A Cross-Sectional Survey of Pain Catastrophising and Acupuncture Use among Breast Cancer Survivors

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Lee ◽  
Sheila N Garland ◽  
Angela DeMichele ◽  
John T Farrar ◽  
Eun-Ok Im ◽  
...  

Introduction Treatment-related joint pain affects almost half of all women with breast cancer using aromatase inhibitors and is a major reason for terminating treatment. Although acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular, evidence-based option for treating pain, little is known about the potential influence of psychological factors on acupuncture use. Objective We aimed to evaluate the association between pain catastrophising and use of acupuncture in breast cancer survivors experiencing arthralgia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of arthralgic breast cancer patients. Patients were asked if they had used acupuncture since their cancer diagnosis. The Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS) was used to measure negative coping styles related to the experience of pain. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between pain catastrophising and acupuncture use, adjusting for covariates. Results Of the 424 participants, 69 (16%) reported use of acupuncture since their breast cancer diagnosis. In multivariate analyses, compared to those in the lowest PCS score tertile, patients with the highest PCS scores were more likely to have used acupuncture (p=0.03). In particular, patients with high levels of rumination (p=0.005) and magnification (p=0.008) were more likely to have used acupuncture. Helplessness was not associated with acupuncture use (p=0.23). Conclusions High levels of pain catastrophising, and specifically the processes of rumination and magnification, were associated with greater acupuncture use. We believe this could have important implications for understanding which population is more likely to seek acupuncture treatment and how this alternative therapy could be better targeted to these patients.

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 5833-5838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Zayas ◽  
Kathryn J. Ruddy ◽  
Janet E. Olson ◽  
Fergus J. Couch ◽  
Brent A. Bauer ◽  
...  

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reynard R. Bouknight ◽  
Cathy J. Bradley ◽  
Zhehui Luo

PurposeTo identify correlates of return to work for employed breast cancer survivors.Patients and MethodsPatients included 416 employed women with newly diagnosed breast cancer identified from the Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System. Patients were interviewed by telephone 12 and 18 months after diagnosis. Correlates of return to work at 12 and 18 months were identified using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsMore than 80% of patients returned to work during the study period, and 87% reported that their employer was accommodating to their cancer illness and treatment. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, health status, cancer stage, treatment, and job type, heavy lifting on the job (odds ratio = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.99), perceived employer accommodation for cancer illness and treatment (odds ratio = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.03 to 4.8), and perceived employer discrimination because of a cancer diagnosis (odds ratio = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.71) were independently associated with return to work at 12 months after breast cancer diagnosis, and perceived employer accommodation (odds ratio = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.06 to 5.1) was independently associated with return to work at 18 months after breast cancer diagnosis.ConclusionA high percentage of employed breast cancer patients returned to work after treatment, and workplace accommodations played an important role in their return. In addition, perceived employer discrimination because of cancer was negatively associated with return to work for breast cancer survivors. Employers seem to have a pivotal role in breast cancer patients' successful return to work.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiyomi Mitsui ◽  
Motoki Endo ◽  
Yuya Imai ◽  
Yuito Ueda ◽  
Hiroko Ogawa ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The number of breast cancer patients of working age is increasing in Japan . Consequently, there is a need for support for working individuals concomitantly undergoing breast cancer treatment. The present study aimed to clarify the risk factors for resignation and taking sick leave among breast cancer survivors in continued employment at the time of diagnosis. Methods As part of a Japanese national research project (Endo-Han), the investigators conducted a web-based survey of cancer survivors (CSs) in 2018. The investigators analyzed the risk factors for post-breast cancer diagnosis resignation and sick leave using a logistic regression model, including age at diagnosis, educational level, cancer stage, surgery, pharmacotherapy, radiotherapy, employment status, and occupational type. Results 40 of 269 breast cancer survivors (14.9%) quit their job after cancer diagnosis. Predictors of resignation included lower education level (odds ratio [OR]: 3.802; 95%CI: 1.233-11.729), taking sick leave (OR: 2.514; 95%CI: 1.202-5.261), and younger age at diagnosis (OR: 0.470; 95%CI: 0.221-0.998). Of 229 patients who continued working, sick leave was taken by 72 (31.4%); having surgery was a predictor for taking sick leave (OR: 8.311; 95%CI: 1.007-68.621). Conclusions 14.9% of Japanese employees quit their jobs after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Being younger at breast cancer diagnosis, having lower educational attainment level, and utilizing sick leave were identified as predictors of post-cancer diagnosis resignation. Surgery was associated with the highest risk of taking sick leave. Breast cancer survivors exhibit higher risks for resignation, and may require more carefully follow-up after diagnosis by healthcare providers and employers to protect work sustainability.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e032871
Author(s):  
Yoichi Shimizu ◽  
Katsunori Tsuji ◽  
Eisuke Ochi ◽  
Hirokazu Arai ◽  
Ryo Okubo ◽  
...  

