Specific Challenges in Optimizing Health Care for Cancer Survivors

2011 ◽  
pp. 3-25
Author(s):  
Jennifer Jones ◽  
Eva Grunfeld
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors

scholarly journals Perspectives of Survivorship Care Plans Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327482091720
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Krok-Schoen ◽  
Michelle J. Naughton ◽  
Anne M. Noonan ◽  
Janell Pisegna ◽  
Jennifer DeSalvo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Term Care

The Commission on Cancer’s standard 3.3 represents a paradigm shift in the care of cancer survivors, recommending that survivors receive a treatment summary and survivorship care plan (SCPs). A focus on older breast cancer survivors is needed, as they are the majority of the breast cancer population and their experiences and perspectives of SCPs is limited in the literature. This pilot study utilized a mixed methods approach (focus groups and self-report questionnaire data) to gather information on older (≥65 years) breast cancer survivors’ perspectives of their SCPs, cancer survivorship, and communication with their health-care providers. The questionnaire was completed individually by the participants prior to the focus group and contained items on basic demographics and their health status following cancer treatment. The focus groups indicated that only a minority of women actually developed a SCP. Those who developed a SCP in collaboration with their providers valued the personal care and attention received. However, some participants reported poor communication with their providers and within their health-care team, resulting in frustration and confusion. Participants’ suggestions for ideal SCPs included better education and personalization, particularly in appropriate nutrition and exercise, and managing side effects and comorbidities. Lastly, the women believed that additional long-term care resources, such as health coaches, were important in improving their survivorship. These findings provide insight into enhancing the content, communication, and application of SCPs to improve the survivorship experience of older breast cancer survivors.

scholarly journals Cervical cancer survivors and health care use: A Danish population-based register study

2021 ◽  
Vol 161 (2) ◽  
pp. 565-572
Author(s):  
Malene Skorstengaard ◽  
Maria Eiholm Frederiksen ◽  
Miguel Vázquez-Prada Baillet ◽  
Anna-Belle Beau ◽  
Pernille Tine Jensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Care Use ◽  
Register Study ◽  
Danish Population

scholarly journals Mixed methods assessment of impact on health awareness in adult childhood cancer survivors after viewing their personalized digital treatment summary and follow-up recommendations

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena M. Linge ◽  
Cecilia Follin
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Childhood Cancer Survivors ◽  
The Self ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Treatment Summary

Abstract Background The survival rate after childhood cancer has improved to 80%. The majority of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) will experience late complications which require follow up care, including access to their individual cancer treatment summary. The need to understand CCS needs and preferences in terms of ways to receive information e.g. digitally, becomes important. This study aims to through a mixed methods approach a) examine how CCS’ health awareness was impacted by viewing their personalized digital treatment summary and follow-up recommendations, b) explore E health literacy, and c) determine self-reported survivorship experiences and health care usage. Methods Survivors with a recent visit to the Late effects clinic were eligible for the study (n = 70). A representative sample of primary diagnoses were invited (n = 28). 16 CCS were enrolled. Recent medical visits, e health literacy and impressions of the digital treatment summary were assessed by a survey in conjunction with viewing their digital treatment summary on a computer screen. Their experience of reading and understanding their digital treatment summary in the context of their health related survivorship experiences were assessed in focus groups. The transcribed data was analyzed with conventional qualitative content analysis. Results The self-reported medical problems largely reflected that, only 6,3% reported no cancer-related reasons for seeking medical attention. Of the medical specialists, the primary care physician was the most frequently visited specialist (68.8%). High E health literacy was not associated with treatment features but with educational level (p = 0.003, CI: 3.9–14.6) and sex (p = 0.022, CI: − 13.6- -1.3). All survivors graded the digital treatment summary above average in terms of being valuable, agreeable and comprehensive. The focus group interviews identified three themes: 1) The significance of information, 2) The impact of awareness; and 3) Empowerment. Conclusions Reading the treatment summaries furthered the survivors understanding of their health situation and consequently aided empowerment. A digital treatment summary, provided by knowledgeable health care professionals, may increase the self-managed care and adherence to follow-up recommendations. Further insights into e health literacy in larger samples of CCS may determine to what extent health-related information can be communicated via digital resources to this at risk population.

Cancer Survivorship Care in Colombia: Review and Implications for Health Policy

2021 ◽  
pp. 154041532110015
Author(s):  
Oscar Yesid Franco-Rocha ◽  
Gloria Mabel Carillo-Gonzalez ◽  
Alexandra Garcia ◽  
Ashley Henneghan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Cancer Symptoms

