Abstract SS2-07: Predictors for fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients referred for radiation therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-center cross-section survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinrong Xie ◽  
Weixiang Qi ◽  
Lu Cao ◽  
Yuting Tan ◽  
Jin Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

scholarly journals Predictors for Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Breast Cancer Patients Referred to Radiation Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Center Cross-Section Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinrong Xie ◽  
Weixiang Qi ◽  
Lu Cao ◽  
Yuting Tan ◽  
Jin Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Shanxi Province ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
River Region ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

ObjectiveThe outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted on radiotherapy (RT) strategy for breast cancer patients, which might lead to increased distressing psychological symptoms. We performed a multi-center cross-section survey to investigate prevalence of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and predictors for FCR in patients referred to RT during pandemic.Methods542 patients were consecutively enrolled from three regions in China including Yangtze Delta River Region, Guangdong and Shanxi province. Patients’ characteristics were collected using an information sheet, Fear of progression questionnaire-short form, Hospital Anxiety/Depression Scale and EORTC QLQ-C30. The hierarchical multiple regression models were performed.Results488 patients with complete data were eligible. The RT strategy was affected in 265 (54.3%) patients, including 143 with delayed RT initiation, 66 believing to have delayed RT initiation but actually not, 24 with RT interruptions, 19 shifting to local hospitals for RT and the remaining 13 influenced on both RT schedule and hospital level. The model explained 59.7% of observed variances in FCR (p<0.001) and showed that influence of RT strategy had significantly impacted on FCR (△R2 = 0.01, △F=2.966, p=0.019). Hospitals in Shanxi province (β=-0.117, p=0.001), emotional function (β=-0.19, p<0.001), social function (β=-0.111, p=0.006), anxiety (β=0.434, p<0.001) and RT interruption (β=0.071, p=0.035) were independent predictors.ConclusionsRT strategy for breast cancer patients was greatly influenced during pandemic. RT interruption is an independent predictor for high FCR. Our findings emphasize the necessity to ensure continuum of RT, and efforts should be taken to alleviate FCR through psychological interventions.

Evaluation of psychological distress in breast cancer patients during the COVID- 19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 36-41
Author(s):  
Md Rassell ◽  
KM Shaiful Islam ◽  
Hasan Shahrear Ahmed ◽  
Mohammad Jayedul Islam ◽  
Krisna Rani Majumdar
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Fear Of Cancer ◽  
The Impact

Cancer patients are the vulnerable group of population and have more chances of contracting Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They are at great risk of passing through very stressful events during this COVID-19 pandemic that may lead to different psychological problems. Different psychological symptoms of breast cancer patients are evaluated in this study during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Consecutive fifty women selected with a non-metastatic breast cancer, scheduled to receive cancer treatment in the upcoming days/weeks not. Received treatment in the past, completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D), the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI). and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and questionnaires. The study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from the 1st July 2020 to the 30th June 2021.. Patients were investigated about their worries regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their lives as carcinoma breast patients. Since the 1st July 2020 to the 30th June 2021, Consecutive 50 patients were prospectively evaluated. They were diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. The mean age was 42.3 (range 30–70). Most of the patients (90%, n. 45) are married, 8% (n.4) patients are single and 2% (n. 1) patients are widowed. Among the patients 24 (48%) patients have high school or less education level, 19 (38%) have college experience and 7 (14%) have university degrees. Ten patients (20%) lived alone, 8 (16%) with one or two family members, and 32 (64%) with three or more family members. Concerning their working life, 36 (72%) were not working (namely housewives, retired, unemployed, or students) and 14 (28%) was occupied. In consideration of economic status 52% (n. 26) patients have annual family income in BDT 250001- 350000. On the other hand 22% (n. 11) within BDT 350001- 450000, 14% (n. 7) within BDT 150000- 250000, 6% (n. 3) within BDT 450001-550000 and 6% (n. 3) within BDT >550000 respectively. We found that 62% of patients had anxiety (HADS-A), 66% depression (HADS-D), and 68% fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for mild post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 2% patients for moderate and 2% patients for severe PTSD. Results revealed that 50% (n.25) patients were suffering from subthreshold insomnia. On the other hand 46% (n.23) patients had no clinically significant Insomnia but 2% (n.1) patients had moderate and severe insomnia in each category. The Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) score was 14.7(SD±6.2) which was more than the cut-off value..Breast cancer patients pass through many stressful events that may develop significant psychological symptoms during this COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome of this study definitely contributes to understand the psychological distress of cancer patients and a to formulate a better plan for their management and psychological support. BSMMU J 2021; 14 (COVID -19 Supplement): 36-41

