MP19-04 QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER A UROLOGIC CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Background: Prognostic disclosure to patients with advanced cancer facilitates treatment decisions and goals of care discussions. However, the perspectives of patients, families and physicians differ in this regard across different cultures. Non-disclosure of cancer diagnosis or prognosis is commonly observed in family-centric cultures such as India. Aim: To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with cancer patients’ awareness of advanced disease status; and its with quality of life and psychological distress. Methods: Patients for this cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey were recruited from oncology and palliative medicine clinics at a tertiary cancer hospital in India from January 2017 to June 2018. Patients aged ≥ 21 years, aware of cancer diagnosis and receiving oncology treatment for Stage IV solid cancer were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. Results: Two hundred patients were enrolled, of which 146 (73%) were not aware of the stage of their malignancy and 9 (4.5%) believed that their disease was at stage I, II or III. Those who were aware of their advanced cancer stage had more years of education (9.9 years vs 8.1 years, p = .05) and had poorer spiritual wellbeing in the faith domain (adjusted difference −1.6, 95% confidence interval −3.1 to −0.1, p = .03) compared to those who were unaware. Conclusion: It is recommended that future studies may explore prognostic understanding in Indian patients according to their socio-cultural, spiritual and educational background.

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The Impact of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Post-treatment Sexual Dysfunction on Quality of Life

Sexual Function in the Prostate Cancer Patient ◽

10.1007/978-1-60327-555-2_2 ◽

2009 ◽

pp. 17-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

David F. Penson ◽

Christian J. Nelson

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Prostate Cancer ◽

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Post Treatment ◽

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis ◽

The Impact

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The Role of Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors’ Quality of Life

10.21203/rs.3.rs-15957/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tayah M. Liska ◽

Angie Kolen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Adult Cancer Survivors

Abstract Purpose: As a result of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, many cancer survivors experience persistent physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that affect their quality of life. Physical activity has been identified as an intervention that may help to manage the side effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on overall quality of life in adult cancer survivors. Methods: One-on-one semi structured interviews were conducted in person or via telephone with 13 adult (≥18 yrs) cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatment. Results: These cancer survivors described their physical activity as improving their physical functioning and mental health, as a means of positive social engagement, and adding positivity to their daily life. Conclusion: These results support the role of physical activity to enhance cancer survivors’ quality of life regardless of the individuals’ treatment(s) type, duration, or time since the end of active cancer treatment. Further research is warranted to (a) expand this research with a larger sample, (b) examine healthcare providers’ knowledge and application of exercise guidelines to cancer survivors in cancer care, and (c) explore implementation strategies for greater advocacy for healthcare providers to share the exercise recommendations with cancer survivors.

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Good, Bad, and Ugly: Partner Support and Quality of Life Among Couples Facing Skin Cancer

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1390 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 430-430

Author(s):

Laura Butner-Kozimor ◽

Jyoti Savla

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Skin Cancer ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Negative Relationship ◽

Perceived Support ◽

Older Couples ◽

Path Analyses ◽

The Impact ◽

Negative Support

Abstract When older adults in partnered relationships face a skin cancer diagnosis of one partner, couples may rely on one another for support. Previous studies have found that perceived support can influence one’s adjustment to the stressors associated with the skin cancer diagnosis, as well as influence the overall quality of life. Using dyadic data from 30 older couples (Mage = 70; SD = 7.25), this study examined positive and negative relationship-focused support strategies each partner provided and effects on the dyad’s quality of life. Dyadic path analyses simultaneously examined the impact of support received by one’s partner and its association with their own quality of life (actor effects) and their partner’s quality of life (partner effects). Positive support received by either partner, in the form of active engagement, was not associated with quality of life. In contrast, negative support in the form of protective buffering received from supporting partners was associated with poorer quality of life for themselves (β = -.37, p = .05) as well as for partners with skin cancer (β = -.43, p = .01). Similarly, overprotection, also a negative support strategy, by supporting partners was associated with poorer quality of life for partners with skin cancer (β = -.63, p < .001). Findings illustrate that not all types of support are beneficial for the overall couple relationship and couple outcomes. Implications for practice and interventions for older couples facing a cancer diagnosis will be discussed.