IntroductionA major concern is that few cancer survivors meet the guidelines for recommended levels of physical activity. No studies have investigated physical activity among breast cancer survivors nationwide in Japan. Therefore, the aims of this study are to identify the levels of physical activity among breast cancer survivors, to examine factors-related physical activity among breast cancer survivors and to identify breast cancer survivors’ preferences for and interest in exercise programmes in order to inform the future programme development.Methods and analysisWe will administer a cross-sectional survey using a self-report questionnaire to breast cancer survivors. At each of 50 facilities selected to include a variety of institutional backgrounds according to the population distribution of different regions throughout Japan, we will consecutively distribute the questionnaire to 30 outpatients who have completed initial treatments, except for hormone therapy. The target sample size is 1500 survivors. We will calculate descriptive statistics for each measurement item and perform univariate and multivariate analyses using outcome measures (eg, physical activity and quality of life) related to physical, psychological, social and environmental factors.DiscussionThis is the first nationwide survey of physical activity levels among breast cancer survivors in Japan. Identifying the factors associated with physical activity will help us to develop, disseminate and implement programmes that encourage more survivors to adhere to physical activity guidelines.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the National Cancer Center on 11 January 2019 (ID: 2018–295). In addition, many of the participating facilities required ethical approval from their local IRBs, while others did not. Accordingly, approval from the local IRBs of individual facilities was obtained when required. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiyomi Mitsui ◽  
Motoki Endo ◽  
Yuya Imai ◽  
Yuito Ueda ◽  
Hiroko Ogawa ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The number of breast cancer patients of working age is increasing in Japan . Consequently, there is a need for support for working individuals concomitantly undergoing breast cancer treatment. The present study aimed to clarify the risk factors for resignation and taking sick leave among breast cancer survivors in continued employment at the time of diagnosis. Methods As part of a Japanese national research project (Endo-Han), the investigators conducted a web-based survey of cancer survivors (CSs) in 2018. The investigators analyzed the risk factors for post-breast cancer diagnosis resignation and sick leave using a logistic regression model, including age at diagnosis, educational level, cancer stage, surgery, pharmacotherapy, radiotherapy, employment status, and occupational type. Results 40 of 269 breast cancer survivors (14.9%) quit their job after cancer diagnosis. Predictors of resignation included lower education level (odds ratio [OR]: 3.802; 95%CI: 1.233-11.729), taking sick leave (OR: 2.514; 95%CI: 1.202-5.261), and younger age at diagnosis (OR: 0.470; 95%CI: 0.221-0.998). Of 229 patients who continued working, sick leave was taken by 72 (31.4%); having surgery was a predictor for taking sick leave (OR: 8.311; 95%CI: 1.007-68.621). Conclusions 14.9% of Japanese employees quit their jobs after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Being younger at breast cancer diagnosis, having lower educational attainment level, and utilizing sick leave were identified as predictors of post-cancer diagnosis resignation. Surgery was associated with the highest risk of taking sick leave. Breast cancer survivors exhibit higher risks for resignation, and may require more carefully follow-up after diagnosis by healthcare providers and employers to protect work sustainability.


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (27_suppl) ◽  
pp. 147-147
Author(s):  
D. L. Stan ◽  
S. Pruthi ◽  
S. Jenkins ◽  
K. Lackore ◽  
C. A. Thompson

147 Background: The Institute of Medicine recommends development of cancer survivorship care models that are patient centered. We designed a cross-sectional survey to determine the medical and psychosocial needs and preferences of breast cancer survivors. Methods: We identified a random sample, stratified by age and chemotherapy usage, of 600 women from MN, WI, and IA, ages 18-99, within 1-5 years of diagnosis of stage 0-3 breast cancer and seen at our institution. Results: We received 329 surveys (response rate 55%). Respondents were a mean age of 58 years (range 26-89) and a mean of 3.3 years from cancer diagnosis (range 1.2-5.4). 96% were white and stage distribution was: 15% stage 0, 35% stage 1, 32% stage 2, 15% stage 3, and 3% missing. Treatment included mastectomy (60%), lumpectomy (40%), radiation (61%), chemotherapy (55%) and hormonal therapy (50%). Most common treatment-related sequelae were neuropathy (38%), chest wall or arm pain (27%), and lymphedema (26%). Over half (52%) report worry and 45% report fatigue as a problem in the past week. 74% stated that their medical needs were met, whereas 49% said their psychological and spiritual needs were met (p<0.01). 68% understood the follow-up plan after treatment was complete. Perceived barriers to follow up care were anxiety (30%) and lack of coordination (10%). When queried about post-treatment care, the following aspects were considered important (% of patients ranking ≥7 on scale 0-10: 0=not important, 10=very important): breast/chest wall exam (88%); screening for osteoporosis (71%), colorectal cancer (69%), and heart disease (65%); educational materials (64%); mammography (63%); physical therapy (61%); diet and exercise counseling (60%); and complementary/alternative medicine information (53%). Less important were psychology (44%), gynecology (43%), chaplain services (35%), support groups (32%), social work (20%), and infertility experts (4%). 60% expressed interest in attending a survivorship clinic. Conclusions: This survey provides unique data on breast cancer survivors, and efforts should be made to optimize medical and psychosocial care in line with their needs and preferences. These results will be imperative in designing a wellness and survivorship clinic.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianying Wu ◽  
John Pierce ◽  
Phoebe Seaver

