Real-world experiences with acupuncture among breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional survey study

Introduction: Latinas with breast cancer draw on a diverse range of family members for informal care. Latin cultures typically prescribe high levels of support and care for an ill family member that leave caregivers vulnerable to compromised well-being. Method: In this cross-sectional survey study, 258 family caregivers of Latinas with breast cancer completed reports of psychological distress, availability of social support, and acculturation. Results: Mothers who provide care to a daughter with breast cancer experience higher levels of psychological distress and report lower availability of informational support than most other types of family caregivers. Mothers’ lower levels of acculturation may at least partially explain these reductions in well-being. Discussion: This study highlights the diverse range of family and fictive kin who participate in family caregiving for Latina breast cancer survivors. Spousal caregivers may not represent a unique population, whereas mothers as caregivers are indeed distinct for their higher distress levels.

Download Full-text

Awareness of lymphedema risk management behaviors and associated factors among breast cancer survivors: Results from a cross-sectional survey

Annals of Medical Research ◽

10.5455/annalsmedres.2019.11.779 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 97 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sena Tolu ◽

Pelin Basim

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Risk Management ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Management Behaviors

Download Full-text

Sharing research results with Latina breast cancer survivors who participated in a community-engaged behavioral RCT study: a descriptive cross-sectional survey study

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05945-8 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jackie Bonilla ◽

Alia Alhomsi ◽

Jasmine Santoyo-Olsson ◽

Anita L. Stewart ◽

Carmen Ortiz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Survey Study ◽

Willingness To Participate ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Future Studies ◽

Link Type ◽

Study Results ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background An often heard and justifiable concern of ethnic minorities is related to researchers’ lack of attention to sharing the results of a study with participants after the study has concluded. Few studies have examined the effects of returning overall study results on participants’ attitudes, especially among populations underrepresented in research. Among Latina research participants, providing a summary of study results could enhance participation in research. We assess Latina breast cancer survivors’ reactions to receiving study results and their attitudes about participating in future studies. Methods For this cross-sectional survey study, all women who had participated in two behavioral randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were mailed a letter summarizing the study results (using written and graphic formats) and a questionnaire assessing problems and understanding the results, importance of sharing results, willingness to participate in future studies, and format preferences for receiving the results. A postage-paid envelope for returning the completed questionnaire was included. Logistic regression examined the associations of age, education, and rural/urban residence on format preferences and willingness to participate. The survey sample consisted of 304 low-income, predominantly Spanish-speaking Latina breast cancer survivors (151 from urban and 153 from rural communities) who had participated in two RCTs testing a stress management program designed for Latina breast cancer survivors. Results Ninety-two women returned the questionnaires (30.3%). Most of the women (91.1%) indicated that they had no trouble understanding the results of the study, and 97% agreed that it is very/extremely important for researchers to share the study result with the participants. The majority (60.2%) reported that receiving the results increased their willingness to participate in future studies. About half (51.7%) did not have a format preference, 37.4% preferred written summaries, and 10.9% preferred graphs. Conclusions This study is an important first step to understanding the impact of returning study results among a population that is underrepresented in research. Returning the results of studies and understanding the impact of doing so is consistent with maintaining community involvement in all phases of research. The findings suggest that sharing aggregate research results in simple language yields few problems in participants’ understanding of the results and is viewed as important by participants. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govNCT02931552 Date registered: October 13, 2016 and NCT01383174 Date registered: June 28, 2011.

Download Full-text

Study protocol for a nationwide questionnaire survey of physical activity among breast cancer survivors in Japan

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032871 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. e032871

Author(s):

Yoichi Shimizu ◽

Katsunori Tsuji ◽

Eisuke Ochi ◽

Hirokazu Arai ◽

Ryo Okubo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Population Distribution ◽

