Cancer survivors 75 years and older: physical, emotional and practical needs

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002855
Author(s):  
Margaret I Fitch ◽  
Irene Nicoll ◽  
Gina Lockwood ◽  
Fay J Strohschein ◽  
Lorelei Newton
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Cancer Registries ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Practical Concern ◽  
Random Samples ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Physical Changes ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesTo describe physical, emotional and practical concerns and access to help of Canadian cancer survivors aged 75+ years following treatment.MethodsA survey was designed to identify concerns and access to help across three supportive care domains for cancer survivors 1–3 years post-treatment. Random samples were drawn from 10 provincial cancer registries. Survey packages were mailed to 40 790 survivors with option to reply by mail or online in French or English. Descriptive analysis was conducted.ResultsIn total, 3274 (25%) survivors aged 75+ years responded to the survey. Fifty-five per cent were men, 72% had not experienced metastatic spread and 75% reported comorbid conditions. Eighty-one per cent reported experiencing at least one physical concern, 63% experienced at least one emotional concern and 30% experienced at least one practical concern. The most commonly reported concerns were for two physical changes (fatigue 62% and bladder/urinary problems 39%) and one emotional change (anxiety/fear of recurrence 53%). More than 50% did not receive assistance for 15 concerns across the three domains. The most frequently cited reason for not seeking help for a concern was that they were told it was normal and they did not think anything could be done. Unmet needs existed for all physical, emotional and practical changes ranging from 41% to 88% of respondents.ConclusionsMany older adults are at risk for experiencing physical, emotional and practical concerns following cancer treatment yet are not obtaining help. Action is needed for early identification of these individuals to mitigate the impact of unmet needs for older cancer survivors.

scholarly journals Cycling Through Cancer: Exploring Childhood Cancer Survivors’ Experiences of Well- and Ill-Being

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaunna M. Burke ◽  
Jennifer Brunet ◽  
Amanda Wurz ◽  
Christina Butler ◽  
Andrea Utley
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Childhood Cancer Survivors ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Domains ◽  
Physical Changes ◽  
Cross Case Analysis ◽  
The Impact

The benefits of informal physical activity during recovery from childhood cancer have rarely been investigated. This study adopted a multiple case study approach to explore the impact of recreational cycling on childhood cancer survivors’ experiences of well- and ill-being. Three semistructured interviews were conducted over a 3-month period with four survivors to explore their experiences of physical, psychological, and social well- and ill-being. Within-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis identified three themes that captured their well- and ill-being experiences with recreational cycling and cancer: (a) cultivating feelings and emotions, (b) experiencing physical changes, and (c) encountering positive and negative social interactions. The results from this study show that recreational cycling may be a useful adjunct to conventional treatments for the self-management of multiple domains of well- and ill-being during recovery from childhood cancer.

Colorectal cancer survivors’ quality of life: a qualitative study of unmet need

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002190
Author(s):  
Amanda Drury ◽  
Sheila Payne ◽  
Anne-Marie Brady
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Supportive Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveCancer survivors’ perceptions of healthcare have been identified as a predictor of quality of life (QoL) outcomes. This study aims to explore colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors’ perceptions of how cancer-related healthcare affects their QoL.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 22 CRC survivors receiving follow-up care between 1 and 5 years post diagnosis. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsFive themes described the impact of healthcare experiences on CRC survivors’ QoL. While cancer survivors spoke positively of their relationships with healthcare professionals, many experienced a range of unmet information and supportive care needs. Participants described a range of positive and negative experiences, as power dynamics and navigation of healthcare systems had implications for their QoL. Where negative healthcare events aligned, survivors’ autonomy, dignity and confidence were undermined, and survivorship issues could be inadequately addressed. To address persistent unmet needs, survivors developed a safety net(work) of supports to bridge the gap of unmet needs in healthcare with varying outcomes.ConclusionsCancer survivors’ experience of follow-up and healthcare can positively or negatively affect their QoL. Preparation for cancer survivorship must be incorporated into the acute phase of diagnosis and treatment and interlinked with clear pathways of survivorship care and accessible supportive care, which support survivors to be equal partners in their healthcare. Understanding cancer survivors’ knowledge, expertise and mastery of their condition is essential to ensure delivery of person-centred supportive care that adequately addresses the survivor’s unmet needs.

scholarly journals Bridging the implementation and information gap on cancer prevention and survivorship in Europe: results from the iPAAC Joint Action