Introduction: The number of cancer survivors is increasing in Colombia, and health policy changes are necessary to meet their unmet needs and improve their health outcomes. Similar trends have been identified in developed countries, and positive changes have been made. Methods: We conducted a narrative review to provide an overview of Colombia’s social structure, health care system, and health care delivery in relation to cancer, with recommendations for improving cancer survivorship in Colombia based on the model of survivorship care in the United States. Results: We proposed general recommendations for improving cancer survivors’ care including (1) recognizing cancer survivorship as a distinct phase of cancer, (2) strengthening methods and metrics for tracking cancer survivorship, (3) assessing and monitoring cancer symptoms and quality of life of cancer survivors, (4) publishing evidence-based guidelines considering the social, economic, and cultural characteristics of Colombian population and cancer survivors’ specific needs. Conclusion: These recommendations could be used to inform and prioritize health policy development in Colombia related to cancer survivorship outcomes.

scholarly journals Determining transition readiness in Swiss childhood cancer survivors – a feasibility study

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Otth ◽  
Patrick Wechsler ◽  
Sibylle Denzler ◽  
Henrik Koehler ◽  
Katrin Scheinemann
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Childhood Cancer Survivors ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Transition Readiness ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Background The successful transition of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) from pediatric to adult long-term follow-up care is a critical phase, and determining the right time point can be challenging. We assessed the feasibility of the use of existing transition readiness tools in the context of the Swiss health care system, assessed partly transition readiness in Swiss CCSs, and compared our findings with Canadian CCSs for which these tools were originally developed. Methods We officially translated the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS) and Self-Management Skill Scale (SMSS) into German and integrated them into this cross-sectional study. We included CCSs attending the long-term follow-up (LTFU) clinic in the Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Kantonsspital Aarau. We used descriptive statistics to describe transition readiness. Results We randomly recruited 50 CCSs aged ≥18 years at participation. The CCSs had a median CWS score of 62 (interquartile range 55–71), indicating a moderate level of cancer-related worry. Despite high self-management skills, some answers showed a dependency of CCSs on their parents. Our experience shows that the CWS and SMSS are easy for Swiss CCSs to use, understand, and complete. The interpretation of the results must take differences in health care systems between countries into account. Conclusions The translated CWS and SMSS are appropriate additional measures to assess transition readiness in CCSs. These scales can be used longitudinally to find the individual time point for transition and the completion by CCSs enables the health care team to individualize the transition process and to support the CCSs according to their individual needs.

Health Care Access and Health Behavior Quality of Life among Hispanic/Latino-American Cancer Survivors

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 637-650
Author(s):  
Endia J. Santee ◽  
Keith A. King ◽  
Rebecca A. Vidourek ◽  
Ashley L. Merianos
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Care Access ◽  
Care Access ◽  
Latino American

Racial/ethnic differences in knowledge and attitudes towards clinical trials among adults in the United States: An analysis of the 2020 U.S. HINTS.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18573-e18573
Author(s):  
Jessica Yasmine Islam ◽  
Denise Christina Vidot ◽  
Imran K Islam ◽  
Argelis Rivera ◽  
Marlene Camacho-Rivera
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Black Adults ◽  
Cancer History ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
White Adults ◽  
Racial Ethnic

e18573 Background: Despite the use of clinical trials to provide gold-standard evidence of treatment and intervention effectiveness, racial/ethnic minorities are frequently underrepresented participants. Our objective was to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in knowledge and attitudes towards clinical trials among adults in the U.S. Methods: We leveraged Health Informational National Trends Survey (HINTS) data, which is a weighted, nationally representative survey of 3865 adults (≥18 years). Data were collected between February-June 2020, and included age, race/ethnicity, sex, cancer history, and comorbidities. Participants were asked questions focused on clinical trials, including their knowledge, influential factors to participate, trusted sources of information, and if they were ever invited or participated in a clinical trial. Among adults who self-reported to have heard of clinical trials (n = 2366), we used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in self-reported invitation and participation in clinical trials after adjustment for cancer history, age, sex, comorbidities, and insurance status. Results: Overall, the sample included 64% non-Hispanic (NH) White, 11% NH-Black, 17% Hispanic, and 5% NH-Asian respondents. Nine percent were cancer survivors. Almost 60% self-reported to at least have some knowledge about clinical trials. When asked about factors that would influence their decision to participate in clinical trials “A lot”, participants across racial groups most frequently chose “I would want to get better” and “If the standard care was not covered by my insurance.” Cancer survivors also frequently reported their decision would be influenced “A lot” or “Somewhat” if “My doctor encouraged me to participate.” NH-White (76%), NH-Black (78%), and Hispanic (77%) cancer survivors reported their trusted source of information about clinical trials was their health care provider; NH-Asian cancer survivors reported their health care provider (51%) as well as government health agencies (30%). Compared to NH-White adults, NH-Black adults were more likely to be invited to participate in a clinical trial (OR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.53-4.43). However, compared to NH-White adults, our data suggest NH-Black adults were less likely to participate in the clinical trial (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.39-1.49) although not statistically significant. Compared to NH-White adults, NH-Asian adults were less likely to participate in clinical trials (OR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.06-0.18). Conclusions: Health care providers are a trusted source of clinical trial information. Although NH-Black adults are more likely to be invited, they are less likely to participate in a clinical trial; as well as Asian adults. Efforts to leverage insights gained on factors of influence and sources of trusted information on clinical trials should be prioritized.

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