scholarly journals Transitioning from active treatment: Colorectal cancer survivors’ health promotion goals

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nynikka R.A. Palmer ◽  
L. Kay Bartholomew ◽  
Sheryl A. McCurdy ◽  
Karen M. Basen-Engquist ◽  
Aanand D. Naik

AbstractObjective:The purpose of this study is to describe the post-treatment goals of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. We sought to determine whether goals were a salient concept during the period immediately following treatment, and whether a goal-setting intervention might be feasible and acceptable to these patients.Method:Semi-structured qualitative interviews were administered to a convenience sample of 41 CRC patients who were 0–24 months post-treatment. Topics discussed included expectations and goals for future health, cancer prevention awareness, health-promoting behavior-change goals, and post-treatment cancer issues. Content analysis was used to explore emergent themes.Results:Overall, participants’ health-related goals were: being healthy, getting back to normal, and not having a cancer recurrence. Most of the CRC survivors reported being proactive with their health by maintaining healthy behaviors or making healthy behavior changes, or had goals to change their behavior. All respondents had plans to maintain follow-up care and regular screening appointments. Some patients were managing treatment side effects or non-cancer issues that limited their functional abilities. Many respondents were satisfied with the care they received, and felt it was now their responsibility to do their part in taking care of themselves.Significance of results:CRC survivors talk about goals, and many of them are either making or have an interest in making health behavior changes. Self-management support could be an appropriate strategy to assist patients with achieving their health goals post-treatment. Patients may need help addressing lingering treatment side effects or non-cancer issues. Healthcare providers should consider assessing patients’ goals to help patients resolve post-treatment issues and promote healthy behaviors.

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 4020-4020 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Love ◽  
C. Bylund ◽  
N. J. Meropol ◽  
J. L. Marshall ◽  
S. A. Curley ◽  
...  

4020 Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) presents a substantial patient education challenge to medical oncologists (MOs). Findings from our 2005 pilot survey suggest that a significant fraction of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors are willing to undergo AC for modest treatment benefits, but their understanding of risks and benefits may be suboptimal. This project attempted to validate these findings by surveying patients with CRC (Pts) who previously received AC. Methods: 150 Pts who received AC for CRC in the last 5 years were recruited to listen to an audio program on AC featuring interviews with clinical investigators (CIs) and Pts who received AC. Based on this input, Pts were asked whether they would undergo the same AC again for varying absolute treatment benefits. A corresponding survey asked 24 CRC CIs and 150 MOs to predict how patients would respond. The survey also queried Pts about their expectations of and experiences with AC side effects. Results: About 1/3 of Pts would be treated again with AC for a 1% absolute reduction in recurrence risk (ARRR), and about 2/3 believed a 5% ARRR would justify treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between responses of males and females or between Pts receiving oxaliplatin (OX) and those receiving other regimens. ( Table 1 ) The corresponding estimates of CIs and MOs were lower. Additionally, AC side effects were different than expected: 57% and 66% of Pts experienced less GI toxicity and alopecia, respectively, while 38% and 46% of Pts receiving OX experienced greater cold intolerance and numbness. Conclusions: Many potential obstacles exist in communicating with Pts about AC including heterogeneity in Pts’ attitudes towards risk/benefit trade-offs and preconceptions about treatment side effects. The next step in this initiative will be to examine these issues prospectively by evaluating the impact of an audio/web education supplement on the decision-making process. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Eun Kim ◽  
Jaewook Lee ◽  
Minji Jang ◽  
Moon Hwa Kwak ◽  
Jun Go ◽  
...  

Rapid healing of dermatological wounds is of vital importance in preventing infection and reducing post-treatment side-effects.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios Saltaouras ◽  
Eila Watson ◽  
Shelly Coe ◽  
Helen Lightowler

