scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life, physical and psychosocial wellbeing in breast cancer patients and survivors – a prospective, multicenter cohort study

Author(s):  
Claudia A Bargon CA ◽  
Marilot CT Batenburg ◽  
Lilianne E van Stam ◽  
Dieuwke R Mink van der Molen ◽  
Iris E van Dam ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTPurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting social distancing and lockdown measures are having a substantial impact on daily life and medical management of people with breast cancer. We evaluated to what extent these changes have affected quality of life and physical, and psychosocial wellbeing of people (being) treated for breast cancer.MethodsThis study was conducted within the prospective Utrecht cohort for Multiple BREast cancer intervention studies and Long-term evaluation (UMBRELLA). Shortly after the implementation of COVID-19 measures, extra questionnaires were sent to 1595 cohort participants, including standard UMBRELLA quality of life (EORTC) questionnaires. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared to the most recent PROs collected within UMBRELLA before COVID-19. The impact of COVID-19 on PROs was evaluated using mixed models analysis.ResultsIn total, 1051 patients (66%) completed the questionnaires. One third (n = 327, 31%) reported a higher threshold to contact their general practitioner due to COVID-19. A significant deterioration in emotional functioning was observed (82·6 to 77·9, p < 0.001) and 505 (48%, 95% CI 45-51) patients reported moderate to severe loneliness. Small significant improvements were observed in QoL, physical-, social- and role functioning scores. In the subgroup of 51 patients under active treatment, there was a strong deterioration in social functioning (69·8 to 5·0, p = 0·03).ConclusionDue to COVID-19, patients (being) treated for breast cancer are less likely to contact physicians, and experience a deterioration in emotional functioning. Patients undergoing active treatment report a strong drop in social functioning. One in two patients reports (severe) loneliness. Online applications facilitating peer contact and e-mental health interventions could support mental health and social interaction times of total lockdown or social distancing.

2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 17-17
Author(s):  
D.A. Maksimov ◽  
A.V. Aseev ◽  
E.A. Evstifeeva ◽  
S.I. Filippchenkova ◽  
L.A. Murashova ◽  
...  

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading pathology in the mortality structure of the female population in the world, reduces the quality of life (QOL), affecting all aspects of life. Objective: To study the features of the QOL associated with health, the level of reflexivity and existence women with BC. Materials and Methods: On the basis of TSMU a study of patients with BC who are being treated in the Tver Regional Clinical Oncology Center. The sample included 138 patients aged 30 to 80 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of BC of stages IA – IIIC, who underwent complex treatment. The volume of surgical treatment was not considered. We used the methods of SF-36, existential scaling A. Lange and K. Orgler, reflexivity questionnaires A. Karpov. The reliability of the results is provided by SPSS Statistics 22. Results and Discussion: The QOL associated with health patients with BC is formed by indicators of physical functioning (63.3 ± 23.0), role functioning (26.9 ± 36.9) and pain intensity (20, 4 ± 22.2), general health (60.9 ± 14.0), vitality (60 ± 13.1), social functioning (50.5 ± 26.5), emotional functioning (43.4 ± 39, 9) and self-esteem of mental health (56.5 ± 14.4). A study of the level of reflexivity showed that 25% have low rates and average - 75%. Patients with a high level were not identified. The study of existence showed that self-distance (33.5 ± 7.9) has a high degree of severity in 38%, low - in 17%. Self-transcendence (65.1 ± 13.1) in a high degree of severity in 53%, low - in 6%. Freedom (39.1 ± 6.9) has a high level in 8%, low - in 15%. Responsibility (53.6 ± 14.7) in a high level was recorded in 26%, low - in 7%. Conclusions: Patients with BC rate their own overall health, vitality, social functioning, and psychological health quite low. Such QOL indicators as physical, role and emotional functioning have an average level of ratings. Respondents highly rate their own experience of pain. Patients suffer physical and mental health components, which significantly increases the risk of complications in the postoperative period.


Sarcoma ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley Storey ◽  
Lorna A. Fern ◽  
Ana Martins ◽  
Mary Wells ◽  
Lindsey Bennister ◽  
...  

Background. Previous reviews of outcomes in specific sarcoma populations suggest patients have poor quality of life. In most of these reviews, there is a predominant focus on physical function rather than psychosocial outcome. The aim of this review was to describe the psychosocial impact of diagnosis and treatment on patients with all types of sarcoma. Methods. Searches were conducted through six electronic databases for publications of any study design using a validated patient-reported outcome measure reporting the psychosocial impact in this population. Results. Eighty-two studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most (65%) were assessed of being of reasonable quality. The most common aspect of psychosocial wellbeing measured was quality of life (80%). Due to the heterogeneity of methods, outcomes, and populations, it was not possible to make definitive conclusions. It seems there is an improvement in the physical aspects of quality of life over time but not in psychosocial function or mental health. There was no change in mental health scores, but patients reported an improvement in adjusting to normal life. There are no differences according to the type of surgery patients receive, and psychosocial outcomes tend to be poorer than the general population. There is no consistency in identifying the factors that predict/influence psychosocial wellbeing. Conclusion. The published literature does not provide a clear understanding of the impact of sarcoma diagnosis and treatment on psychosocial wellbeing. Instead, the review demonstrates a need for well-designed studies in this area and a more consistent approach to the measurement of patient-reported outcomes, which include psychosocial domains. Recommendations for future research have been proposed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Natalja Fatkulina ◽  
Vaiva Hendrixson ◽  
Alona Rauckiene-Michealsson ◽  
Justina Kievisiene ◽  
Arturas Razbadauskas ◽  
...  