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic Stressors and Psychological Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 294-300
Author(s):  
Véronique Massicotte ◽  
Hans Ivers ◽  
Josée Savard
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

Background. The current Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a highly stressful event that may lead to significant psychological symptoms, particularly in cancer patients who are at a greater risk of contracting viruses. This study examined the frequency of stressors experienced in relation to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its relationship with psychological symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression, insomnia, fear of cancer recurrence) in breast cancer patients. Methods. Thirty-six women diagnosed with a non-metastatic breast cancer completed the Insomnia Severity Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the severity subscale of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, and the COVID-19 Stressors Questionnaire developed by our research team. Participants either completed the questionnaires during (30.6%) or after (69.4%) their chemotherapy treatment. Results. Results revealed that most of the participants (63.9%) have experienced at least one stressor related to the COVID-19 pandemic (one: 27.8%, two: 22.2%, three: 11.1%). The most frequently reported stressor was increased responsibilities at home (33.3%). Higher levels of concerns related to the experienced stressors were significantly correlated with higher levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, and fear of cancer recurrence, rs(32) = 0.36 to 0.59, all ps < 0.05. Conclusions. Cancer patients experience a significant number of stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which are associated with increased psychological symptoms. These results contribute to a better understanding of the psychological consequences of a global pandemic in the context of cancer and they highlight the need to better support patients during such a challenging time.

scholarly journals Fear of Cancer Recurrence Is Highly Prevalent and Linearly Associates With Anxiety and Depression in Chinese Breast Cancer Patients

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhensheng Li ◽  
Yue Li ◽  
Yunjiang Liu ◽  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Xiaohui Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Distress Screening ◽  
Reference Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

Abstract Objective: To characterize the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and its relationship with anxiety and depression and quality of life (QoL) among Chinese breast cancer (BC) patients in China. Methods: Patients completed the questionnaires of QLQ-C30, QLQ-BR32 and HAD to assess FCR, QoL, anxiety and depression before radiotherapy. A cross-sectional analysis was performed. Chi-square and non-parametric tests and multivariate ordinal logistic regressions (mOLR) were utilized for reference analysis. Final covariates included age, BMI, TNM, surgery, chemotherapy, pain, and sleep disturbance. Results: From July 2015 to December 2016, 463 patients were prospectively enrolled. Their age mean (range) were 47 (19 - 89) years old. In total, 327 patients (70.6%) reported having FCR ‘a little bit’ (51.2%), ‘some’ (12.1%) and ‘very much’ (7.3%) in the past week. FCR severity ordered above (incl. ‘no’) was associated with anxiety score (median 1.5, 5.0, 7.0, 8.5 and level (‘abnormal’ rate 0%, 3.4%, 12.5%, 26.5%), depression score (median 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 6.5) and level (‘abnormal’ rate 2.2%, 3.4%, 5.4%, 17.7%) (all p<0.001). mOLR showed that compared to ‘no’, three higher levels of FCR were associated with one level increase of anxiety with OR (p) as 1.983 (0.076), 4.291 (0.001), 8.282 (<0.001) and depression with OR (p) as 1.903 (0.062), 2.262 (0.065), 4.205 (0.004), respectively. FCR severity also was inversely associated with most QoL function scores (p<0.001). Conclusions: FCR was prevalent in Chinese BC patients and linearly associated with anxiety, depression and low QoL. It seems that a single-item question for FCR is a valid surrogate tool for distress screening in this population.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions

2021 ◽  
pp. 429-437
Author(s):  
Linda E. Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Mindfulness Skills ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) train participants in mindfulness skills thorough the practice of regular meditation and gentle yoga. This chapter describes the characteristics of MBIs and discusses their suitability for cancer patients and survivors, then summarizes the literature supporting their efficacy. Dozens of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) now show sustained benefits for cancer survivors across a range of outcomes including distress, anxiety, stress, depression, fatigue, cognitive function, fear of cancer recurrence, sleep, and pain. Online and app-based MBIs also show promise. The bulk of the research, however, comes from women with breast cancer; more studies with other types of cancer survivors, as well as people with advanced cancer, is warranted.

scholarly journals Using Co-design With Breast Cancer Patients and Radiographers to Develop “KEW” Communication Skills Training

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara van Beusekom ◽  
Josie Cameron ◽  
Carolyn Bedi ◽  
Elspeth Banks ◽  
Rachel Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Training Package ◽  
And Training