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R De Angelis ◽  
S Lipponen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Joint Action ◽  
Cancer Registries ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
Science And Policy ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background About 40% of cancers are preventable and of those cancers about 50% are due to tobacco. Cancer prevention and early detection can reduce remarkably cancer burden and inequalities with effective strategies from the European Code Against Cancer. A better use of registries data can help to bridge the existing information gaps on cancer survivors, a dramatically growing population challenging the sustainability of public health systems in Europe. Methods Policy implementation through collaborative efforts based on cancer registry data, comprehensive policies and innovations. Promotion of standards and methods to facilitate systematic delivery of comparable indicators on cancer survivors by country in Europe. Results In cancer prevention known effective measures require European-wide comprehensive action. Population-based cancer screening programmes need continuous quality assurance and follow-up. Prevalence of short- and long-term survivors derived from a joint European dataset (EUROCARE-6, 29 countries) show that differences in survivorship are wide, consistently with demography, incidence and survival patterns. Breast, colorectal and prostatic cancers are the most frequent among all cancer survivors. Conclusions Collaboration across fields of science and policy sectors is needed to boost cancer prevention. Cancer survivors are a growing heterogeneous population to be monitored in public health to support Health Technology Assessment and survivors' care planning. Key messages Priority actions are developed within iPAAC Joint Action to encourage effective policies and implementation. Joint analysis of standardised European datasets strengthens the impact of cancer registries information. Indicators on cancer prevalence should be systematically integrated in the European Cancer Information System (ECIS).

Long-term impact of chemotherapy on early stage ovarian cancer patients

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5024-5024 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. A. Matulonis ◽  
A. Kornblith ◽  
H. Lee ◽  
J. Bryan ◽  
C. Gibson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Socioeconomic Impact ◽  
Abdominal Symptoms ◽  
Early Stage Ovarian Cancer

5024 Background: Quality of life (QOL) assessments in early stage (stage I and II) ovarian cancer survivors (CS) are limited and have to date not focused on CS who have received adjuvant platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy (CT). Methods: 55 early stage ovarian patients (pts) were identified from patient logs from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital. 54 pts. received CT. QOL and long-term medical sequelae were measured in pts who were > 3 years from diagnosis and had no evidence of recurrent cancer. Pts were interviewed by phone, and the following surveys were administered: EORTC QLQ-C30 (EORTC) and QLQ-OV28 (OV-28), MHI-17, CALGB sexual functioning, GOG Neuropathy, FACT Fatigue, Beck’s Hopelessness, Fear of Recurrence (FOR), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), PCL-C post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Unmet Needs, FACT-Spirituality (FACT-Sp), complementary therapy use, and MOS Social Support (MOS). Results: 55 pts were interviewed (mean age 58 yrs, range 34 to 77 yrs). Mean time between diagnosis and interview was 5.6 yrs. CS reported significantly higher MHI-17 scores than the population norm, and higher MHI-17 scores were associated with better overall QOL (EORTC, r = 0.57, p < 0.0001), increased social support (MOS, r = 0.54, p < 0.0001), and better marital relationships (DAS, r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Sexual problems (1.57 out of 6) and unmet needs (1.5 out of 14) were minimal. FOR was correlated with lowered overall QOL (EORTC, r = −0.63, p < 0.0001), increased abdominal symptoms (OV-28 abdominal scale, r = 0.48, p < 0.0002), increased hopelessness (Beck’s, r = 0.46, p < 0.0005), and increased spirituality (FACT-Sp, r = −0.57, p < 0.0001). CS were using 5.4 complementary therapies for QOL purposes and 5.8 for cancer treatment. Minimal negative socioeconomic impact was observed in CS (0.16 out of 4). However, 12.5% of pts had scores indicative of a diagnosis of PTSD. Conclusions: Long-term QOL follow-up of early stage ovarian cancer survivors demonstrated minimal long-term symptoms, excellent mental health, minimal unmet needs, and minimal socioeconomic impact. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Exploring the reasons cancer survivors do not seek help for their concerns: a descriptive content analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002313
Author(s):  
Margaret I Fitch ◽  
Irene Nicoll ◽  
Gina Lockwood
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Practical Concern ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Emotional Concern ◽  
Canadian Provinces ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeTo understand reasons why adult cancer survivors do not seek assistance as they transition from the end of cancer treatment to follow-up care. Understanding these reasons should inform survivorship care, help reduce the burden of suffering and increase quality of life for survivors.MethodsA national survey was conducted in collaboration with ten Canadian provinces to identify unmet needs and experiences with follow-up for cancer survivors between one and 3 years post-treatment. The survey included open-ended questions to allow respondents to add topics of importance and details that offered a deeper insight into their experiences. This publication presents the analysis of the quantitative data and open-ended responses regarding reasons why the adult cancer population does not seek help with their concerns.ResultsIn total, 13 319 respondents answered the question about seeking help. 87% had a physical concern of which 76% did not seek help; 77% had an emotional concern of which 82% did not seek help; and 45% had a practical concern of which 71% did not seek help. Frequently identified reasons for not seeking help included being told it was normal and not thinking anything could be done, not wanting to ask, not thinking services were available, handling it on their own and not thinking it was serious enough to seek help.ConclusionsSurvivors have multiple reasons for not seeking help for their concerns. These findings can be useful to healthcare providers in proactively identifying and addressing the needs of these survivors.

