Study on knowledge of chemotherapy's adverse effects and their self-care ability to manage - The cancer survivors impact

Abstract Purpose Most patients with cancer undergo multiple administrations of anticancer drugs during treatment, resulting in chronic impairment of their reproductive health. As improved treatment options increase cancer survival, it has become increasingly important to address fertility issues in cancer survivors. In this study, we examined the pathophysiological effects of multiple exposures to cyclophosphamide (Cy) on the ovaries of mice and their underlying molecular mechanism. Methods Female C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg Cy six times over 2 weeks; 4 weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and their ovaries, sera, and oocytes were collected for histological observation, measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and assessment of oocyte quantity and quality in response to hormonal stimulation. Gene expression changes in Cy-treated ovaries were examined by microarray and bioinformatics analyses. Results After repeated Cy exposure, the anti-Müllerian hormone level was decreased, and follicle loss and impairments in the quality of oocyte were irreversible. The expression levels of genes involved in folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and zona pellucida glycoprotein transcription displayed sustained alterations in Cy-exposed ovaries even after 4 weeks. Conclusion The adverse effects of Cy on ovarian function and oocytes remained even after chemotherapy was complete. Therefore, strategies to prevent ovarian damage or restore ovarian function after treatment are required to safeguard the fertility of young cancer survivors.

Download Full-text

Rehabilitation targeted late adverse effects after radiotherapy for cervical cancer – Different gains in different settings

Clinical Nursing Studies ◽

10.5430/cns.v6n2p9 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 9 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Karin B. Dieperink ◽

Lene Sigaard ◽

Helle Mona Larsen ◽

Tina Broby Mikkelsen

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Social Life ◽

Psychosocial Interventions ◽

Sexual Problems ◽

Residential Setting ◽

Sexual Rehabilitation ◽

Late Adverse Effects ◽

Residential Rehabilitation

Many cervical cancer survivors experience late adverse effects, and rehabilitation may alleviate symptoms. This study describes participants’ experiences with late adverse effects in daily living and with experiences of perceived rehabilitation in hospital, municipal, and a residential setting. Twenty-one cervical cancer survivors aged 40-72 years, curatively treated with concomitant radio-chemotherapy, with moderate/severe incontinence and sexual problems, participated in a 5-day residential rehabilitation intervention. Three focus group interviews were conducted and analyzed. Late adverse effects like incontinence, sexual problems, tinnitus and pain severely restricted everyday life. The participants described rehabilitation in hospital settings as fragmented, but several of the participants benefitted from the physical rehabilitation in municipal settings; however, no participants were offered sexual rehabilitation. In the residential setting, they gained a sense of connectedness and confidence in association with peers. More time to reflect and the anonymity gave opportunity to work with sensitive issues e.g. sexuality. Increased knowledge about late adverse effects and tools to alleviate these made the participants prepared to regain command of their lives. In conclusion, incontinence and tinnitus had especially impact on social life and every day activities. The participants benefitted especially from rehabilitation in two settings (municipal and residential). Intensively psychosocial interventions allowed participants to work with underlying problems. Women with sexual and/or incontinence problems favored the residential rehabilitation due to anonymity.

Download Full-text

Bowel Problems, Self-care Practices, and Information Needs of Colorectal Cancer Survivors at 6 to 24 Months After Sphincter-Saving Surgery

Cancer Nursing ◽

10.1097/01.ncc.0000305759.04357.1b ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 31 (5) ◽

pp. 389-398 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Sue Nikoletti ◽

Jeanne Young ◽

Michael Levitt ◽

Mary King ◽

Christine Chidlow ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Information Needs ◽

Self Care ◽

Colorectal Cancer Survivors ◽

Sphincter Saving ◽

Care Practices

Download Full-text

Health behaviors and coping among informal caregivers of lung and colorectal cancer survivors: Distribution and interrelationships.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2015.33.29_suppl.229 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 33 (29_suppl) ◽

pp. 229-229

Author(s):

Erin E. Kent ◽

Kristin Litzelman ◽

Julia Howe Rowland

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Palliative Care ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Binge Drinking ◽

Coping Styles ◽

Self Care ◽

Positive Health ◽

And Coping

229 Background: Family/informal caregivers play a critical role in the palliative care and support of cancer survivors, yet are at risk of poorer health outcomes than non-caregivers. Self-care, including positive health behaviors and coping, are important for long-term caregiver well-being, and potentially that of care recipients. This study sought to evaluate the distribution of and interrelationships among health behaviors and coping strategies among cancer caregivers. Methods: This study used data from the Cancer Care Outcomes Research & Surveillance Consortium (CanCORS). Caregivers reported by survey their health behaviors, coping, and sociodemographic and caregiving characteristics. Descriptive statistics assessed the distribution of caregivers’ health and coping behaviors, and multivariable linear regressions assessed the associations between health behaviors and coping styles. Results: Many caregivers reported positive health behaviors (i.e., moderate physical activity, adequate sleep, low rates of binge drinking). Caregivers most frequently reported using emotion-focused coping styles (religion, acceptance, positive reframing, emotional support). Caregivers reporting higher levels of physical activity or feeling less well-rested used problem-focused coping styles more frequently (Effect sizes [ES] up to 0.21, p < 0.05) . Those with some physical activity (1-149 minutes/week vs none) scored higher on emotion-focused coping, while drinkers (1+ drink in the past 30 days vs 0) and binge drinkers (5+ drinks in a row vs 0) scored lower on this subscale (ES = 0.16, 0.12, and 0.25; p < 0.05). Caregivers reporting current smoking (ES = 0.21), binge drinking (ES = 0.49), and feeling less well-rested (ES up to 0.48) scored higher on dysfunctional coping (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Caregivers’ health behaviors and coping strategies were interrelated. Interventions targeting both factors concurrently may be particularly efficacious at improving family caregiver self-care, potentially improving caregiving quality and patient-centered palliative care. Future research is needed to design and test such interventions and the potential impact on palliative care.

