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Psychooncology 2019 Feb 14. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Department of Health Psychology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen.

Objective: In line with screening guidelines, cancer survivors were consecutively screened on depressive symptoms (as part of standard care), with those reporting elevated levels of symptoms offered psychological care as part of a trial. Due to the low uptake, no conclusions could be drawn about the interventions' efficacy. Given the trial set-up (following screening guidelines and strict methodological quality criteria), we believe that this observational study reporting the flow of participation, reasons for and characteristics associated with non-participation, adds to the debate about the feasibility and effiency of screening guidelines. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 14. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg.

Objective: Death acceptance may indicate positive adaptation in cancer patients. Little is known about what characterizes patients with different levels of death acceptance or its impact on psychological distress. We aimed to broaden the understanding of death acceptance by exploring associated demographic, medical and psychological characteristics. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 14. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC.

Objective: The psychosocial impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis significantly affects a patient's quality of life. We studied patient communication at the time of diagnosis and its impact on psychosocial adjustment of patients.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional data analysis from self-administered questionnaires in the PROCURE biobank study, consisting of a cohort of patients with localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy in Québec (Canada), 2006-2013. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 14. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Department of Pain Relief, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital，National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Tianjin), Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin.

Objective: This study was aimed to provide support for the extensive application of Distress Thermometer in advanced cancer inpatients with pain and explore the risk factors of DT among this population.

Methods: Advanced cancer patients with pain were recruited from Department of Pain Relief in Tianjin Cancer Hospital & Institute, China. They completed the DT with problems list and HADS within 48h after admission. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 14. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.

Objective: Fatigue and cognitive dysfunction are major concerns for women with early-stage breast cancer during treatment and into survivorship. However, interrelationships of these phenomena and their temporal patterns over time are not well documented, thus limiting the strategies for symptom management interventions. In this study, changes in fatigue across treatment phases, and the relationship among fatigue severity and its functional impact with objective cognitive performance were examined. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 14. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the association between theoretical constructs from the Health Belief Model and fertility consultation status after cancer.

Methods: Reproductive-aged female cancer survivors self-reported their use of fertility consultation, perceived severity of and susceptibility to infertility, perceived barriers to and effectiveness of fertility consultation, and cues to action from family/peers and doctors, as well as demographics and cancer characteristics. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between theoretical constructs and fertility consultation status. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 13. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Objective: Schooling after treatment can hold challenges for survivors of childhood cancer and caregivers who may need to act as advocates on their behalf. This study seeks to understand caregiver experiences of survivor's school-related challenges. This understudied area is critical given the 85% survivor rate for those diagnosed with childhood cancer and the disproportionate risk of learning difficulties faced by those with brain tumor or who receive therapy that targets the central nervous system. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 13. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer.

Background: The Psychosocial Screen for Cancer (PSSCAN-R) questionnaire is a validated screening tool used to identify the psychosocial needs of patients with cancer. It assesses patients' perceived social supports and psychosocial needs, and the presence of symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study goals were to assess the prevalence and factors associated with distress in patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 8. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Univ. Lille, UMR CNRS 9193 - SCALab -Affective and Cognitive Sciences - Rue du Barreau, Villeneuve d'Ascq cedex.

Objective: The main objective was to test the indirect effects of emotional competence (EC) after diagnosis (T1) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after surgery (T2) of esogastric cancer patients via fewer anxiety and depression symptoms (T2).

Methods: Data were collected from 30 French centers via the clinico-biological database FREGAT (French EsoGastric Tumors). Two hundred and twenty-eight participants completed a self-reported questionnaire at T1 and T2, assessing their EC (PEC), HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30), and anxiety and depression symptoms (HADS). Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 8. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Health Behavior Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW.

Objectives: Using a vignette-style DCE in a sample of oncology patients, this study explored: (1) The relative influence of the patient's level of concern about their depression on preferences for care; (2) The relative influence of depression severity according to a mental health checklist on preferred treatment seeking options; and (3) Whether patient age and gender were associated with depression care preference.

Methods: A Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) survey of cancer patients was conducted. Hypothetical vignettes to elicit care preferences were created using two attributes; the cancer patient's level of concern about depression (a little or a great deal) and results of a mental health checklist (not depressed or very depressed). Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 7. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 5. Epub 2019 Feb 5.

Cancer Journey Advisory Group, Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, Toronto.

