and personalized therapy implications.

Relationship between perceived social support and mental health status of the advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care in Bangladesh

Background

Cancer patients experience significant changes in their social roles along with various physical and psychological challenges. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of palliative care in Bangladesh, there is a notable gap in research focusing on the psychosocial issues faced by patients with advanced cancer.

Aim

This study aims to explore the level of social support perceived by Bangladeshi cancer patients and determine how this support relates to their mental health status.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 115 advanced cancer (stages III and IV) patients admitted to the palliative medicine department of a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Perceived social support was measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the mental health status of the patients was assessed by Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Data collection was done from June to November 2023. Relationships between perceived social support, depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed by the Spearman correlation test. The moderating effect of perceived social support on patients' mental health variables was determined by multiple linear regression and simple slope analysis. p Value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Result

The study included an almost equal number of male (49.6%) and female (50.4%) patients, with a mean age of 50.7 ± 14.4 years. Overall, perceived social support was moderate to high for most (74.7%) of the participants. Among the participants, 78.3% experienced anxiety, 77.4% suffered from depression, and 70.5% experienced stress. Depression, anxiety, and stress were all negatively and significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with perceived social support. Younger patients reported higher levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. Perceived social support had a significant buffering effect on depression and anxiety among the younger patients.

Conclusion

Perceived social support has a profound and significant effect on the mental health of advanced cancer patients. Integrating psychosocial support early in palliative care can be highly beneficial to the mental health of these patients.

Palliative Care in the Ageing European Population: A Cross-Country Comparison

With Europe's ageing population and rising demand for palliative care, it is crucial to examine the use of palliative care among older adults during their last years of life and understand the factors influencing their access and end-of-life circumstances. This study employed a cohort of SHARE participants aged 65 years or older who had passed away between Wave 6 (2015) and Wave 7 (2017). Information on death circumstances, palliative care utilization, and associated variables were analysed. The study revealed that nearly 13.0% of individuals across these countries died under palliative care, with Slovenia having the lowest rate (0.3%) and France the highest (30.4%). Palliative care utilization in the last 30 days before death was observed in over 24.0% of participants, with the Czech Republic having the lowest rate (5.0%) and Greece the highest (48.8%). A higher risk of using or dying in palliative care was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (low verbal fluency), physical inactivity, and good to excellent self-perceived health. This work highlights the urgent need for enhanced global access to palliative care and advocates for the cross-country comparison of effective practices within Europe, tailored to the unique healthcare needs of older adults.

Navigating Compassion: A Comprehensive Review of Palliative Care in Respiratory Medicine

Palliative care has emerged as a crucial aspect of comprehensive healthcare, particularly in respiratory medicine. This review navigates the intricate landscape of palliative care in the context of respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and lung cancer. The exploration begins with a comprehensive examination of palliative care's definition, significance, and purpose in respiratory medicine. It progresses to understanding common respiratory diseases, their impact on patients' quality of life, and the nuances of disease progression and prognosis. Delving into the principles of palliative care, the review highlights the importance of a patient- and family-centered approach, emphasizing the multidisciplinary collaboration required for holistic care. Symptom management takes center stage, with a detailed exploration of dyspnea, cough, and pain, covering pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The psychosocial and spiritual dimensions are then unveiled, recognizing the psychological impact of respiratory diseases and the significance of addressing spiritual needs with cultural sensitivity. Communication in palliative care is explored through breaking lousy news, advance care planning, and shared decision-making. The section acknowledges the complex considerations surrounding end-of-life care, including recognizing the end-of-life phase, establishing care goals, and withdrawing life-sustaining therapies. Recognizing the indispensable role of caregivers, the review underscores the importance of caregiver support. It delineates strategies for providing emotional and practical support alongside a crucial focus on self-care for caregivers who shoulder the responsibilities of providing palliative care. As the exploration concludes, the challenges in implementing palliative care in respiratory medicine are outlined, from late referrals to communication barriers. However, the review also envisions a future marked by innovation, with emerging approaches, such as telehealth and personalized medicine, offering promising avenues for improvement. Research gaps and areas for improvement are identified, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort to enhance the quality of palliative care for individuals facing respiratory diseases. The review culminates in a call to action, urging early palliative care integration, investment in education and training, research initiatives, advocacy for accessible services, and collaboration across disciplines. By heeding this call, healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers can collectively contribute to the evolution and enhancement of palliative care in the challenging landscape of respiratory medicine.