Aim. In this paper, we systematically review the evidence looking at the effect of dance/movement therapy (DMT) and mental health outcomes and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Method. The literature search was done with the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), EBSCO, and Cochrane Central by using the following search words: “dancing/dance/movement therapy,” “breast cancer/neoplasms/carcinoma/tumour” or “mammary cancer,” “mental health,” and “quality of life.” Ninety-four articles were found. Only empirical interventional studies (N = 6) were selected for the review: randomised controlled trials (RCT) (n = 5) and non-RCT (n = 1). PRISMA guidelines were used. Results. Data from 6 studies including 385 participants who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, were of an average age of 55.7 years, and had participated in DMT programmes for 3–24 weeks were analysed. In each study, the main outcomes that were measured were quality of life, physical activity, stress, and emotional and social well-being. Different questionnaires were used for the evaluation of outcomes. The mental health of the participants who received DMT intervention improved: they reported a better quality of life and decreased stress, symptoms, and fatigue. Conclusion. We found only six studies for review, and some had a small number of participants. However, our findings indicate that DMT could be successfully used as a complimentary therapy in addition to standard cancer treatment for improving the quality of life and mental health of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. More research is needed to evaluate the complexity of the impact of complimentary therapies. It is possible that DMT could be more effective if used with other therapies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3.5) ◽  
pp. QIM19-141
Author(s):  
Bianshly Rivera Rivero ◽  
Sonya Pflanzer ◽  
Diane Riccardi ◽  
Smitha R. Pabbathi

Background: There are 4 components of survivorship care: prevention, surveillance, interventions, and coordination between oncology and primary care/specialists. As part of the initial visit in Moffitt’s survivorship program, we provide a comprehensive and personalized care plan to our patients with a focus on wellness. We understand the transition from active treatment into the extended phase of survivorship can be fraught with many unexpected physical, emotional, psychological, and social challenges, yet this could also be a critical period where survivors are uniquely positioned to adopt healthy and resilient behaviors. We want to help patients be empowered through knowledge from interactive and multidisciplinary classes and we aim at improving their quality of life. Methods: We created an 8-week curriculum customized and designed for breast cancer survivors by experts in nutrition, social work, physical therapy, yoga, arts in medicine, and survivorship medicine with utilization technique–driven live food demonstrations. The core message of the series is further echoed and instilled by use of weekly journaling and guidance on how to practice the techniques following each class. Results: We completed one 8-week course. 15 patients were enrolled in the program; of these 9–12 participants consistently presented to the sessions. Sessions consisted in education regarding nutrition, emotional health, exercise, mindfulness, and medical management after completing cancer treatment. To further determine the impact of sessions, we are measuring change in health-related quality of life through the RAND-36 questionnaire with a precourse survey and a postcourse survey. As we continue our sessions and our patient population increases, we expect to have substantial data to report on the impact of this curriculum. Conclusions: It is estimated that there are more than 3.1 million women in the United States with history of breast cancer. Development of a multidisciplinary program focused in comprehensive care for breast cancer survivors may improve quality of life. These techniques can positively impact the transition from active treatment and position survivors to be better managers of their wellness.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327481986278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanh Huong Tran ◽  
Ngoc Linh Trinh ◽  
Yen Hoang ◽  
Thuy Linh Nguyen ◽  
Thu Thao Vu