Objective: The Return to Work Initiative was launched to build a comprehensive understanding of issues, needs, current resources, and available supports for Canadian cancer survivors returning to work as the basis for developing a national action plan.

Methods: This Initiative drew on perspectives of stakeholders through a survey and consultations with cancer survivors and caregivers to learn about challenges regarding return to work; and interviews and focus groups with workplace representatives and employers to determine issues encountered in the workplace. Common perspectives across stakeholder groups were identified. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 5. Epub 2019 Feb 5.

Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institute of Oncology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.

Objectives: The diagnosis of breast cancer can be associated with significant emotional distress, yet, over time, cancer survivors also may experience positive psychological changes labeled posttraumatic growth (PTG). Two alternative paths between coping strategies and PTG were tested among breast cancer patients, employing longitudinal design: Would PTG after medical treatment of breast cancer lead to an increase in reporting positive coping strategies; alternatively, would positive coping strategies after medical treatment of breast cancer lead to increased PTG.

Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted among 198 breast cancer patients who completed validated self-report scales, at five time points: at 3 months after completing active medical treatment (T1); after 6 months (T2); after 1 year (T3); after 2 years (T4); and after 7 years (T5). Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 4. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University.

Objective: While in the past cancer patients were advised to rest, recent research revealed various beneficial effects of physical activity including increased treatment tolerability during cancer treatment and prolonged survival, which has led to a paradigm shift in relevant guidelines. This study examined if this paradigm shift from rest to activity has been consolidated in health care professionals' (HCP) attitude. It was investigated if the two dimensions of attitude (rest and activity) are endorsed empirically within the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 4. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, QLD.

Objective: Psychosexual morbidity is common after prostate cancer treatment; however long-term prospective research is limited. We report five-year outcomes from a couples-based intervention in dyads with men treated for localised prostate cancer with surgery.

Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted involving 189 heterosexual couples where the man received a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 4. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria.

Objective: Informal caregivers provide substantial support for people living with cancer. Previous systematic reviews report on the efficacy of cancer caregiver interventions, but not their potential to be implemented. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the potential for cancer caregiver interventions to be implemented into practice. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Feb 1. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.

Objective: Surrogate information seeking is quite common, and several studies have presented data on caregivers, family members, and friends who seek health information on the Internet or from a cancer-information service (CIS) on behalf of cancer patients. However, these studies provide little information about the patients who are supported by surrogate seekers. Therefore, this study analyzed demographic and cancer-related differences, including diverse informational needs, between self-seeking patients and patients who benefited from surrogate seekers (ie, caregivers, family, or friends) requesting information on their behalf. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.

Objective: Prior research examining the association between use of antidepressants after colon cancer diagnosis and risk of recurrence is scant. We evaluated this association among colon cancer patients diagnosed at two integrated health care delivery systems in the United States.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study of stage I to IIIA colon cancer patients diagnosed at greater than or equal to 18 years of age at Kaiser Permanente Colorado and Kaiser Permanente Washington during 1995 to 2014. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife.

Objective: The current systematic review aims to provide an overview of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (15-39 yrs at cancer diagnosis, AYAs).

Methods: MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase databases were independently searched to identify relevant quantitative articles. PRISMA systematic review procedures were followed with quality assessment. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 29. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Andalusian School of Public Health, Granada, Spain.

Objective: To identify and characterize the interventions that aimed to improve cancer treatment and follow-up care in socially disadvantaged groups. To summarize the state of the art for clinicians and researchers.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 29. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's & Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Objective: To describe health-care personnel's (HCP's) perceptions of the ethical climate at their workplace in paediatric oncology.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Swedish version of the shortened Hospital Ethical Climate Survey (HECS-S). HCP at all six paediatric oncology centres (POCs) in Sweden were invited to participate. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 29. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.

Objectives: Emerging cancer-survivorship research suggests that self-management can lead to improved outcomes. However, research examining the impact of self-management behaviours on quality of life (QoL) and fear of recurrence (FoR) in cancer survivors is lacking. This study investigated the relationship between self-management behaviours and QoL and FoR following treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.

Objective: The incidence of lung cancer is four times higher in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with the general population. Promotion of a shorter time from symptom onset to presentation is one potential strategy for earlier lung cancer diagnosis, but distinguishing respiratory symptoms can be difficult. We investigated how the experience of COPD influences symptom appraisal and help seeking for potential lung cancer symptoms. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Department of Health Policy and Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 25. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University.