Self Report ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

IntroductionA major concern is that few cancer survivors meet the guidelines for recommended levels of physical activity. No studies have investigated physical activity among breast cancer survivors nationwide in Japan. Therefore, the aims of this study are to identify the levels of physical activity among breast cancer survivors, to examine factors-related physical activity among breast cancer survivors and to identify breast cancer survivors’ preferences for and interest in exercise programmes in order to inform the future programme development.Methods and analysisWe will administer a cross-sectional survey using a self-report questionnaire to breast cancer survivors. At each of 50 facilities selected to include a variety of institutional backgrounds according to the population distribution of different regions throughout Japan, we will consecutively distribute the questionnaire to 30 outpatients who have completed initial treatments, except for hormone therapy. The target sample size is 1500 survivors. We will calculate descriptive statistics for each measurement item and perform univariate and multivariate analyses using outcome measures (eg, physical activity and quality of life) related to physical, psychological, social and environmental factors.DiscussionThis is the first nationwide survey of physical activity levels among breast cancer survivors in Japan. Identifying the factors associated with physical activity will help us to develop, disseminate and implement programmes that encourage more survivors to adhere to physical activity guidelines.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the National Cancer Center on 11 January 2019 (ID: 2018–295). In addition, many of the participating facilities required ethical approval from their local IRBs, while others did not. Accordingly, approval from the local IRBs of individual facilities was obtained when required. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Download Full-text

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Pain Catastrophising and Acupuncture Use among Breast Cancer Survivors

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/acupmed-2016-011056 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 38-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Iris Lee ◽

Sheila N Garland ◽

Angela DeMichele ◽

John T Farrar ◽

Eun-Ok Im ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Alternative Therapy ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pain Catastrophising

Introduction Treatment-related joint pain affects almost half of all women with breast cancer using aromatase inhibitors and is a major reason for terminating treatment. Although acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular, evidence-based option for treating pain, little is known about the potential influence of psychological factors on acupuncture use. Objective We aimed to evaluate the association between pain catastrophising and use of acupuncture in breast cancer survivors experiencing arthralgia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of arthralgic breast cancer patients. Patients were asked if they had used acupuncture since their cancer diagnosis. The Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS) was used to measure negative coping styles related to the experience of pain. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between pain catastrophising and acupuncture use, adjusting for covariates. Results Of the 424 participants, 69 (16%) reported use of acupuncture since their breast cancer diagnosis. In multivariate analyses, compared to those in the lowest PCS score tertile, patients with the highest PCS scores were more likely to have used acupuncture (p=0.03). In particular, patients with high levels of rumination (p=0.005) and magnification (p=0.008) were more likely to have used acupuncture. Helplessness was not associated with acupuncture use (p=0.23). Conclusions High levels of pain catastrophising, and specifically the processes of rumination and magnification, were associated with greater acupuncture use. We believe this could have important implications for understanding which population is more likely to seek acupuncture treatment and how this alternative therapy could be better targeted to these patients.

Download Full-text

Needs and preferences of breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional survey.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2011.29.27_suppl.147 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 29 (27_suppl) ◽

pp. 147-147

Author(s):

D. L. Stan ◽

S. Pruthi ◽

S. Jenkins ◽

K. Lackore ◽

C. A. Thompson

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Chest Wall ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Complementary Alternative Medicine ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Arm Pain ◽

Medical Needs

147 Background: The Institute of Medicine recommends development of cancer survivorship care models that are patient centered. We designed a cross-sectional survey to determine the medical and psychosocial needs and preferences of breast cancer survivors. Methods: We identified a random sample, stratified by age and chemotherapy usage, of 600 women from MN, WI, and IA, ages 18-99, within 1-5 years of diagnosis of stage 0-3 breast cancer and seen at our institution. Results: We received 329 surveys (response rate 55%). Respondents were a mean age of 58 years (range 26-89) and a mean of 3.3 years from cancer diagnosis (range 1.2-5.4). 96% were white and stage distribution was: 15% stage 0, 35% stage 1, 32% stage 2, 15% stage 3, and 3% missing. Treatment included mastectomy (60%), lumpectomy (40%), radiation (61%), chemotherapy (55%) and hormonal therapy (50%). Most common treatment-related sequelae were neuropathy (38%), chest wall or arm pain (27%), and lymphedema (26%). Over half (52%) report worry and 45% report fatigue as a problem in the past week. 74% stated that their medical needs were met, whereas 49% said their psychological and spiritual needs were met (p<0.01). 68% understood the follow-up plan after treatment was complete. Perceived barriers to follow up care were anxiety (30%) and lack of coordination (10%). When queried about post-treatment care, the following aspects were considered important (% of patients ranking ≥7 on scale 0-10: 0=not important, 10=very important): breast/chest wall exam (88%); screening for osteoporosis (71%), colorectal cancer (69%), and heart disease (65%); educational materials (64%); mammography (63%); physical therapy (61%); diet and exercise counseling (60%); and complementary/alternative medicine information (53%). Less important were psychology (44%), gynecology (43%), chaplain services (35%), support groups (32%), social work (20%), and infertility experts (4%). 60% expressed interest in attending a survivorship clinic. Conclusions: This survey provides unique data on breast cancer survivors, and efforts should be made to optimize medical and psychosocial care in line with their needs and preferences. These results will be imperative in designing a wellness and survivorship clinic.