Previous work (FORECAST) has shown that concerns of breast cancer patients after finishing radiotherapy are responsive to conversations with radiographers during the treatment period. This study seeks to further understand radiographer and patient experiences, determine shared priorities for improvement in clinical interaction and develop communication guidelines and training to help radiographers support patients.Methods: Using the principles of Experience-Based Co-Design, semi-structured interviews were held with N = 4 patients (videoed) and N = 4 radiographers, followed by feedback events (N = 7) to validate findings. Patients and radiographers exchanged experiences in a joint co-design session, agreed with shared priorities and generated ideas for further support. A survey was conducted for process evaluation. To scale up findings, UK-wide representatives from patient networks (N = 8) and radiographers and managerial staff (N = 16) provided consultative input utilizing an iterative, adaptive procedure.Results: Radiographers expressed a need for support with “difficult conversations,” especially those on Fear of Cancer Recurrence, and their appropriate management. Important pointers for reassuring communication were identified, including: being treated like a person, knowing what to expect, and space to ask questions. The co-design process was rated positively by both staff and patients. Thematic collation of findings and mapping these on literature evidence resulted in the “KEW” communication guidelines for radiographers: Know (Confidence; Expectations; Person), Encourage (Emotions; Space; Follow-up), Warmth (Start; Normalize; Ending). National stakeholder consultations validated and helped fine-tune the training model. The resulting training package, included: trigger videos (n = 6), a simulated patient scenario and interactive handouts on fears of cancer recurrence and the patient pathway.Conclusions: The co-design process captured good practice to help standardize quality in empathic communication in the radiotherapy service. The resulting KEW: Know, Encourage, Warmth guidelines, and training package are user-centered as well as evidence-based. Supplementing single-site co-design with national consultative feedback allows for the development of interventions that are relevant to the clinical practice, even in detail, and helps to generate appropriate buy-in for roll out on a wider scale after evaluation.Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03468881

scholarly journals Changes in peripheral immune cells after intraoperative radiation therapy in low-risk breast cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-118
Author(s):  
Isabel Linares-Galiana ◽  
Miguel Angel Berenguer-Frances ◽  
Rut Cañas-Cortés ◽  
Monica Pujol-Canadell ◽  
Silvia Comas-Antón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Antitumor Immunity ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Intraoperative Radiation ◽  
Risk Breast Cancer

Abstract A detailed understanding of the interactions and the best dose-fractionation scheme of radiation to maximize antitumor immunity have not been fully established. In this study, the effect on the host immune system of a single dose of 20 Gy through intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) on the surgical bed in low-risk breast cancer patients undergoing conserving breast cancer has been assessed. Peripheral blood samples from 13 patients were collected preoperatively and at 48 h and 3 and 10 weeks after the administration of radiation. We performed a flow cytometry analysis for lymphocyte subpopulations, natural killer cells (NK), regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We observed that the subpopulation of NK CD56+high CD16+ increased significantly at 3 weeks after IORT (0.30–0.42%, P &lt; 0.001), while no changes were found in immunosuppressive profile, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Helios+ Treg cells, granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) and monocytic MDSCs (Mo-MDSCs). A single dose of IORT may be an effective approach to improve antitumor immunity based on the increase in NK cells and the non-stimulation of immunosuppressive cells involved in immune escape. These findings support future combinations of IORT with immunotherapy, if they are confirmed in a large cohort of breast cancer patients.

scholarly journals Perilla Oil and Bifidobacterium for Alleviating Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors: Study Protocol for a Three-Arm Phase II Randomized Controlled Study (POB Study)

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Yohei Sasaki ◽  
Mina Honyashiki ◽  
Takayuki Kinoshita ◽  
Akira Matsui ◽  
Ayako Nakashoji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Perilla Oil ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

The fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is the most common and most severe unmet need among cancer survivors. Safe treatments for the FCR that are easily disseminated are greatly needed. Our primary aim is a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy and effect size of perilla oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and Bifidobacterium, a probiotic, on FCR in breast cancer survivors after the completion of chemotherapy. This study has been planned as an exploratory clinical study (phase II) and will be conducted as a three-arm, 12-week parallel group, masked-rater randomized controlled trial. Fifteen participants will be randomized with 1:1:1 allocation to receive Bifidobacterium plus perilla oil, Bifidobacterium alone, or no intervention (control). Interventions will end within 12 weeks after the random allocation of each participant. The participants will be outpatients with invasive breast cancer aged 20 years or older whose chemotherapy was completed at least 6 months before registration; hormone therapy may be ongoing. The primary outcome will be severity of FCR at 12 weeks assessed by masked raters using the 4-item Concerns about Recurrence Scale concerning overall fear of recurrence. The study protocol for the current study is registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs031200029).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document