scholarly journals The impact of social constraints on insomnia among African‐American breast cancer survivors: The mediating role of fear of recurrence

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 1296-1302
Author(s):  
Chloé M. Martin ◽  
Danyella Greene ◽  
Jules P. Harrell ◽  
Denée Thomas Mwendwa ◽  
Carla D. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals “The danger still hangs over my head” Fear of Recurrence among Israeli Breast Cancer Survivors

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inbar Levkovich
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Many breast cancer survivors report a fear of recurrence of the disease, which finds expression in anxieties that the original cancer will return or that another form of cancer will begin to develop. The present study evaluated perceptions of and feelings about the fear of recurrence from the point of view of breast cancer survivors, the impact of this fear on their lives, and their means of coping. Method: Qualitative research was conducted using the phenomenological approach. The sample included 13 breast cancer survivors aged 34-67 who were within 1 year after completion of chemotherapy. Participants included survivors who had been diagnosed with localized breast cancer, Stages I-III, without metastases, and without previous cancer diagnoses. Participants provided their personal details, while details of the disease and treatments were collected from the patients’ files. Results: Two main themes emerged: (1) Along with the desire to gradually return to normal life, the study participants described an ongoing sense of existential threat, a lack of security and a sense of being out of control when any follow-up tests or pain linked to potential cancer caused fear and anxiety and (2) their fears also concerned their family members as they were afraid their loved ones might get sick and go through the suffering they had experienced. Conclusions: The fear of cancer recurrence is a multidimensional phenomenon. This emotional response can arise as a result of physical symptoms causing suspicions that the disease has returned or as a result of external factors, such as follow-up tests or other people’s illnesses.

A pilot study of the Pathways program to address fear of recurrence and reduce distress among breast cancer survivors.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 206-206
Author(s):  
Edward Kenji Hadeler ◽  
Emily Claire Wong ◽  
Matina Elise Mamounas ◽  
Carrie D'andrea ◽  
Greg Hicks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Race And Ethnicity ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Acceptance And Action Questionnaire ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

206 Background: Breast cancer patients endorse anxiety and fear of recurrence for years after diagnosis. The Pathways for Survivors is a one-day program intended to address this distress by teaching cognitive behavioral strategies that improve self-efficacy, communication, attitude, and coping. The workshop incorporates an evidence-based program developed by authors/researchers Greg Hicks and Rick Foster, which has been adapted for the breast cancer survivorship population. Methods: Patients who had completed their acute phase of care were invited to attend the workshop. Attendees were asked to complete a series of questionnaires either on paper or electronically at baseline, 1 week and 6 weeks following the program and were consented to have their data used for research. Questionnaires included evaluation of program content and moderator quality, as well as measures to assess the impact of the Pathways intervention including the PROMIS Anxiety and Depression Short Forms, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II). Results: Three sessions were held between 9/2015-9/2016. A total of 27 patients participated (6 in the first, 13 in the second, 8 in the third). Mean age of participants was 49 (range 28-65) years old. Race and ethnicity was: 63% White, 11% Asian, 4% Pacific Islander, 11% other, and 15% Hispanic/Latina (total > 100% due to a patient reporting more than one race/ethnicity). The table below summarizes the change in these scores over time. Evaluations showed that patients were extremely satisfied with the program and moderator, receiving average ratings of 9.6/10 and 10/10, respectively. Conclusions: The Pathways workshop was well received and appears to have at least a short-term impact on breast cancer survivors’ anxiety, depression, and psychological flexibility. [Table: see text]

Fear of Recurrence in Turkish Breast Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-153
Author(s):  
Figen Şengün İnan ◽  
Besti Üstün
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: Fear of recurrence (FOR) of cancer is a distressing symptom and can negatively affect breast cancer survivors’ quality of life and psychological well-being. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Turkish breast cancer survivors’ experiences related to FOR. Design: The data were collected through semistructured interviews, which were conducted with 12 breast cancer survivors. Results: The data were categorized into four themes: the quality of fear, triggers, effects on life, and coping. FOR survivors’ lives in multiple aspects, and the women found it difficult to manage their fear. Implications: Nurses should be aware of FOR in survivors during follow-up care. In addition, it is essential to consider the impact of FOR on life, and survivors should be referred to appropriate resources and support services.

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