Abstract Objectives To determine the associations between dietary acid load and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among breast cancer survivors. We hypothesized that high dietary acid load is positively associated with CRP and HbA1c. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data collected from 3088 breast cancer survivors enrolled in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study who had provided detailed four randomly selected self-reported 24-hr dietary recalls over a three-week period followed by a blood sample that was used to validate the dietary self reports and measure of plasma CRP and HbA1c from washed red blood cells. Two commonly used dietary acid load scores were created, namely the potential renal acid load (PRAL) score and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) score. The PRAL score takes into account the intestinal absorption rates for contributing nutrient ionic balances for protein, potassium, calcium and magnesium and the dissociation of phosphate at pH 7.4. The NEAP score uses total protein and potassium intake as the main components involved in acid production. Results PRAL and NEAP were both positively associated with plasma CRP and HbA1c. In multivariable adjusted models, compared to women in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of PRAL and NEAP had 32% and 31% increases in CRP, respectively and 9% and 6% increases in HbA1c, respectively after adjustment for total calorie intakes, age, body mass index, breast cancer stage, hormone receptor status, and type of chemotherapy. Conclusions This is the first demonstration that dietary acid load is associated with CRP and HbA1c in breast cancer patients. Our study identifies a novel dietary factor that may lead to inflammation and hyperglycemia, both of which are strong risk factors for breast cancer recurrence and other comorbidities. Funding Sources SDSU start-up funds.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1301
Author(s):  
Saskia W. M. C. Maass ◽  
Daan Brandenbarg ◽  
Liselotte M. Boerman ◽  
Peter F. M. Verhaak ◽  
Geertruida H. de Bock ◽  
...  

Background: Fatigue is the most common and persistent symptom among women in the first five years after a breast cancer diagnosis. However, long-term prevalence of fatigue, among breast cancer survivors, needs further investigation. Aim: To compare fatigue experienced by long-term breast cancer survivors with that in a reference population and to evaluate the determinants of that fatigue. Design and Setting: A cross-sectional cohort study of 350 breast cancer survivors ≥5 years after diagnosis and a reference population of 350 women matched by age and general practitioner. Method: Fatigue was measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and a sum score of >60 (multidimensional fatigue) was the primary outcome. Logistic regression was applied to compare the prevalence of multidimensional fatigue between the survivor and reference populations, adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and for cardiovascular and psychological variables. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were estimated. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the determinants of multidimensional fatigue among the survivors. Results: Breast cancer survivors (median 10 years after diagnosis), more often experienced multidimensional fatigue than the reference population (26.6% versus 15.4%; OR, 2.0 [95%CI, 1.4–2.9]), even after adjusting for confounders. The odds of multidimensional fatigue were also higher among survivors with symptoms of depression (32.2% versus 2.7%; OR, 17.0 [95%CI, 7.1–40.5]) or anxiety (41.9% versus 10.1%; OR, 6.4 [95%CI, 3.6–11.4]). Conclusion: One in four breast cancer survivors experience multidimensional fatigue and fatigue occurs more frequently than in women of the same age and general practitioner. This fatigue appears to be associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Won Lee ◽  
Jihyoun Lee ◽  
Min Hyuk Lee ◽  
Se Kyung Lee ◽  
Wan Sung Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract Backgroud: As the survival rates of cancer patients have been increasing due to early diagnosis and technological advances in treatment, their caregiver burden has also emerged as an important issue. In view of this situation, this study aims to investigate the unmet needs and quality of life of caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors.Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional interview survey was performed among 160 caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors. Caregivers who gave written informed consent to participate completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers and EuroQol-5 Dimensions. Data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis.Results: The mean age of the caregivers was 46.4 years, 44.4% (71/160) were spouses of patients, and 52.5% (84/160) were personally taking care of cancer survivors. Unmet needs were highest in the ‘healthcare staff’ domain (mean ± SD: 1.69 ±1.11), and the item with the highest level of unmet needs was ‘needed information about the current status of the patient’s illness and its future courses’ (1.98 ± 1.04). Unmet needs were correlated with age, educational level, marital status, employment, religion and psychosocial status. Poorer quality of life was closely related to higher levels of unmet needs. In multiple regression analysis, age, employment, religion, and levels of stress and despair were closely associated with unmet needs.


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