AbstractA cancer diagnosis serves as a teachable moment for patients to consider lifestyle changes to cope with treatment and for future health. Diet and nutrition is an important, yet neglected aspect of survivorship care. Patients diagnosed with a cancer in the pelvis (anal, bladder, rectal and cancers of the reproductive organs) may benefit from dietary modifications that could improve quality of life and may influence survival. This project aims to explore pelvic cancer patients’ dietary habits and experiences of nutrition support in cancer care.People who have been diagnosed with a pelvic cancer and either undergoing (n = 266) or having completed radiotherapy treatment 6–24 months previously (n = 405) were invited to fill in a survey about their current dietary habits and nutritional support received after diagnosis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.Respondents [n = 251; mean (SD) age 68.8 (10.5) years] reported high obesity rates (63% classified as overweight or obese) and presence of treatment side effects (82%) and comorbidities (75%). There was no significant difference in obesity rates, presence of side effects or comorbidities between on-treatment and post-treatment patients (P > 0.01 for all comparisons). Two thirds of respondents (n = 170) reported at least one dietary change since diagnosis and 31% (n = 77) reported supplement use. However, the number of respondents who reported a change per food group was low. Most notable changes included increased intake of vegetables (33%), fruit (33%) and oily fish (29%) and reduction of sugary foods (48%), alcohol (41%) and processed meats (40%). Forty-three percent reported receipt of dietary advice from the healthcare team; mainly leaflets from cancer specialist nurses. Receipt of dietary support from the healthcare team was a significant predictor of dietary change (OR 4.02, 95% CI: 2.01–8.05). Thirty-two percent of respondents (n = 79) reported looking for advice from other sources, with the internet being the most popular (66% of them looked at medical and/or charity websites). Survivors were interested in receiving dietary support in relation to weight management, management of side effects and future health; however, they were uncertain of the benefits of diet in improving low appetite and the feeling of fatigue.Results from this study highlight an increased need for dietary support in pelvic cancer populations post-treatment. Emphasis should be given to the role of the healthcare team in the delivery of nutritional information to influence patients make healthy dietary choices.


Dental Update ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (11) ◽  
pp. 1031-1040
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hackett ◽  
Oliver Jones ◽  
Despoina Chatzistavrianou ◽  
David Newsum

This is the third and final paper in the series. Oral and dental complications of head and neck cancers, and the associated treatments, can be devastating to patients. General dental practitioners are likely to encounter affected patients at various points along their treatment journey, which may involve the management of treatment side-effects or facilitating the post-treatment rehabilitation. This paper will discuss accepted preventive regimens for patients, management of treatment side-effects and specific cases of restorative rehabilitation post-treatment, highlighting the levels of treatment that can usually be provided in primary and secondary care settings. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper aims to provide the reader with knowledge and confidence to manage the dental needs of head and neck cancer patients and post-treatment side-effects.


2016 ◽  
pp. 25-29
Author(s):  
Van Huy Tran ◽  
Thi Huyen Thuong Nguyen

Background: Data about efficacy of Tenofovir in patients of HBV –related cirrhosis in Vietnam was still limited. This study is aimed at: - evaluating the clinical, biochemical, virological and Child-Pugh score responses 3,6,9 months after Tenofovir therapy; - assessing possible side effects of tenofovir. Patients and methods: 40 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis were enrolled. All has received Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg/day. Follow-up after 3,6 and 9 months. Results: Anorexia, oedema and ascites were significantly improved after treatment. HBV DNA became undetectable in 92.5%, 94.55 and 100% after 3,6 and 9 months, respectively. Child- Pugh score was improved after treatment (5.94±0.22 after treatment vs 7.47±0.28 before treatment). Side effects were minors (nausea, vomiting). No case of increase in serum creatinine was found. Conclusion: Tenofovir showed effective and safe in patients of HBV-related cirrhosis. Key words: Cirrhosis, tenofovir, HBV. Key words: cirrhosis, tenofovir, HBV


2021 ◽  
pp. 145507252098596
Author(s):  
Sinikka L. Kvamme ◽  
Michael M. Pedersen ◽  
Sagi Alagem-Iversen ◽  
Birgitte Thylstrup

Background: In Denmark the boundaries between cannabis as an illicit drug and licit medicine have shifted rapidly in recent years, affecting also policy. However, the vast majority of Danes, who use cannabis as medicine (CaM) continue to rely on the unregulated market for supply. This study explores patterns of use and motives for use of CaM in Denmark. Methods: An anonymous online survey was made available to a convenience sample of users of CaM from July 14, 2018 to November 1, 2018. Participants were recruited through patient organisations, social and public media, and the illegal open cannabis market. Results: Of the final sample ( n = 3,021), a majority were women (62.6%) and the mean age was 49 years. Most had no prescription for CaM (90.9%), a majority had no or limited previous experience with recreational cannabis use (63.9%), and had used CaM for two years or less (65.0%). The most common form of intake was oil (56.8%) followed by smoke (24.0%). CBD oil (65.0%) was used more than hash, pot or skunk (36.2%). Most frequent conditions treated were chronic pain (32.0%), sleep disturbances (27.5%), stress (23.7%), osteoarthritis (22.7%), anxiety (19.6%), and depression (19.6%). Overall, users experienced CaM to be effective in managing somatic and mental health conditions and reported relatively few side-effects. CBD oil only users were more likely to be women, older, have limited recreational experience and have initiated use recently. Conclusions: A new user group has emerged in Denmark that, for the most part, use illegally sourced CaM to treat a broad range of somatic and mental health conditions, often with experienced effect and relatively low level of side-effects. The prevalent use of low-potency CBD oil indicates an interest in effects beyond the high normally associated with cannabis use. More clinical research into the effects and side-effects of CaM is needed to draw the boundaries of the medical utility of cannabis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinikka L. Kvamme ◽  
Michael M. Pedersen ◽  
Kristine Rømer Thomsen ◽  
Birgitte Thylstrup