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Nutrient-Dense, Plant-Rich (NDPR) Diet in Cancer Survivors: Case Series

International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention ◽

10.22230/ijdrp.2021v3n2a261 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Joel H Fuhrman ◽

Deana M Ferreri

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Prevention ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Case Series ◽

Sufficient Evidence ◽

Related Factor ◽

Inhibition Of Proliferation ◽

Risk Of Recurrence

Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors in cancer survivors has the potential to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve quality of life. Although whole diet intervention studies in cancer survivors are scarce, the available evidence supports a plant-based diet, and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) recommends following cancer prevention diet and lifestyle guidelines to reduce the risk of recurrence. There is sufficient evidence to presume that the same phytochemical-rich foods that have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer (prevention) are beneficial and lifespan promoting for those who have a diagnosis of cancer. The nutrient-dense, plant-rich (NDPR) diet (also called a Nutritarian diet) is a plant-based diet that places emphasis on foods with evidence backing anti-tumor activity such as inhibition of proliferation and angiogenesis, apoptosis promotion, anti-inflammatory effects, and induction of the master regulator of detoxification and antioxidant response nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2): leafy green vegetables, beans, garlic and onion, seeds and nuts, mushrooms, berries, and other carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables, assuring rich sources of phytonutrients and plant lignans. Here, we present seven cases of patients who had adopted the NDPR diet following a cancer diagnosis and conveyed details of their results. Patients generally reported improved quality of life, intentional weight loss, no recurrence, and improvement in other aspects of health in the years after cancer diagnosis provoked their dietary change.

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Divorce after breast cancer diagnosis and its impact on quality of life

Palliative & Supportive Care ◽

10.1017/s1478951521001711 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Danbee Kang ◽

Nayeon Kim ◽

Gayeon Han ◽

Sooyeon Kim ◽

Hoyoung Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Factors Associated ◽

After Cancer ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objective This study aims to identify factors associated with divorce following breast cancer diagnosis and measures the impact of divorce on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Methods We used cross-sectional survey data collected at breast cancer outpatient clinics in South Korea from November 2018 to April 2019. Adult breast cancer survivors who completed active treatment without any cancer recurrence at the time of the survey (N = 4,366) were included. The participants were classified into two groups: “maintaining marriage” and “being divorced,” between at the survey and at the cancer diagnosis. We performed logistic regression and linear regression to identify the factors associated with divorce after cancer diagnosis and to compare the QoL of divorced and nondivorced survivors. Results Approximately 11.1/1,000 of married breast cancer survivors experienced divorce after cancer diagnosis. Younger age, lower education, and being employed at diagnosis were associated with divorce. Being divorced survivors had significantly lower QoL (Coefficient [Coef] = −7.50; 95% CI = −13.63, −1.36), social functioning (Coef = −9.47; 95% CI = −16.36, −2.57), and body image (Coef = −8.34; 95% CI = −6.29, −0.39) than survivors who remained married. They also experienced more symptoms including pain, insomnia, financial difficulties, and distress due to hair loss. Conclusion Identifying risk factors of divorce will ultimately help ascertain the resources necessary for early intervention.

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Palliative care of cancer survivors

Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing ◽

10.1093/med/9780199332342.003.0043 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 661-670

Author(s):

Mary S. McCabe ◽

Stacie Corcoran

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Palliative Care ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Childhood Cancer ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Childhood Cancer Survivors ◽

The Family ◽

Heavy Burden ◽

Optimal Quality

Being told you are cancer-free does not mean you are free of the consequences of the disease. Seventy-six percent of cancer survivors are over age 60 years and have coexisting medical conditions that complicate posttreatment recovery to maximum health. Childhood cancer survivors also carry a heavy burden of medical and psychological problems resulting from their experience with cancer. Cancer diagnosis and treatment affects the family as well as the patient. Improvements are needed in the coordination of care for cancer survivors to assure optimal quality of life.