Download Full-text

A Physiological Profile of Ovarian Cancer Survivors to Inform Tailored Exercise Interventions and the Development of Exercise Oncology Guidelines

International Journal of Gynecological Cancer ◽

10.1097/igc.0000000000001044 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (7) ◽

pp. 1560-1567 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Christelle Schofield ◽

Robert U. Newton ◽

Daniel A. Galvão ◽

Paul A. Cohen ◽

Carolyn J. Peddle-McIntyre

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Ovarian Cancer ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Physical Activity Behavior ◽

Physiological Status ◽

Physical Activity And Exercise ◽

And Function ◽

Exercise Oncology

ObjectivePhysical activity has become increasingly important in supportive cancer care. However, physical activity and exercise guidelines for ovarian cancer survivors remain generic. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize existing data regarding the physiological characteristics (treatment-related adverse effects, concurrent comorbidities, body weight and composition, physical fitness and function, and physical activity behavior) of ovarian cancer survivors to further understanding of their cancer-specific physical activity and exercise needs. We also highlight gaps in the current knowledge base.MethodsWe undertook a narrative review of current literature on the physiological status of ovarian cancer survivors. We defined physiological status as treatment-related adverse effects, concurrent comorbidities, body weight and composition, physical fitness and function, and physical activity behavior.ResultsIn addition to disease- and treatment-related symptoms and adverse effects, the majority of ovarian cancer survivors have comorbidities, which may adversely affect treatment effectiveness and safety, as well as survival. Despite high overweight and obesity rates, a large percentage of women are malnourished at diagnosis, with potentially compromised muscle mass and muscle density. Low muscle density at diagnosis and loss of muscle mass during treatment may be associated with worse survival outcomes. A small number of studies have observed impaired physical function and cardiorespiratory fitness in ovarian cancer survivors. The majority of ovarian cancer survivors are insufficiently active or sedentary.ConclusionsOur review suggests that ovarian cancer survivors could benefit from physical activity and exercise oncology interventions aimed at addressing detrimental changes to physiological status due to disease and treatment. However, current knowledge gaps regarding the physiological characteristics of ovarian cancer survivors throughout the entire survivorship spectrum challenge the development of tailored exercise intervention studies and exercise oncology guidelines.

Download Full-text

Breast cancer survivors’ perspectives of critical lymphedema self-care support needs

Supportive Care in Cancer ◽

10.1007/s00520-016-3089-2 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (6) ◽

pp. 2743-2750 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Sheila H. Ridner ◽

Bethany A. Rhoten ◽

M. Elise Radina ◽

Melissa Adair ◽

Sydney Bush-Foster ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Self Care ◽

Support Needs ◽

Care Support

Download Full-text

Phase II trial of a depression self-care intervention for adult cancer survivors

European Journal of Cancer Care ◽

10.1111/ecc.12763 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. e12763 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jane McCusker ◽

Mark Yaffe ◽

Rosana Faria ◽

Sylvie Lambert ◽

Madeline Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Survivors ◽

Phase Ii ◽

Phase Ii Trial ◽

Self Care ◽

Care Intervention ◽

Adult Cancer Survivors

Download Full-text

Factors Affecting Lymphedema and Its Practice of Self-care in Breast Cancer Survivors

Journal of Health Informatics and Statistics ◽

10.21032/jhis.2020.45.3.288 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 288-295

Author(s):

Hyenam Hwang

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Self Care ◽

Factors Affecting

Download Full-text

Extended Adverse Effects of Cyclophosphamide on Mouse Ovarian Function

10.21203/rs.3.rs-59493/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jihyun Kim ◽

Sooseong You

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Survival ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Bioinformatics Analyses ◽

Hormonal Stimulation ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Multiple Exposures

Abstract Background: Most patients with cancer undergo multiple administrations of anticancer drugs during treatment, resulting in chronic impairment of their reproductive health. As improved treatment options increase cancer survival, it has become increasingly important to address fertility issues in cancer survivors. In this study, we examined the pathophysiological effects of multiple exposures to cyclophosphamide (Cy) on the ovaries of mice and their underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: Female C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg Cy six times over 2 weeks; 4 weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and their ovaries, sera, and oocytes were collected for histological observation, measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and assessment of oocyte quantity and quality in response to hormonal stimulation. Gene expression changes in Cy-treated ovaries were examined by microarray and bioinformatics analyses. Results: After repeated Cy exposure, the anti-Müllerian hormone level was decreased, and follicle loss and impairments in the quality of oocyte were irreversible. The expression levels of genes involved in folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and zona pellucida glycoprotein transcription displayed sustained alterations in Cy-exposed ovaries even after 4 weeks.Conclusion: The adverse effects of Cy on ovarian function and oocytes remained even after chemotherapy was complete. Therefore, strategies to prevent ovarian damage or restore ovarian function after treatment are required to safeguard the fertility of young cancer survivors.

Download Full-text