Displaying publications 21 - 35 of 35 in total

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  1. Menger F, Mohammed Halim NA, Rimmer B, Sharp L
    Support Care Cancer, 2021 Nov;29(11):7013-7027.
    PMID: 34018030 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06253-2
    PURPOSE: Interest is growing in post-traumatic growth (PTG) after cancer prompted, in part, by observations of positive associations with health-related quality of life. Qualitative research provides valuable insight into survivors' experiences. We conducted a scoping review of qualitative evidence on PTG in cancer, determining the number, nature, range and scope of studies, and gaps in the literature.

    METHODS: We systematically searched Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO for qualitative research exploring positive changes after cancer published from 1996. From eligible studies, we extracted: terms used for PTG; design, methodological orientation, and techniques, and participant characteristics. Using descriptive mapping, we explored whether study findings fit within Tedeschi and Calhoun's PTG framework, and evidence for unique positive changes post-cancer.

    RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were eligible. Cancer sites included were: breast, 14; mixed, 6; haematological, 4; head and neck cancer, 2; bone, 1, and testis, 1. Multiple studies were conducted in: the USA (12), Australia (3), Iran (2), and the UK (2). Twenty-three studies collected data using individual interviews (21) or focus groups (2). Definitions of PTG varied. Studies largely focused on descriptive accounts of PTG. Findings mapped onto existing PTG dimensions; health behaviour changes were often reported, under 'new possibilities'.

    CONCLUSIONS: A range of PTG outcomes can occur after cancer. Positive health behaviour changes warrant further exploration. Future research should include more diverse patient populations, collect longitudinal data, and focus on pathways towards positive changes.

  2. Chanmekun SB, Zulkifli MM, Muhamad R, Mohd Zain N, Low WY, Liamputtong P
    Support Care Cancer, 2022 Jan;30(1):401-411.
    PMID: 34297219 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06417-0
    PURPOSE: Management of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is vital for women with breast cancer due to the devastating consequences, which include marital disharmony and reduced quality of life. We explore healthcare providers' (HCPs) perceptions and experiences in managing FSD for women living with breast cancer using a phenomenological approach.

    METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using a face-to-face interview method with HCPs from two tertiary hospitals in North East Malaysia. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and transferred to NVivo ® for data management. The transcriptions were analyzed using thematic analysis.

    RESULTS: Three key barriers were identified through the thematic analysis: a scarcity of related knowledge; the influence of socio-cultural ideas about sex; and the specialty-centric nature of the healthcare system. Most HCPs interviewed had a very narrow understanding of sexuality, were unfamiliar with the meaning of FSD, and felt their training on sexual health issues to be very limited. They viewed talking about sex to be embarrassing to both parties that are both to HCPs and patients and was therefore not a priority. They focused more on their specialty hence limited the time to discuss sexual health and FSD with their patients.

    CONCLUSION: Therefore, interventions to empower the knowledge, break the socio-cultural barriers, and improve the clinic settings are crucial for HCPs in managing FSD confidently.

  3. Syed Alwi SM, Narayanan V, Mohd Taib NA, Che Din N
    Support Care Cancer, 2022 Mar;30(3):2793-2801.
    PMID: 34841453 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06686-9
    PURPOSE: Health-related quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome measure in breast cancer management. Evidence of QoL of breast cancer patients in lower and middle-income countries remains scarce. We examined the level of QoL, cognitive impairment, psychological distresses, and the predictors of QoL among multiethnic Malaysian early-stage breast cancer survivors 1 to 3 years following chemotherapy.

    METHODS: A total of 160 breast cancer survivors from the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) participated in this cross-sectional study. Their QoL was evaluated with the Malay version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) version 3.0. Cognitive functioning and psychological distress were evaluated using the Malay version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-BM) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. Data analysis was performed with Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analyses.

    RESULTS: At 1- to 3-year post-chemotherapy, the mean EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status of the breast cancer survivors was relatively low (60.5 over 100, SD = 10.88). One-third (31.9%) of them demonstrated cognitive impairment, and another 3.2% showed moderate to severe anxiety levels. The significant predictors for global health status and functioning included age, psychological distresses, cognitive performance, fatigue, appetite loss, insomnia, pain, and constipation.