Objective: Emerging evidence demonstrates the positive health benefits of light physical activity (LPA) for cancer survivors. Yet, little research has explored modifiable factors that facilitate or hinder LPA behavior in this population. Correlates of LPA among cancer survivors were examined, stratified by moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) status. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 25. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte, California.

Objective: Among breast cancer survivors, low social support is associated with adverse clinical and psychosocial outcomes. This study prospectively examined longitudinal trends in perceived social support in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer as a function of depression status prior to initiation of cancer treatment.

Methods: One hundred ten patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and 59 age-matched noncancer controls completed behavioral measures at four assessments: prior to treatment and at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years post-treatment. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 24. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.

Objective: Continuing to smoke after a cancer diagnosis undermines prognosis. Yet few trials have tested Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved tobacco use medications in this population. Extended use varenicline may represent an effective treatment for cancer patients who smoke given barriers to cessation including a prolonged time line for relapse. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 24. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

Objective: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychosocial distress, and unmet health needs are important patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for patients with sarcoma treated with curative intent. Syntheses of data on these PROs in patients with sarcoma are limited.

Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2007 and 2017 was conducted using five databases, guided by the PRISMA and Cochrane reporting guidelines. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 23. Epub 2019 Jan 23.

Division of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 22. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Canada.

Objective: The primary objective was to describe severity of anxiety among children and adolescents receiving chemotherapy for cancer or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Secondary objectives were to describe how anxiety changes over time and determine factors associated with anxiety.

Methods: Participants were aged 8 to 18 and either receiving chemotherapy for cancer or undergoing HSCT for any indication. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 21. Epub 2019 Jan 21.

Department of Research Studies and Additional Projects, Cancer Patients Aid Association, Sumer Kendra, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Objective: The mental adjustment to a breast cancer diagnosis is traumatic and stressful, with wide-ranging differences in the responses observed in Indian women. We investigated the association between demographic features and perceived social support during the adjustment of patients to breast cancer.

Methods: A total of 393 patients with breast cancer were included in the study. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 21. Epub 2019 Jan 21.

Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Radioterapiche ed Ematologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia.

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 21. Epub 2019 Jan 21.

Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.

Objective: To examine whether adult survivors of childhood cancer perceive a direct impact of potential/confirmed infertility on their romantic relationships/singlehood.

Methods: Open-ended qualitative phone interviews were conducted with 57 adult survivors of childhood cancer and analyzed through thematic content analysis until saturation was reached (N = 30).

Results: Interviews revealed three major themes: (1) impact on survivors, (2) impact on partners/romantic relationships, and (3) alternative routes to parenthood. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 18. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.

Objective: Thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) may result in toxicities that are associated with performance declines and poor quality of life (QOL) for patients and their family caregivers. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to establish feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a dyadic yoga (DY) intervention as a supportive care strategy.

Methods: Patients with stage I to III non-small cell lung or esophageal cancer undergoing TRT and their caregivers (N = 26 dyads) were randomized to a 15-session DY or a waitlist control (WLC) group. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 18. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia.

Objective: Infertility-related distress is recognised to be a long-term effect of cancer. There have been attempts to examine predictors of such distress, but there is inconsistency in the findings. This study examined the psychological impact of infertility-related distress in women and men cancer survivors, across age group, parity, cancer type, time since diagnosis, and relationship context; and the association of distress with acceptance of illness and relationship satisfaction. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 18. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.

Objective: Long-term issues following diagnosis and treatment of a childhood brain tumour often become apparent as the survivor enters adolescence and young adulthood. Their caregivers may additionally face long-term impacts on their emotional and psychological functioning. This review synthesised evidence on the issues and supportive care needs of adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of a brain tumour diagnosed in childhood and their caregivers. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 18. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Psychology Department, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester, Winchester, UK.

Objective: Physical activity can improve the health and well-being of individuals receiving adjuvant treatment for breast cancer, but engagement in physical activity can be low. This review synthesises the barriers and facilitators to engaging with and participating in physical activity whilst receiving treatment.

Methods: The metasynthesis of qualitative studies is reported in line with the PRISMA statement. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 18. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, UK.

