Social Roles as a Protective Factor for Depression among Rural and Urban Breast Cancer Survivors

This chapter explores the resistance to restrictive feminine molds as a protective factor that facilitates positive embodiment among young breast cancer survivors. The chapter reviews the empirical evidence on cancer survivors’ gendered lived experience in the body and the role of restrictive feminine molds on cultivating experiences of (dis)embodiment. A novel mixed-method research program is discussed that examined whether the internalization of values that counteract feminine molds among breast cancer survivors, utilizing the Experience of Embodiment Scale, predicted embodied well-being. The program also considered women`s reflections about their values and beliefs, cultural heteronormative ideas of attractiveness, and role demands on women`s connection to their post–medically treated bodies. The chapter concludes with suggested intervention strategies that aim at fostering resistance to restrictive feminine molds and, through that, enhancing the quality of embodied lives among women entering the survivorship stage of their breast cancer journey.

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The importance of patient engagement to quality of breast cancer care and health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study among Latina breast cancer survivors in rural and urban communities

BMC Women s Health ◽

10.1186/s12905-021-01200-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jackie Bonilla ◽

Cristian Escalera ◽

Jasmine Santoyo-Olsson ◽

Cathy Samayoa ◽

Carmen Ortiz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Care ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Well Being ◽

Breast Cancer Care ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Abstract Background Compared to their white counterparts, Latina breast cancer survivors experience poorer quality of care and worse health-related quality of life. Limited English proficiency (LEP) and patient engagement in cancer care could help explain these disparities. We assessed associations between LEP status and difficulty engaging with physicians, with self-reported quality of breast cancer care and health-related quality of life (physical and emotional well-being) among rural and urban Latina breast cancer survivors. Methods Analyses used cross-sectional baseline survey data from two studies that tested a stress management program among rural and urban Latina breast cancer survivors in California. Medical information was collected through medical records review. Linear regression models examined bivariate and multivariable associations of LEP status (yes or no), difficulty engaging with doctors (asking questions and participating in treatment decisions) (1–4; higher score = greater difficulty), and rural versus urban site, with three outcomes: (1) quality of breast cancer care and information; (2) physical well-being; and (3) and emotional well-being, controlling for demographic and medical factors. Results The total sample included 304 women (151 from urban and 153 from rural sites). Mean age was 52.7 years (SD 10.9). Most were limited English proficient (84.5%) and had less than a high school education (67.8%). Difficulty engaging with doctors was inversely associated with patient ratings of quality of breast cancer care and information (B = − 0.190, p = 0.014), emotional well-being (B = − 1.866, p < 0.001), and physical well-being (B = − 1.272, p = 0.002), controlling for demographic and treatment factors. LEP (vs. not; B = 1.987, p = 0.040) was independently associated with physical well-being only. Rural/urban status was not related independently to any outcome. Conclusions Rural and urban Latina breast cancer survivors who report greater difficulty engaging with physicians experienced worse quality of breast cancer care and health-related quality of life. Promoting greater engagement of Latina breast cancer survivors in cancer care and providing medical interpreters when needed could improve patient outcomes among this vulnerable group. Trial registration: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02931552 and NCT01383174.

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The Feasibility and Effectiveness of Expressive Writing for Rural and Urban Breast Cancer Survivors

Oncology Nursing Forum ◽

10.1188/10.onf.749-757 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 749-757 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Erika A. Henry ◽

Rebecca J. Schlegel ◽

Amelia E. Talley ◽

Lisa A. Molix ◽

B. Ann Bettencourt

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Expressive Writing ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Rural And Urban

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The importance of patient engagement to quality of breast cancer care and health related quality of life: a cross-sectional study among Latina breast cancer survivors in rural and urban communities

10.21203/rs.2.23050/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jackie Bonilla ◽

Cristian Escalera ◽

Jasmine Santoyo-Olsson ◽

Cathy Samayoa ◽

Carmen Ortiz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Care ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Well Being ◽