The aim of the study was to investigate health-related quality of life among Vietnamese breast cancer women who were treated at National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2018. Information about physical functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, and Mental Health of 200 patients with breast cancer was collected through face-to-face interview, using short form-36 questionnaire. We found that the older patients (older than 50 years) had higher score of Mental Health than patients at age 50 and lower ( P < .05). The patients who had better economic status had significantly higher score of Vitality ( P < .05). Patients who were married and living with their partners/husband had better quality of life in General Health ( P<0.05). The patients who had less than 6 months of treatment had better physical functioning score ( P < .05) than the patients who had treatment longer than 6 months. Patients with caring supports from family members had higher scores of Bodily Pain, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, and Mental Health. Patients who have stressed feelings had significantly lower scores of all domains, except for Physical Functioning. The participants who usually stay up late reported lower scores of all components except for Physical Functioning and Role Physical. In conclusion, it is needed to develop psychosocial services, enhance early screening, and diagnose for the women in Vietnam.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia A Bargon ◽  
Marilot C T Batenburg ◽  
Lilianne E van Stam ◽  
Dieuwke R Mink van der Molen ◽  
Iris E van Dam ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic (officially declared on the 11th of March, 2020), and the resulting measures, are impacting daily life and medical management of breast cancer patients and survivors. We evaluated to what extent these changes have affected quality of life, physical and psychosocial wellbeing of patients (being) treated for breast cancer. Methods This study was conducted within a prospective, multicentre cohort of breast cancer patients and survivors (UMBRELLA). Shortly after the implementation of COVID-19 measures, an extra survey was sent to 1,595 participants, including validated EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23 and HADS questionnaires. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared to the most recent PROs collected within UMBRELLA pre-COVID-19. The impact of COVID-19 on PROs was assessed using mixed model analysis, adjusting for potential confounders. Results 1,051 patients and survivors (65.9%) completed the survey; 31.1% (n = 327) reported a higher threshold to contact their general practitioner amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A statistically significant deterioration in emotional functioning was observed (82.6 [SD = 18.7] to 77.9 [SD = 17.3], p &lt; .001), and 505 (48.0%, 95%CI = 45.0 to 51.1%) reported moderate to severe loneliness. Small improvements were observed in QoL, physical-, social- and role functioning. In the subgroup of 51 patients under active treatment, social functioning strongly deteriorated (77.3 [95%CI = 69.4 to 85.2] to 61.3 [95%CI = 52.6 to 70.1], p = .002). Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, breast cancer patients and survivors were less likely to contact physicians and experienced a deterioration in their emotional functioning. Patients undergoing active treatment reported a substantial drop in social functioning. One in two reported loneliness that was moderate or severe. Online interventions supporting mental health and social interaction are needed during times of social distancing and lockdowns.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-Chen Chang ◽  
Gen-Min Lin ◽  
Tzu-Lin Yeh ◽  
Yuh‑Ming Chang ◽  
Chun-Yin Yeh ◽  
...  

Abstract PurposeThere have been few studies using mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to improve sexual function in Asian women with breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mindfulness intervention on female sexual function, mental health and quality of life in patients with breast cancer.MethodsFifty-one women with breast cancer were allocated into 6-week MBSR (n=26) session or usual care (n=25), without differences in group characteristics. The research tools included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), and the EuroQol instrument (EQ-5D). The Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS) was used to verify the foregoing scale. The effects of MBSR were evaluated by the differences between the post- and pre-intervention score in each scale. Statistical analyses consisted of descriptive dataset and Mann-Whitney ranked-pairs test.ResultsAlthough MBSR did not significantly improve sexual desire and depression in patients with breast cancer, MBSR could improve parts of female sexual function [i.e. Δarousal: 5.73 vs. -5.96, Δlubrication: 3.35 vs. -3.48, and Δsatisfaction: 8.48 vs. 1.76; all p <.005] assessed by the FSFI, and mental health [Δanxiety: -10.92 vs.11.36 and Δstress: -10.96 vs.11.40; both p <.001] assessed by the DASS-21.ConclusionOur study revealed that MBSR can improve female sexual function and mental health except sexual desire and depression in women with breast cancer. Medical staffs can incorporate MBSR into clinical health education for patients with breast cancer to promote their overall quality of life.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 238-244
Author(s):  
Cristina Zarbo ◽  
Agostino Brugnera ◽  
Rita Secomandi ◽  
Ilario Candeloro ◽  
Chiara Malandrino ◽  
...  

Objective: Infertility has a severe impact on quality of life and mental health. This condition could be exacerbated by the existence of comorbid medical disease, like endometriosis. The aim of this critical narrative review is the examination of the state of the art about the quality of life and mental health in infertile women with endometriosis. Methods: We performed a rigorous and systematic search for studies on multiple electronic databases. A total of 6 papers were included in the review and were subjected to interpretative and critical narrative synthesis. Results and Discussion: Major findings are resumed in the following points: (a) infertile women with endometriosis when compared to infertile ones without endometriosis show higher depression, stress perception, and anxiety, and lower general quality of life; (b) quality of life specifically related to infertility is similar among women with and without endometriosis and seems to be related to personality and beliefs factors; (c) giving birth to a child is related to better mental quality of life; (d) during assisted reproductive treatment (ART) stimulation, infertile women with endometriosis have a decrease of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia; (e) satisfaction of ART is related to the number of attempts, treatment accomplishment and pregnancy test outcomes. Clinical implications of these findings and suggestions for future researches were discussed. Conclusion: Concluding, it is crucial to assess the psychological factors related to endometriosis and infertility to reduce the impact of these diseases on quality of life and mental health, provide adequate support to these patients, improve their satisfaction and increase the change to get pregnant.


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