scholarly journals Examination of Broad Symptom Improvement Resulting From Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (24) ◽  
pp. 2827-2834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecile A. Lengacher ◽  
Richard R. Reich ◽  
Carly L. Paterson ◽  
Sophia Ramesar ◽  
Jong Y. Park ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this randomized trial was to evaluate the efficacy of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program in improving psychological and physical symptoms and quality of life among breast cancer survivors (BCSs) who completed treatment. Outcomes were assessed immediately after 6 weeks of MBSR(BC) training and 6 weeks later to test efficacy over an extended timeframe. Patients and Methods A total of 322 BCSs were randomly assigned to either a 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 155) or a usual care group (n = 167). Psychological (depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of recurrence) and physical symptoms (fatigue and pain) and quality of life (as related to health) were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Linear mixed models were used to assess MBSR(BC) effects over time, and participant characteristics at baseline were also tested as moderators of MBSR(BC) effects. Results Results demonstrated extended improvement for the MBSR(BC) group compared with usual care in both psychological symptoms of anxiety, fear of recurrence overall, and fear of recurrence problems and physical symptoms of fatigue severity and fatigue interference (P < .01). Overall effect sizes were largest for fear of recurrence problems (d = 0.35) and fatigue severity (d = 0.27). Moderation effects showed BCSs with the highest levels of stress at baseline experienced the greatest benefit from MBSR(BC). Conclusion The MBSR(BC) program significantly improved a broad range of symptoms among BCSs up to 6 weeks after MBSR(BC) training, with generally small to moderate overall effect sizes.

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 262-268
Author(s):  
Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad Khan ◽  
Dr. Shaista Zaffar ◽  
Dr. Namrah Mahmood

Objectives: To compare the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors and Lymphoma Survivors post treatment. Methodology: A cross sectional study was performed in the departments of General Surgery and Oncology at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad from 1st June to 31st December 2019. Patients who had received treatment for breast cancer and Lymphoma were included using non probability consecutive sampling technique. A standardized questionnaire (QOL-CSV) to assess quality of life in cancer survivors was filled in by the researchers after interviewing the patients and their responses were recorded with the demographic and clinical characteristics of each patient. The data was entered in SPSS version 20 and co-relations were obtained. Results: A total number of 50 lymphoma survivors (LS) and 166 breast cancer survivors (BCS) participated. Physical parameters revealed a better mean score of 75.86 ±10.53 for LS group than for BCS group (63.45 ±9.64). Psychological well being score was similar with a mean of 42.18 ±8.06 for LS and 43.04 ±7.04 for BCS group. Distress was dealt better by LS than BCS (50% scoring 41-50 in LS versus 46.6% scoring 31-40 in BCS). Fear of recurrence and spread was higher amongst BCS group (≤10 score in 46.4% participants). LS group performed worse in social factors (mean value of 26.88 ±6.67). Spiritual well being was markedly better in BCS (mean value 47.15 ±6.27). Conclusion: Considerable negative impact on physical, psychological and social well being of carcinoma survivors is noted, especially after mastectomy. Key words: Carcinoma, Lymphoma, Breast cancer


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4091
Author(s):  
Marina M. Reeves ◽  
Caroline O. Terranova ◽  
Elisabeth Winkler ◽  
Nicole McCarthy ◽  
Ingrid J. Hickman ◽  
...  

Limited evidence exists on the effects of weight loss on chronic disease risk and patient-reported outcomes in breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors (stage I-III; body mass index 25–45 kg/m2) were randomized to a 12-month, remotely delivered (22 telephone calls, mailed material, optional text messages) weight loss (diet and physical activity) intervention (n = 79) or usual care (n = 80). Weight loss (primary outcome), body composition, metabolic syndrome risk score and components, quality of life, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, menopausal symptoms, fear of recurrence, and body image were assessed at baseline, 6 months, 12 months (primary endpoint), and 18 months. Participants were 55 ± 9 years and 10.7 ± 5.0 months post-diagnosis; retention was 81.8% (12 months) and 80.5% (18 months). At 12-months, intervention participants had significantly greater improvements in weight (−4.5% [95%CI: −6.5,−2.5]; p < 0.001), fat mass (−3.3 kg [−4.8,−1.9]; p < 0.001), metabolic syndrome risk score (−0.19 [−0.32,−0.05]; p = 0.006), waist circumference (−3.2 cm [−5.5,−0.9]; p = 0.007), fasting plasma glucose (−0.23 mmol/L [−0.44,−0.02]; p = 0.032), physical quality of life (2.7 [0.7,4.6]; p = 0.007; Cohen’s effect size (d) = 0.40), musculoskeletal pain (−0.5 [−0.8,−0.2]; p = 0.003; d = 0.49), and body image (−0.2 [−0.4,−0.0]; p = 0.030; d = 0.31) than usual care. At 18 months, effects on weight, adiposity, and metabolic syndrome risk scores were sustained; however, significant reductions in lean mass were observed (−1.1 kg [−1.7,−0.4]; p < 0.001). This intervention led to sustained improvements in adiposity and metabolic syndrome risk.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 1587-1596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geling Lu ◽  
Jin Zheng ◽  
Lei Zhang