    CONCLUSION: Our breast cancer survivors demonstrated poor global health status. Health care providers and policymakers must strive to provide holistic intervention strategies to improve the multiple dimensions of QoL and the cognitive and psychological functioning of this vulnerable population.

  4. Chasen M, Urban L, Schnadig I, Rapoport B, Powers D, Arora S, et al.
    Support Care Cancer, 2017 01;25(1):85-92.
    PMID: 27557833
    PURPOSE: Addition of rolapitant to standard antiemetic therapy improved protection against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in phase 3 trials of patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC). Here, we assessed the impact of CINV on the daily lives of patients receiving HEC or MEC using the Functional Living Index-Emesis (FLIE).

    METHODS: In three double-blind phase 3 studies, patients receiving HEC or MEC were randomized 1:1 to receive oral rolapitant 180 mg or placebo prior to chemotherapy plus 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone therapy. Patients completed the FLIE questionnaire on day 6 of cycle 1. Endpoints included FLIE total score, nausea and vomiting domain scores, and the proportion of patients with no impact on daily life (total score >108 [range 18-126]). We performed a prespecified analysis of the MEC/anthracycline-cyclophosphamide (AC) study and a post hoc analysis of two pooled cisplatin-based HEC studies.

    RESULTS: In the pooled HEC studies, rolapitant significantly improved the FLIE total score (114.5 vs 109.3, p 

  5. Su TT, Azzani M, Tan FL, Loh SY
    Support Care Cancer, 2018 May;26(5):1617-1624.
    PMID: 29209834 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3987-y
    PURPOSE: This study aimed, firstly, to assess the determinants of return to work (RTW), secondly, to explore the amount of annual wage loss, and finally, to discover the determinants of wage loss among breast cancer (BC) survivors.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used in this research. The data was collected via interview using a validated questionnaire. Logistic regression models were developed to discover the significant determinants of RTW and of wage loss among BC survivors.

    RESULTS: A total of 256 BC survivors were included in this study. The analysis showed that there was a 21% loss of or reduction in mean income within 1 year after diagnosis. The significant predictors of RTW are being a government employee, having reduced wages or wage loss, and if the case had been diagnosed 1 year or more ago. Being a private sector employee and having a late stage of cancer was a barrier to RTW. The main risk factors for reduced wages or wage loss were belonging to the age group of 40-59 years, being of Chinese or Indian ethnicity, having low educational status, and not returning to work. However, belonging to the higher monthly income group (earning > RM 2000) is a protective factor against the risk of reduced wages or wage loss.

    CONCLUSIONS: Non-RTW and wage loss after diagnosis of BC may result in the survivors experiencing a significant financial burden. Assessment of these patients is becoming more crucial because more women participate in the workforce in Malaysia nowadays and because BC is managed using multiple treatment modalities with their consequences could lead to long absences from work.

  6. Sharif SP, Lehto RH, Nia HS, Goudarzian AH, Haghdoost AA, Yaghoobzadeh A, et al.
    Support Care Cancer, 2018 Aug;26(8):2571-2579.
    PMID: 29450638 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4088-2
    PURPOSE: The study investigated relationships among the extent of disease, religious coping, and death depression in Iranian patients with cancer.

    METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 482 Iranian cancer patients. Participants completed demographic and health, death depression, and religious coping surveys.

    RESULTS: After controlling for demographic and health characteristics, positive and negative religious coping behaviors were significantly related to the experience of death depression. There was an interaction effect between negative religious coping and extent of disease with significant positive relationships to the experience of death depression.

    CONCLUSIONS: Negative religious coping was found to be more closely associated with death depression in patients with earlier stage disease than those with advanced stages of cancer in this sample of patients with cancer from Iran. Findings support assessing patients for use of religious coping strategies. Muslim patients who are religiously alienated and have existential anguish may be vulnerable and need heightened support following diagnosis and during treatment of early stage cancer.

  7. Kanagalingam J, Wahid MIA, Lin JC, Cupino NA, Liu E, Kang JH, et al.
    Support Care Cancer, 2018 Jul;26(7):2191-2200.
    PMID: 29387994 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4050-3
    PURPOSE: This descriptive cross-sectional survey aims to assess the level of concordance between the perspectives of oncologists and those of patients regarding oral mucositis (OM) symptoms, and the impact of OM on various aspects of daily living and concurrent cancer management.