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Long-term employment status and quality of life after cancer: A longitudinal prospective cohort study from diagnosis up to and including 5 years post diagnosis

Work ◽

10.3233/wor-203234 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 66 (4) ◽

pp. 901-907

Author(s):

Sietske J. Tamminga ◽

Lyanne P. Jansen ◽

Monique H.W. Frings-Dresen ◽

Angela G.E.M. de Boer

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Employment Status ◽

Life Outcomes ◽

Quality Of Life Outcomes ◽

Multi Level ◽

After Cancer ◽

Level Analysis

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer survivors are able to return to work. However, little is known about their work situation 5 years after diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To explore fluctuations in employment status and its association with quality of life 2, 3, and 5 years after cancer diagnosis of 65 cancer survivors employed at diagnosis. METHODS: In association with a randomised controlled trial (RCT), questionnaires were administrated to eligible cancer survivors at diagnosis, 2, 3, and 5 years thereafter comprising of validated questionnaires related to work (i.e. Work Ability Index (WAI), cancer, and quality of life (QOL) (i.e. SF-36, VAS QOL). The RCT studied a hospital-based work support intervention in female breast and gynaecological cancer survivors who were treated with curative intent and had paid work at diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and longitudinal multi-level analysis were employed. RESULTS: Sixty-five of the 102 eligible cancer survivors participated, who were primarily diagnosed with breast cancer (63%). Two and 5 years after cancer diagnosis respectively 63 (97%) and 48 (81%) participants were employed. Reasons for not being employed after 5 years included receiving unemployment benefits (7%), voluntary unemployment (3%), receiving disability benefits (3%), and early retirement (3%). Longitudinal multi-level analysis showed that employed cancer survivors reported in general statistically significant better quality of life outcomes at 5 years follow-up compared to those not being employed. CONCLUSIONS: We found high employment rates and few fluctuations in employment status. The steepest decline in employment rate occurs after the first two years of diagnosis. Employed participants reported better quality of life outcomes. Survivorship care should therefore focus on the population at risk possibly within the first two years after diagnosis.

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Age, cancer site and gender associations with symptoms and problems in specialised palliative care: a large, nationwide, register-based study

BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care ◽

10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001880 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. bmjspcare-2019-001880 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Maiken Bang Hansen ◽

Lone Ross ◽

Morten Aagaard Petersen ◽

Mogens Groenvold

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Palliative Care ◽

Physical Function ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Cancer Site ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Increased Risk ◽

And Gender

BackgroundPatients referred to specialised palliative care are troubled by symptoms/problems, but more knowledge is needed on the level and frequency of symptoms/problems. It is also uncertain how gender, age and cancer diagnosis, respectively, are associated with symptoms/problems.AimsTo describe symptoms/problems in patients with cancer at the start of specialised palliative care, and to study how age, gender and cancer diagnosis were associated with symptoms/problems.DesignA register-based study including data from the Danish Palliative Care Database.Setting/ParticipantsPatients with cancer who reported their symptoms/problems using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionaire-Core-15-Palliative Care (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) at the start of specialised palliative care were included. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to test if gender, age and cancer diagnosis were associated with each symptom/problem.Results31 771 patients with cancer were included in the study. The most prevalent and severe symptoms/problems were pain, appetite loss, fatigue, poor physical function and poor quality of life. Gender, age and cancer diagnosis were significantly associated with most symptoms/problems. The strongest associations between symptoms/problems and gender and age, respectively, were increased risk of nausea in women, as well as increased risk of poor physical function and reduced risk of sleeplessness and pain with increasing age. Patients with brain/central nervous system cancer had the lowest risk of symptoms but the highest risk of poor physical function.ConclusionAt the start of specialised palliative care, patients with cancer experience severe levels of symptoms, poor physical function and poor quality of life. Age, gender and diagnosis were significantly associated with most symptoms/problems, but the strength and direction of the associations differed across symptoms/problems.

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