Psychological and spiritual well-being of breast cancer survivors in a community-based cancer survivorship clinic.

e288 Background: Advancements in early detection and new treatment options have improved outcomes for breast cancer survivors (BCS). With increased survivorship, improving quality of life (QOL) may be a challenge for some women. Exercise improves QOL for BCS and decreases recurrence, but, despite this many women do not routinely exercise. Underserved areas are at particular risk. Few studies have examined factors influencing exercise initiation and maintenance in underserved areas among minority overweight women. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine physiological outcomes and motivational factors in a community-based goal oriented walking program for BCS. Methods: A convenience sample of female BCS was recruited from an inner-city community center 12-week walking program. Women participated in physiological testing and focus groups before and after the program. Data was collected regarding strength, fitness, quality of life, and motivation of the women. Quantitative data was analyzed with paired t-tests. Two researchers independently analyzed focus groups’ transcriptions and like statements and phrases were coded. Themes emerged after discussions between the researchers. Results: The 13 participants [overweight BMI (n = 2), and obese BMI (n = 11)] had a mean survivorship of 5.4 years (range .25-14.5) years. Only 7 participants completed both pre and post physiological testing. Functional endurance significantly improved as indicated by the 6 Minute Walk Test (pre = 503(56), post = 570 (63) meters, mean(sd)), p = 0.02). While overall QOL did not improve, functional well-being showed significant improvement. Two focus group sessions were held at the beginning (n = 13) and end (n = 11) of the program. Themes emerged identifying 1) Treatment Weight Gain, 2) Familial Support, 3) Not Wanting to Go it Alone, 4) The Team Made the Difference Conclusions: Female BCS spoke of interpersonal and environmental factors involved in the decision to engage and maintain exercise with the walking program. Further research is needed to examine exercise motivation in underserved, overweight and obese breast cancer survivors.

Download Full-text

The Effects of Mind Subtraction Meditation on Breast Cancer Survivors’ Psychological and Spiritual Well-being and Sleep Quality

Cancer Nursing ◽

10.1097/ncc.0000000000000443 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 40 (5) ◽

pp. 377-385 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Mi Ra Yun ◽

Misoon Song ◽

Kyung-Hae Jung ◽

Boas J. Yu ◽

Kyung Jae Lee

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Well Being ◽

Spiritual Well Being

Download Full-text

Spiritual Well-Being, Depression, and Quality of Life Among Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

Journal of Religion and Health ◽

10.1007/s10943-020-01147-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

O. Garduño-Ortega ◽

J. Morales-Cruz ◽

M. Hunter-Hernández ◽

F. Gany ◽

R. Costas-Muñiz

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Well Being ◽

Spiritual Well Being

Download Full-text

Community and health system partnership.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2017.35.5_suppl.190 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽

pp. 190-190

Author(s):

Madeline G. Harris ◽

Rebecca M. Di Piazza ◽

Alia Tunagur ◽

Susan E. Sellers ◽

Kristen G. Noles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Health Systems ◽

Cancer Survivorship ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Models Of Care ◽

Relationship Building ◽

Local Health ◽

Breast Cancer Survivorship ◽

Community Based

190 Background: Breast cancer survivors face physical, psychological, medical, social, cultural and spiritual challenges. Services to address these needs are frequently not available or if available unknown. We sought to determine whether formation of a community-based comprehensive breast cancer survivorship program was feasible. Methods: After months of relationship building, the Women’s Breast Health Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham (CFGB), awarded funding to support a systematic assessment of available services in the region. Survivors, their loved ones, providers and other national models of care were surveyed and interviewed. Focus groups including a Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) group were held. Aggregated results were presented in monthly meetings to executive level hospital administrators from all health systems in the area, the UAB School of Nursing and CFGB. Results: Survivors seek advice from other survivors more than any other source. Gaps in services exist. Breast cancer survivors were often unaware of existing services. Services were not available to some cultural/ethnic groups or loved ones; staff of some services were not culturally sensitive to the needs of survivors. Some services were available to all, while others require payment. There was no source of authoritative, evidence-based information on breast cancer survivorship except for a few providers. After 12 months the group of executives from all health systems committed to support the formation of a community-based comprehensive breast cancer survivorship program designed to assist breast cancer survivors, their loved ones and institutions by providing reliable information about services. Conclusions: Breast cancer survivors, providers, and local health systems all support the development of a comprehensive breast cancer survivorship program. We feel that it will address unmet needs of breast cancer survivors, allowing each institution to address needs for individual patients. By using the breast cancer survivorship program to assess individual needs and to provide information about services for identified needs, we expect repetitive services will be reduced and quality of life for breast cancer survivors will improve.