    METHODS: Oncologists involved in OM management (n = 105), and patients who developed OM during cancer treatment (n = 175), were recruited from seven Asian countries. Oncologists completed a face-to-face, quantitative interview; patients completed a face-to-face interview, and a self-reported questionnaire.

    RESULTS: Oncologists and patients ranked treatment-induced OM among the three most important toxicities of cancer therapy requiring intervention. The most frequent OM symptoms reported by patients were oral ulcers (74%), dry mouth (73%), and difficulty swallowing (62%). Oncologists expected mild OM symptoms to last slightly longer than 1 week, whereas patients reported mild symptoms for more than 2 weeks. In mild-to-moderate OM, oncologists underestimated patients' pain experience. Overall, only 45% of oncologists said they would initiate OM prophylaxis when cancer therapy started. Of the 87% of patients who said they used their prescribed medications, only 16% reported using prophylactically prescribed medication. While oncologists' concerns related to the delays and interruptions of cancer treatment, patients tended to focus on the effects of OM on eating, drinking, and talking.

    CONCLUSIONS: Oncologists' and patients' perceptions about treatment-induced OM differ. To overcome discordant perspectives, there is a need to raise general awareness and improve proactive management of OM. As noted in recent guidelines, supportive cancer care is critical for ensuring optimal therapy and for improving the patient's experience.

  8. Tang WZ, Yusuf A, Jia K, Iskandar YHP, Mangantig E, Mo XS, et al.
    Support Care Cancer, 2022 Dec 17;31(1):55.
    PMID: 36526859 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07506-4
    OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to examine the factors associated with stigma in breast cancer women.

    METHODS: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and two Chinese electronic databases were electronically searched to identify eligible studies that reported the correlates of stigma for patients with breast cancer from inception to July 2022. Two researchers independently performed literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. R4.1.1 software was used for statistical analysis.

    RESULTS: Twenty articles including 4161 patients were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Results showed that breast cancer stigma was positively correlated with working status, type of surgery, resignation coping, depression, ambivalence over emotional expression, and delayed help-seeking behavior and negatively correlated with age, education, income, quality of life, social support, confrontation coping, psychological adaptation, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. Descriptive analysis showed that breast cancer stigma was positively correlated with intrusive thoughts, body image, anxiety, and self-perceived burden but negatively correlated with a sense of coherence, personal acceptance of the disease, sleep quality, cancer screening attendance and doctor's empathy.

    CONCLUSION: Many demographic, disease-related, and psychosocial variables are related to breast cancer stigma. Our view can serve as a basis for health care professionals to develop health promotion and prevention strategies for patients with breast cancer.

  9. Zhou Y, Che CC, Chong MC, Zhao H, Lu Y
    Support Care Cancer, 2023 May 30;31(6):361.
    PMID: 37249639 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07826-z
    PURPOSE: Literature on marital self-disclosure interventions for cancer patients lacks consistency in methodology and content. Moreover, the impact of such interventions on physical and psychological health, marital relationships, and self-disclosure ability is controversial. This review aims to systematically analyze the studies of marital self-disclosure intervention, synthesize the structure and topics of marital self-disclosure, and summarize and evaluate its effects on improving physical and psychological outcomes and marital relationships in cancer patients and their spouses.

    METHOD: This systematic review used the preferred reporting items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled and quasi-experimental studies published from the establishment of the database to October 2022. Marital self-disclosure interventions were conducted with both cancer patients and their spouses. Studies published in a language other than English or Chinese, and studies below a quality grade of C were excluded. Data were extracted through a standardized data collection form, and two reviewers independently extracted and evaluated the data. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and a third reviewer adjudicated in case of disagreement. The data were synthesized by vote counting based on direction of effect according to the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline.

    RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included in the review. Based on quality evaluation, three studies were categorized as grade A (good), and ten studies were grade B (moderate). Seven studies reported moderate rates of participant refusal and attrition. The structure and topics of marital self-disclosure varied across different studies. The five studies had various prespecified disclosure topics, such as fear of cancer recurrence, benefit finding, and emotional distress. The overall results suggest that marital self-disclosure interventions can improve physical and psychological health, enhance marital relationships, and increase self-disclosure ability.

