Quality-of-life (QOL) assessment at time of fertility preservation (FP) counseling in female cancer patients: Results of a university-based registry at two years.

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e19674-e19674 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Noyes ◽  
A. Reh ◽  
C. Mullin ◽  
M. E. Fino ◽  
J. A. Grifo
2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3587-3587
Author(s):  
Laura Diane Porter ◽  
Ronit Yarden ◽  
Kim Lynn Newcomer ◽  
Negeen Fathi ◽  

3587 Background: Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. Young-onset colorectal cancer refers to individuals diagnosed under the age of 50. In recent years, the incidence has increased by 2.2% annually in individuals younger than 50 years and 1% in individuals 50-64, in contrast to a 3.3% decrease in adults 65 years and older. Young-onset (YO) CRC patients and survivors face unique clinical challenges with fertility and sexual dysfunctions, but this risk is not well quantified. There is limited data and public discussion on the long-term effects of colorectal cancer treatments on fertility and sexual dysfunction and the long-term impact on the quality of life. Methods: To explore the unique challenges and unmet needs of the young-adult patient population, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Colorectal cancer patients and survivors (N = 884) diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 50 years old (median age 42 ± 7.0) completed an online questionnaire based on established instruments EORTC-QOL-30, EORTC-CR-29, and EORTC-SHC-22. Results: Thirty-one percent of respondents stated that a medical professional spoke to them about fertility preservation at the time of diagnosis and during treatment. Only 31% were referred to a reproductive endocrinologist, even though 37% of women and 16% of men reported that treatment left them infertile or sterile. Among survey respondents, 12% of women had an egg retrieval procedure, and 36% of men had their sperm preserved prior to the start of treatment. Fifty-three percent of women reported treatment led to premature menopause. Sixty-five percent of respondents suffer from some level of sexual dysfunction due to treatment. In patients who received radiation therapy, women were 12% less likely than men to have discussed sexual side effects with the provider before treatment. Patients who have an ostomy reported more severe sexual dysfunction (17.8%). Rectal cancer patients were 2.5 times more likely than those with colon cancer to report severe dysfunction after their treatment. More than 25% of the respondents said they would have considered alternative treatment if they would have known the risks of sexual dysfunction. Conclusions: Our survey demonstrates inadequate communications between patients and providers about the irreversible fertility and sexual effects of colorectal cancer treatments. Younger patients and survivors face unique long-term challenges and require further information about fertility preservation options and emotional support regarding their sexuality post-treatment. Other studies are needed to assess the physical and psychological side effects endured by young-onset CRC patients and survivors.


2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Barinková ◽  
Margita Mesároová

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among anger, coping, and quality of life (QoL) in female cancer patients. We asked 144 female cancer patients with either a malignant or a benign diagnosis to complete the Profile of Mood States (POMS; McNair, Lorr, & Droppleman, 1971), the Brief COPE questionnaire (Carver, 1997), and the Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors (QLACS; Avis et al., 2005) questionnaire. The total score indicating a low level of anger was significantly negatively associated with adaptive cognitive strategies and significantly positively associated with maladaptive coping strategies. Correlation analysis showed that there was a relationship between QoL factors and low anger scores. This knowledge may be incorporated in psychological intervention in the form of recognition and understanding of anger in cancer patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Ghina Ghazeeri ◽  

The recent quantum leaps in various management modalities in oncology have led to unanticipated survival rates. This has constituted a plea for amelioration in the quality of life of cancer patients of reproductive age, at the core of which is Fertility Preservation (FP).


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Konecna ◽  
K Nováková

Abstract Study question What is the real accessibility of fertility preservation techniques and its perception by patients in the Czech Republic? Summary answer Fertility preservation options are not offered on a routine basis and often are not part of a treatment plan. Patients wish to be adequately informed. What is known already Every year, more than 82.000 people in the Czech Republic develop cancer. The incidence of newly diagnosed cancers in individuals in their reproductive age represents 4.4% of all newly diagnosed oncological diseases. Because the prognosis of treatment in this group of patients is very favourable, the priority in treatment is the emphasis on quality of life after surviving. One of the important parameters of quality of life for many people is the ability to reproduce and the possibility of having a genetic bond to their children. Study design, size, duration This qualitative study was conducted in 2019 and relied on explorative in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants were chosen through occasional sampling. Participants/materials, setting, methods We interviewed 13 cancer patients/survivors in their reproductive age (aged 21 to 36; 7 females and 6 males); 4 close family members of young cancer patients; and 8 experts from relevant professional fields. Data gathered from semi-structured interviews were analysed by interpretative phenomenological analysis. Main results and the role of chance Cancer was perceived as a threat to life and one’s safety. It causes uncertainty and a feeling of loss of control. It also has a negative impact on a self-concept. Loss of fertility was perceived as a “injury of personality”. The possibility of maintaining fertility has increased the subjectively experienced quality of life. They make decisions under great time pressure, in a mentally demanding situation. They are usually in the early stages of coping with the diagnosis. The main factors that influenced the respondents’ decision were the amount and quality of information, psychological stress and time pressure. Patients and their families are interested in being informed about the risks that the disease and its treatment pose to their reproductive health. They want to be able to decide whether to undergo any of the fertility protection techniques. They want to keep their future open. It is therefore desirable that, within oncofertility, we focus on the process of passing on information and supporting decision-making on issues of fertility and its protection. A tool that could be a good informational platform may be so-called decision aid – a tool used to inform patients about available treatments, along with potential benefits, risks and costs. Limitations, reasons for caution As all qualitative data, our findings cannot be generalized. Selection bias could have occurred because it is likely that those interested and open to sharing participated. Wider implications of the findings: Oncofertility treatment is highly relevant and should be offered and discussed with all patients in their reproductive age. Addressing fertility preservation options should be a part of cancer treatment plan of all these patients. Trial registration number 0


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 67-67
Author(s):  
Neha Kapoor ◽  
Ihab Tewfik ◽  
Jane Naufahu ◽  
Sundus Tewfik ◽  
Rakesh Garg ◽  
...  

67 Background: The prevalence of malnutrition, amongst cancer palliative patients, is 81%. As cancer progresses, patients’ develop malnutrition owing to metabolic changes and ill-effects of treatment. The aim of this study was to improve nutritional status of female cancer patients and their quality of life by counseling and providing nutrient rich natural food (IAtta). Methods: Female cancer patients (n=45) attending palliative care clinic (AIIMS, New Delhi); with symptoms of cachexia were randomly distributed into control (Group one, n=23) and intervention group (Group two, n=22). Both groups were provided with nutritional counseling while the intervention group also received 100grams of IAtta, to be consumed daily for three months. Anthropometric measurements [weight, muscle mass, percentage body fat (%BF) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC)], dietary intake (two day dietary recall) and quality of life (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life C30 Questionnaire) were assessed at baseline and after three months. Data was analysed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test on the variables assessed. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. Results: Patients in group one had significantly decreased body weight (p= 0.001), muscle mass (p= 0.021), MUAC (p= 0.005) and %BF (p= 0.001) by end of three months. While patients in group two reported significant improvement in fatigue (p= 0.001) and appetite loss score (p= 0.002) under quality of life domains. Conclusions: Nutritional counseling along with IAtta food supplementation helps in stabilising weight and improves quality of life of cancer cachexia patients undergoing palliative care treatment. Clinical trial information: RP- 02/17.06.2013. [Table: see text]


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