Download Full-text

Fatigue among Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors: A Controlled Cross-Sectional Study

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13061301 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 1301

Author(s):

Saskia W. M. C. Maass ◽

Daan Brandenbarg ◽

Liselotte M. Boerman ◽

Peter F. M. Verhaak ◽

Geertruida H. de Bock ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

General Practitioner ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Reference Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression

Background: Fatigue is the most common and persistent symptom among women in the first five years after a breast cancer diagnosis. However, long-term prevalence of fatigue, among breast cancer survivors, needs further investigation. Aim: To compare fatigue experienced by long-term breast cancer survivors with that in a reference population and to evaluate the determinants of that fatigue. Design and Setting: A cross-sectional cohort study of 350 breast cancer survivors ≥5 years after diagnosis and a reference population of 350 women matched by age and general practitioner. Method: Fatigue was measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and a sum score of >60 (multidimensional fatigue) was the primary outcome. Logistic regression was applied to compare the prevalence of multidimensional fatigue between the survivor and reference populations, adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and for cardiovascular and psychological variables. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were estimated. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the determinants of multidimensional fatigue among the survivors. Results: Breast cancer survivors (median 10 years after diagnosis), more often experienced multidimensional fatigue than the reference population (26.6% versus 15.4%; OR, 2.0 [95%CI, 1.4–2.9]), even after adjusting for confounders. The odds of multidimensional fatigue were also higher among survivors with symptoms of depression (32.2% versus 2.7%; OR, 17.0 [95%CI, 7.1–40.5]) or anxiety (41.9% versus 10.1%; OR, 6.4 [95%CI, 3.6–11.4]). Conclusion: One in four breast cancer survivors experience multidimensional fatigue and fatigue occurs more frequently than in women of the same age and general practitioner. This fatigue appears to be associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Download Full-text

Unmet Needs and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Korean Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33805/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jong Won Lee ◽

Jihyoun Lee ◽

Min Hyuk Lee ◽

Se Kyung Lee ◽

Wan Sung Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Multiple Regression Analysis ◽

Multiple Regression ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Unmet Needs ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Backgroud: As the survival rates of cancer patients have been increasing due to early diagnosis and technological advances in treatment, their caregiver burden has also emerged as an important issue. In view of this situation, this study aims to investigate the unmet needs and quality of life of caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors.Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional interview survey was performed among 160 caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors. Caregivers who gave written informed consent to participate completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers and EuroQol-5 Dimensions. Data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis.Results: The mean age of the caregivers was 46.4 years, 44.4% (71/160) were spouses of patients, and 52.5% (84/160) were personally taking care of cancer survivors. Unmet needs were highest in the ‘healthcare staff’ domain (mean ± SD: 1.69 ±1.11), and the item with the highest level of unmet needs was ‘needed information about the current status of the patient’s illness and its future courses’ (1.98 ± 1.04). Unmet needs were correlated with age, educational level, marital status, employment, religion and psychosocial status. Poorer quality of life was closely related to higher levels of unmet needs. In multiple regression analysis, age, employment, religion, and levels of stress and despair were closely associated with unmet needs.

Download Full-text