    CONCLUSION: The limited number of studies, small sample sizes, diverse intervention strategies, and methodological heterogeneity weakened the evidence base for the effectiveness of marital self-disclosure interventions. Therefore, further high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are recommended to confirm the effectiveness of such interventions. These studies should also evaluate the interventions' long-term impact, analyze optional topics and methods, identify key features, and explore the development of the best intervention program.

  10. Mohamed Hussin NA, Mohd Sabri NS
    Support Care Cancer, 2023 Oct 27;31(12):659.
    PMID: 37889352 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08060-3
    Caregiving for cancer patients can cause stress among family caregivers. Caregiving stress is also associated with guilt as they cannot provide adequate care for cancer patients. However, guilt among family caregivers of cancer patients is poorly understood. This qualitative study aimed to explore the dynamics of guilt feelings in families that care for cancer patients. This study involved 45 family caregivers of cancer patients. Thematic data analysis was conducted. There were six themes emerging. Caregiving can be challenging, guilt and blame, guilt due to lack of self-capacity, guilt for neglecting others, no guilt at all, and discussion of guilt and blame as a caregiver. This study offers insight into social workers regarding the challenges and experiences faced by family caregivers of cancer patients. Appropriate health interventions and support should be provided to family caregivers of cancer patients to improve their well-being.
  11. Wong SP, Tan SM, Lee CS, Law KB, Lim YAL, Rajasuriar R
    Support Care Cancer, 2023 Jul 27;31(8):494.
    PMID: 37498423 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07947-5
    PURPOSE: The study aimed to characterize the incidence of both oral and gastrointestinal (GI) mucositis, its' associated temporal changes in local and systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines, and to explore predictive clinical and immunological factors associated with their occurrences in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

    METHODS: Autologous HSCT patients aged 18 years old and above were recruited from Hospital Ampang, Malaysia, between April 2019 to December 2020. Mucositis assessments were conducted daily, whilst blood and saliva were collected prior to conditioning regimen, on Day 0, Day+7 and 6-month. Baseline and inflammatory predictors in a repeated time measurement of moderate-severe mucositis were assessed by multiple logistic regression and generalized estimating equations, respectively.

    RESULTS: Of the 142 patients analyzed, oral mucositis and diarrhea (representing GI mucositis) were reported as 68.3% and 95.8%, respectively. Predictive factors for moderate-severe oral mucositis were BEAM or busulphan-based regimens (odds ratio (OR)=9.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.16-72.9, p-value (p) = 0.005) and vomiting (OR=4.6, 95% CI 1.68-12.3, p = 0.004). Predictive factors for moderate-severe GI mucositis were BEAM or busulphan-based regimens (OR=3.9, 95% CI 1.05-14.5, p = 0.023), female sex (OR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.43-7.44, p = 0.004) and body mass index (OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.15, p = 0.010). Cytokines analyses were performed in 96 patients. Saliva and plasma interleukin-6 (OR=1.003, 95% CI 1.001-1.004, p < 0.001 and OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.015, p = 0.029), and plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.99, p = 0.019) were predictive of moderate-severe oral mucositis in a time-dependent model.

    CONCLUSION: This study provides real-world evidence and insights into patient- and treatment-related factors affecting oral and GI mucositis in HSCT.

  12. Liu B, Lee K, Sun C, Wu D, Lim PY
    Support Care Cancer, 2022 Oct;30(10):8417-8428.
    PMID: 35596015 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07129-9
    INTRODUCTION: Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world. There was a high prevalence of high self-perceived burden (SPB) among cancer patients and this could bring adverse consequences to the physical and mental health of cancer patients, which can lead to suicide if not treated well. This review aims to determine the prevalence of SPB among cancer patients and its risk factors.

    METHODS: Published journals before September 2021, from five databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, Cochrane, and CNKI) were retrieved according to the keywords. The keywords used included cancer patients, terminally ill patients, cancer, SPB, self-perceived burden, self-burden, self-perceived, factor, predictor, associated factor, determinants, risk factor, prognostic factor, covariate, independent variable, and variable. The quality of the inclusion and exclusion criteria was independently reviewed by three researchers.

    RESULTS: Out of 12,712 articles, there are 22 studies met the eligibility criteria. The prevalence of SPB among cancer patients ranged from 73.2 to 100% in Malaysia, China, and Canada. Most of them had moderate SPB. Out of the reported factors, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, residence, educational level, occupational status, family income, primary caregiver, payment methods, disease-related factors, psychological factors, and physical factors were mostly reported across the studies.

    CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, SPB prevalence is high in cancer patients. Therefore, hospitals, non-governmental organizations, relevant policymakers, and communities can provide special programs for high-risk groups to provide psychological guidance or design corresponding interventions to reduce the SPB level of patients and improve the quality of life.

  13. Yip KC, Lai LL, Ngu ST, Chong RS, Yahya A, See MH
    Support Care Cancer, 2023 Sep 27;31(10):593.
    PMID: 37752312 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08033-6
    Seeking health information is an important step for cancer patients to understand their condition and facilitate treatment. It also helps them deal with the unknown and aid in recovery. Therefore, it is vital to understand the factors that drive health information-seeking behavior. This study aims to achieve that objective in a localized context by surveying 421 breast cancer patients in an urban teaching hospital. The patients were presented with a 5-point questionnaire that explored their demography, health status, information-seeking behavior, and literacy level. The prevalence of health information-seeking initiatives reported was 60%. Patients with higher education (OR 3.31; 95% CI (1.39-7.87), p = 0.01), having their own business or were self-employed (OR 4.68; 95% CI (1.03-21.24), p = 0.046), and in a Medium 40 (M40) income level (OR 2.31; 95% CI (1.09-4.88), p = 0.03) and Top 20 (T20) level were more likely to seek health information. The mean e-Health Literacy Score (eHEALS) was 28.01 ± 5.0, with healthcare professionals having the highest level of trust (mean 4.22 ± 0.79) and most useful resource score (mean 4.21 ± 0.78). Even though Google was the most popular online search tool used by respondents, most of them seldom (23.77%) or had never (34.34%) discussed the online information they found with healthcare professionals. In conclusion, it is still best for patients to appraise the sought-after information with experts to avoid misinformation and treatment delay.
  14. Wang P, Soh KL, Ying Y, Liao J, Huang X, Zhao H, et al.
    Support Care Cancer, 2023 Nov 27;31(12):723.
    PMID: 38008866 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08166-8
    BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a common complication in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, there are few studies on risk factors for malnutrition in NPC patients. Our aims were to identify the risk factors for malnutrition in NPC patients.

    METHODS: NPC patients were recruited in this cross-sectional study, and they were divided into well-nourished and malnourished groups according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM). Potential risk factors were initially screened using univariate analysis (p 

  15. Longo CJ, Fitch MI, Banfield L, Hanly P, Yabroff KR, Sharp L
    Support Care Cancer, 2020 Oct;28(10):4645-4665.
    PMID: 32653957 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05620-9
    PURPOSE: Financial toxicity related to cancer diagnosis and treatment is a common issue in developed countries. We seek to systematically summarize the extent of the issue in very high development index countries with publicly funded healthcare.

    METHODS: We identified articles published Jan 1, 2005, to March 7, 2019, describing financial burden/toxicity experienced by cancer patients and/or informal caregivers using OVID Medline Embase and PsychInfo, CINAHL, Business Source Complete, and EconLit databases. Only English language peer-reviewed full papers describing studies conducted in very high development index countries with predominantly publicly funded healthcare were eligible (excluded the USA). All stages of the review were evaluated in teams of two researchers excepting the final data extraction (CJL only).

    RESULTS: The searches identified 7117 unique articles, 32 of which were eligible. Studies were undertaken in Canada, Australia, Ireland, UK, Germany, Denmark, Malaysia, Finland, France, South Korea, and the Netherlands. Eighteen studies reported patient/caregiver out-of-pocket costs (range US$17-US$506/month), 18 studies reported patient/caregiver lost income (range 17.6-67.3%), 14 studies reported patient/caregiver travel and accommodation costs (range US$8-US$393/month), and 6 studies reported financial stress (range 41-48%), strain (range 7-39%), or financial burden/distress/toxicity among patients/caregivers (range 22-27%). The majority of studies focused on patients, with some including caregivers. Financial toxicity was greater in those with early disease and/or more severe cancers.

    CONCLUSIONS: Despite government-funded universal public healthcare, financial toxicity is an issue for cancer patients and their families. Although levels of toxicity vary between countries, the findings suggest financial protection appears to be inadequate in many countries.

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