Abstract Background The use of cannabis as medicine (CaM) both prescribed and non-prescribed has increased markedly in the last decade, mirrored in a global shift in cannabis policy towards a more permissive stance. There is some evidence that cannabis functions as a substitute for prescription drugs, particularly opioids; however, more knowledge is needed on the motives of substitution users, their patterns of use, and perceived effects of substitution use. Aims To explore who substitutes prescription drugs with cannabis, the type of prescription drugs substituted and the type of cannabis used, and the impact that substitution with cannabis has on prescription drug use as well as the motives for substitution in terms of experienced effects and side effects. Methods A self-selected convenience sample was recruited through social media, public media, and patient organizations to take part in an anonymous online survey. Inclusion criteria were 18 years or older and use of cannabis (prescribed or non-prescribed) with a medical purpose. Results The final sample included 2.841 respondents of which the majority (91%) used non-prescribed cannabis, and more than half (54.6%) had used CaM with the purpose of replacing a prescribed drug. Compared to non-substitution users, substitution users were more likely to be women and to use CaM in the treatment of chronic pain and other somatic conditions. Pain medication (67.2%), antidepressants (24.5%), and arthritis medication (20.7%) were the most common types of drugs replaced with CaM. Among substitution users, 38.1% reported termination of prescription drug use, and 45.9% a substantial decrease in prescription drug use. The most frequent type of cannabis used as a substitute was CBD-oil (65.2%), followed by ‘hash, pot or skunk’ (36.6%). More than half (65.8%) found CaM much more effective compared to prescription drugs, and 85.5% that the side effects associated with prescription drug use were much worse compared to use of CaM. Conclusion CaM is frequently used as a substitute for prescription drugs, particularly opioids. More research is needed on the long-term consequences of use of CaM, including the impact from low and high THC cannabis products on specific somatic and mental health conditions.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026988112110152
Author(s):  
Melike Kevser Gul ◽  
Elif Funda Sener ◽  
Muge Gulcihan Onal ◽  
Esra Demirci

Objective: Atomoxetine (ATX), one of the most commonly used drugs after stimulants in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment, is an inhibitor of the norepinephrine transporter ( NET/SLC6A2), which is also associated with the etiology of ADHD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of NET gene polymorphisms on response to ATX treatment and to find the answers to the questions about whether there is a relationship between the severity of the disorder and the observed side effects in children with ADHD. Method: About 100 children with ADHD and 80 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. The dose of ATX was started at 0.5 mg/kg/day and titrated at 1.2 mg/kg/day. Response to treatment of 78 patients was evaluated 2 months after the beginning of the treatment. After whole blood samples were obtained, DNAs were isolated, and samples were stored at −80°C. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs12708954 and rs3785143) were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: The patients with both rs12708954 and rs3785143 heterozygous genotype had better treatment response and more side effects than patients with wild type. There was not found any association between any of the investigated NET polymorphisms and ADHD severity. Conclusion: It was, however, found that the NET rs12708954 and rs3785143 genotypes affect the treatment response to ATX in our study; thus, further studies with a large population are needed to understand the effects of NET polymorphisms on treatment, side effects, and also the severity of ADHD.


Author(s):  
E. Sutton ◽  
◽  
J. A. Lane ◽  
M. Davis ◽  
E. I. Walsh ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To investigate men’s experiences of receiving external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) for localized prostate cancer (LPCa) in the ProtecT trial. Methods A longitudinal qualitative interview study was embedded in the ProtecT RCT. Sixteen men with clinically LPCa who underwent EBRT in ProtecT were purposively sampled to include a range of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. They participated in serial in-depth qualitative interviews for up to 8 years post-treatment, exploring experiences of treatment and its side effects over time. Results Men experienced bowel, sexual, and urinary side effects, mostly in the short term but some persisted and were bothersome. Most men downplayed the impacts, voicing expectations of age-related decline, and normalizing these changes. There was some reticence to seek help, with men prioritizing their relationships and overall health and well-being over returning to pretreatment levels of function. Some unmet needs with regard to information about treatment schedules and side effects were reported, particularly among men with continuing functional symptoms. Conclusions These findings reinforce the importance of providing universal clear, concise, and timely information and supportive resources in the short term, and more targeted and detailed information and care in the longer term to maintain and improve treatment experiences for men undergoing EBRT.


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