Breast Cancer Care ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Abstract Background: Compared to their white counterparts, Latina breast cancer survivors experience poorer quality of care and worse health-related quality of life. Limited English proficiency (LEP) and patient engagement in cancer care could help explain these disparities. We assessed associations between LEP status and difficulty engaging with physicians, with self-reported quality of breast cancer care and health-related quality of life (physical and emotional well-being) among rural and urban Latina breast cancer survivors. Methods: Analyses used cross-sectional baseline survey data from two studies that tested a stress management program among rural and urban Latina breast cancer survivors in California. Medical information was collected through medical records review. Linear regression models examined bivariate and multivariable associations of LEP status (yes or no), difficulty engaging with doctors (asking questions and participating in treatment decisions) (1-4; higher score=greater difficulty), and rural versus urban site, with three outcomes: 1) quality of breast cancer care and information; 2) physical well-being; and 3) and emotional well-being, controlling for demographic and medical factors. Results: The total sample included 304 women (151 from urban and 153 from rural sites). Mean age was 52.7 years (SD 10.9). Most were limited English proficient (84.5%) and had less than a high school education (67.8%). Difficulty engaging with doctors was inversely associated with patient ratings of quality of breast cancer care and information (B = - 0.190, p=0.014), emotional well-being (B = -1.866, p <0.0001), and physical well-being (B = -1.272, p = 0.002), controlling for demographic and treatment factors. LEP (vs. not; B = 1.987, p = 0.040) was independently associated with physical well-being only. Rural/urban status was not related independently to any outcome.Conclusions: Rural and urban Latina breast cancer survivors who report greater difficulty engaging with physicians experienced worse quality of breast cancer care and health-related quality of life. Promoting greater engagement of Latina breast cancer survivors in cancer care and providing medical interpreters when needed could improve patient outcomes among this vulnerable group.Trial registration: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02931552 and NCT01383174.

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Assessing the Relationship between Body Image and Quality of Life Among Rural and Urban Breast Cancer Survivors in China

10.21203/rs.3.rs-581586/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jinghua An ◽

Kaina Zhou ◽

Minjie Li ◽

Xiaomei Li

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Body Image ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Well Being ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

Multidimensional Body Image ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to examine the associations between multidimensional body image and quality of life (QoL) and test whether the associations between body image and QoL are moderated by rural-urban residence in Chinese breast cancer survivors. Methods A cross-sectional design was adopted. Breast cancer survivors were recruited via a convenience sampling method. Two validated questionnaires (Body Image Self-Rating Questionnaire for Breast Cancer and SF-36) and questions assessing demographic and clinical covariates were administered. Results In our sample of 354 breast cancer survivors, half (50.28%) lived in rural areas. After adjusting for demographic and clinical variables, better perception of body image-related sexual activity change, role change, and psychological change was significantly associated with better physical and mental well-being. Better perception of body image-related social and behavior change domains was only significantly associated with better mental well-being. The association between body image and mental well-being was much stronger in urban subjects (b = -0.38, p < 0.001) than in rural subjects (b = -0.20, p < 0.001). Conclusions Our findings suggest that multidimensional body image is associated with physical and mental well-being in Chinese breast cancer survivors. Body image appears to play a larger role in urban breast cancer survivors’ mental well-being. Our findings indicate that incorporating interventions that address body image issues would be advantageous for survivorship care programs focused on enhancing QoL in breast cancer survivors. Considering the rural-urban differences supports strategic design of the care programs in rural and urban settings.

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Dexamethasone is Associated With a Lower Risk of the Progression of Thoracic Aortic Calcification in Breast Cancer Survivors

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.740815 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Juan Lei ◽

Aiting Liu ◽

Yujia Ma ◽

Guangzi Shi ◽

Feng Han ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cumulative Dose ◽

Lower Risk ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy ◽

Aortic Calcification ◽

Thoracic Aortic Calcification

Background and Purpose: Breast cancer survivors have an increased cardiovascular risk, and vascular calcification is the pathological basis of cardiovascular disease. Some factors that affect the progression of thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) in survivors are unclear, and this study aims to explore the relationship between dexamethasone or radiotherapy and the progression of TAC in survivors.Materials and Methods: This study included 189 female patients with breast cancer, and they were divided into the progression and non-progression TAC groups. Radiation or dexamethasone doses, and related laboratory parameters were collected.Results: The cumulative dose of dexamethasone was higher [40 (10–180) mg versus 180 (80–270) mg, p < 0.001], and the cycle was longer [4 (1–6) cycles versus 6 (4–8) cycles, p < 0.001] in the non-progression TAC group. The cumulative dose (r = −0.303, p < 0.001) and cycle (r = −0.357, p < 0.001) of dexamethasone were negatively correlated with the level of increased TAC Agatston scores in survivors. Logistic regression analysis showed that dexamethasone was a protective factor for the progression of TAC (p = 0.029, odds ratio = 0.263, 95% confidence interval = 0.08–0.872). However, there wasn’t significant relationship between radiotherapy, radiation dose, follow-up time and the progression of TAC (all p > 0.05). In addition, aorta volume was positively correlated with the level of increased TAC Agatston scores in intensity modulated radiation therapy (r = 0.460, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Dexamethasone is associated with a lower risk of the progression of TAC in breast cancer survivors, and there’s no correlation between radiotherapy and progression of TAC, but the aorta volume may be a predictor of the severity of progression of TAC.

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