Objective: It is well established that exercise and lifestyle behaviours improve men's health outcomes from prostate cancer. With 3.8 million men living with the disease worldwide, the challenge is creating accessible intervention approaches that lead to sustainable lifestyle changes. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 18. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

SOC Oncologia Medica, Dipartimento Oncologico, USL Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy.

Objective: Fear of recurrence is a crucial issue in cancer care. On the one hand, the increase of cancer-survival rates and complexity of care is exposing patients to this type of fear. On the other hand, it is a distressing and recurrent psychosocial risk that affects quality of life and adherence to follow-up. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 15. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

Objective: There is a growing need to assess the long-term quality of life (QOL) of pediatric oncology patients since many children now survive their disease. This paper highlights the subjective perspectives of pediatric cancer patients and specifically explores how experiencing cancer at a young age impacts adolescents in the areas of social functioning, peer relationships, and QOL. The findings emerged from a qualitative research study that explored how pediatric oncology patients ascribe meaning to their illness. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 15. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Bangor University, Bangor, UK.

Aims: The aim of this study was to provide guidance to improve the completeness and clarity of meta-ethnography reporting.

Background: Evidence-based policy and practice require robust evidence syntheses which can further understanding of people's experiences and associated social processes. Meta-ethnography is a rigorous seven-phase qualitative evidence synthesis methodology, developed by Noblit and Hare. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 12. Epub 2019 Jan 12.

College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.

Objective: Social support is a critical component of breast cancer care and is associated with clinical and quality of life outcomes. Significant health disparities exist between Black and White women with breast cancer. Our study used qualitative methods to explore the social support needs of Black and White women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer on adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET). Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 12. Epub 2019 Jan 12.

Department Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Switzerland.

Objectives: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer during a critical life period full of psychosocial challenges. They may experience a significant impact of the cancer diagnosis on their psychological health, also in the long term. We aimed to (a) evaluate psychological distress in AYA cancer survivors and compare levels of distress with controls and (b) describe socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with psychological distress. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 8. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Breast & Surgical Oncology, The Poche Centre, North Sydney, Australia.

Background: Many studies have demonstrated the positive impact of breast reconstruction (BR) on women following mastectomy for breast cancer. However, women's preferences for BR are not always considered by surgeons prior to mastectomy. The aim of this research is threefold: to document the negative impact lack of choice has had on some Australian women; to explore potential reasons for the absence of informed discussion; and to develop a prompt list of discussion topics to aid informed decision making. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 6. Epub 2019 Jan 6.

Department of Psychology, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Objective: Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a trait variable that captures an individual's lack of tolerance for unknown outcomes and events. Positive correlations between IU and mental health symptoms have been observed in various populations, while social variables (social support and decreased loneliness) seem to serve as protective factors against psychological distress among individuals with cancer. The present study examined the moderation effect of social support and loneliness in the relationship between IU and mental health symptoms among women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Read More

Psychooncology 2019 Jan 2. Epub 2019 Jan 2.

Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.

Objective: Carers of people with cancer provide uncompensated care that is often physically, emotionally, and financially demanding, which results in neglect of their own health. This study's objective was to conduct an economic evaluation following a randomised control trial (RCT) involving a proactive telephone outcall intervention aimed at improving health outcomes among carers of cancer patients.

Methods: The trial was a single-blind, multicentre, RCT conducted across four Australian health services, comprising three outcalls from trained Cancer Council 131120 (Cancer Council telephone and information support services) nurses compared with three phone call reminders of the availability of 131120 services (control group). Read More

Psychooncology 2018 Dec 29. Epub 2018 Dec 29.

Perini Family Survivors' Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.

Objective: Insomnia is commonly associated with cancer treatment. Cancer treatments increase risk for numerous psychological and medical late effects, thus making cancer survivors psychologically and medically vulnerable. Prior research examined psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) with various populations, including the French version of the ISI, with participants undergoing active cancer treatment. Read More

Psychooncology 2018 Dec 29. Epub 2018 Dec 29.

Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.

Psychooncology 2018 Dec 29. Epub 2018 Dec 29.

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, Belfast, UK.

Objective: To co-design and test the acceptability of a peer-led web-based resource (PLWR) for cancer carers to provide practical and emotional advice on common issues.

Methods: A six-step co-design model informed PLWR development. Content was developed through three cancer carer workshops and monthly meetings with an expert advisory team (n = 12). Read More