Download Full-text

Telehealth intervention for Latina breast cancer survivors: A pilot

Women s Health ◽

10.1177/1745506518778721 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

pp. 174550651877872 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Karen Meneses ◽

Silvia Gisiger-Camata ◽

Rachel Benz ◽

Dheeraj Raju ◽

Jennifer R Bail ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Survivorship ◽

Effect Size ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Management ◽

Breast Cancer Survivorship ◽

Over Time

Aim: This study was a pilot test of the Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention, a survivorship self-management intervention delivered via telephone. Materials and methods: This study used a wait-list control design with random assignment to either (1) support and early education or (2) support and delayed education. Latina breast cancer survivors were recruited through the Florida Cancer Data System Registry. Latinas with stage I–III breast cancer who completed primary cancer treatment 3 years prior to study enrollment were eligible. The Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention consisted of three education sessions delivered weekly via telephone and six telephone support calls, both delivered by a native Spanish speaker. Primary outcome variables included physical well-being, emotional well-being, fatigue, pain, and depressive symptoms. Data collection occurred at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: In total, 40 Latina breast cancer survivors who were middle-aged to older, married, with health insurance, and Spanish as preferred language enrolled in the Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention. Data were analyzed using mean change scores. Overall, physical and emotional well-being remained similar over time with well-being scores poorer compared with the general population. Pain levels improved over 6 months and showed a high effect size. Fatigue scores improved at 3 months and showed a moderate effect size. Depressive symptoms remained elevated but were not clinically significant. Conclusion: Telephone-based Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention reached Latina breast cancer survivors for survivorship education and support. Self-management of pain and fatigue showed improvement over time.

Download Full-text

Who is managing menopausal symptoms, sexual problems, mood and sleep disturbance after breast cancer and is it working? Findings from a large community-based survey of breast cancer survivors

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment ◽

10.1007/s10549-021-06117-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Michelle Peate ◽

Christobel Saunders ◽

Paul Cohen ◽

Martha Hickey

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Sleep Disturbance ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Menopausal Symptoms ◽

Sexual Problems ◽

Community Based ◽

Large Community

Download Full-text

Community Based Psychosocial Education Can Improve Mood Disturbance in Breast Cancer Survivors at Various Stages of Their Recovery

Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1017/s1352465816000187 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 44 (6) ◽

pp. 730-736 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Anna Kokavec

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Local Community ◽

Psychiatric Morbidity ◽

Behavioural Therapy ◽

Mood Disturbance ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Community Based ◽

Severe Group

Background: Psychosocial distress can contribute to avoidance, refusal, or discontinuation of cancer treatment, which could impact recovery and survival. Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community based psychosocial program on alleviating mood disturbance in breast cancer survivors at different stages of their breast cancer journey. Method: A total of 37 women participated in an 8-week psychosocial program at their local community centre. The weekly 3-hour program was delivered in a small group format. Program components included health education, behavioural training, cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy and stress-management. Questionnaires aimed at assessing psychiatric morbidity and mood adjustment were administered at the beginning of the program (Pre) and at the completion of the program (Post). Results: Group data revealed a significant reduction in psychiatric morbidity and improved psychological adjustment. When participants were divided into degree of psychiatric morbidity (mild, moderate, severe, very severe) a significant reduction in the reporting of anxiety symptoms in the mild, moderate, severe and very severe groups was reported; depression symptoms in the severe and very severe groups were noted, and anger, confusion and somatic symptoms in the mild group were noted. The level of activity was also significantly improved in the very severe group. Conclusions: A structured community based psychosocial program is beneficial to women struggling to come to terms with the emotional consequences of breast cancer at all stages of recovery.

Download Full-text