Abstract Background Evidence is mixed regarding the effect of exercise programs on improving musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life. Previous meta-analyses have not focused specifically on the musculoskeletal symptoms. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of exercise on these outcomes in breast cancer survivors taking aromatase inhibitors. Methods PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, Wan Fang, CNKI, VIP, and CBM were searched for randomized control trials or quasi-experimental studies from the establishment of the database to May 2019. Studies comparing exercise programs with usual care among breast cancer survivors taking aromatase inhibitors were included. The primary outcome was the degree of musculoskeletal symptoms, as assessed by scores of pain, stiffness, and grip strength. The secondary outcome was the total quality of life score. Results A total of 9 studies involving 743 participants were included. Exercise programs were more effective than usual care in improving musculoskeletal symptoms among breast cancer patients taking AIs. The subgroup scores of pain (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.13, P = 0.006), stiffness (SMD = -0.40, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.08, P = 0.01), and grip strength (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.71, P = 0.002) benefited from exercise interventions. Similar effects were found for the quality of life scores (SMD = 2.24, 95% CI 0.28 to 4.21, P = 0.03). Conclusions Results indicate that exercise relieves musculoskeletal symptoms and improves quality of life, which can be used to motivate patients to exercise actively under professional guidance. Due to a small sample size, further research is required to ensure the effectiveness of exercise on musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (s1) ◽  
pp. S110-S118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Baruth ◽  
Sara Wilcox ◽  
Cheryl Der Ananian ◽  
Sue Heiney

Background:Adjuvant treatment for breast cancer may result in long-lasting, adverse emotional and physical side effects, and reduce quality of life (QOL). This pilot study examined the effects of a home-based walking program on QOL and fatigue in early stage breast cancer survivors and whether changes in walking behavior were associated with changes in outcomes.Methods:Participants (n = 32) were randomized to a 12-week home-based walking intervention plus brief telephone counseling (n = 20) or a wait-list control group (n = 12). Self-reported fatigue, QOL, and walking were assessed at baseline and 12-weeks. Results are presented as effect sizes.Results:Participants in the intervention had improvements in a majority of fatigue and QOL outcomes, whereas the control group had no change or worsened in many; effect sizes were generally in the small to medium range. Changes in fatigue/QOL outcomes were associated with changes in walking behavior, with effects generally in the small to medium range.Conclusion:Home-based physical activity (walking) programs may be an appropriate avenue for alleviating the adverse side effects that often accompany adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. These programs have potential for widespread dissemination, which may have considerable impact on the quality of life of women recently completing breast cancer treatment.


Author(s):  
Teresa Paolucci ◽  
Aristide Saggino ◽  
Francesco Agostini ◽  
Marco Paoloni ◽  
Andrea Bernetti ◽  
...  

Background: Breast cancer survivors report negative impacts of cancer, augmented by specific vulnerabilities to body changes, negative self-assessment, and quality-of-life concerns. The main objective of our work was to test the effect of a rehabilitation program on breast cancer patients by evaluating the change in their physical well-being during an outpatient rehabilitation setting and, subsequently, in a home rehabilitation setting, considering the individual personality profile. Methods: Patients who underwent total mastectomy with breast prostheses or tissue expanders were enrolled. Outcome assessments (Pain, Quality of Life, Personality traits for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2) before treatment (T0), at the end of the rehabilitative treatment (T1 = 10 sessions 2/week, one hour/each), and after two months of follow-up (T2) were performed. Results: The data of 38 included patients were analyzed. The quadratic trend of the Visual Analogue Scale can be explained by the fact that patients have a strong reduction in the perceived pain immediately after rehabilitation in the clinic. This reduction remains constant for the home period of the rehabilitation. The personality profiles of all the participants were substantially valid. Only three patients obtained scores higher than 65 points. Conclusions: The study evidenced that in the initial phase of the rehabilitation, psychological traits such as anxiety, depression, and preoccupation could have a strong association especially with the autonomous functions and the perceived physical symptoms. However, during the therapeutic process, this association decreased and these decrements were higher when patients performed their rehabilitation at home, in a more familiar and comfortable setting.


2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (7) ◽  
pp. 640-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Apoorva Tewari ◽  
Anees B. Chagpar

As more patients with breast cancer survive treatment, the importance of their long-term quality of life is increasing. One important concern for many survivors is fear of recurrence. To better understand worry about recurrence, we conducted a population-based statistical analysis. The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is the largest annual source of health information for the U.S. population. We obtained data from the 2010 survey, which asked breast cancer survivors about their fear of recurrence and quality of life. Data were analyzed using SUDAAN software. The 2010 NHIS sample represented 2,668,697 breast cancer survivors. On univariate analysis, worry about recurrence was correlated with current age ( P = 0.03) and radiation therapy ( P = 0.04). Worry was strongly associated with perceived risk of recurrence ( P < 0.01) and decreased overall quality of life ( P < 0.01) as well as lower self-reported physical ( P < 0.01) and mental ( P < 0.01) health and poor satisfaction with social activities and relationships ( P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, worry was not independently associated with decreased quality of life ( P = 0.09). However, those who “always worried” about recurrence had a lower quality of life (odds ratio, 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.45). Worry about recurrence among breast cancer survivors is associated with age and radiation therapy and is correlated with self-reported physical health, mental health, social relationships, and overall quality of life. It is a significant predictor of decreased quality of life in those who worry the most. Screening for worry about recurrence is an important measure for the improvement of quality of life among breast cancer survivors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. TPS12130-TPS12130
Author(s):  
Karis Kin-Fong Cheng ◽  
Rosalind Siah ◽  
Melvyn Zhang ◽  
Shian-Ling Keng ◽  
Wan-Hua Wong ◽  
...  

TPS12130 Background: The first five years post-treatment for breast cancer are a critical phase, when the survivors may face a multitude of problems, including persistent and/or late-emerging symptoms following the cancer and its treatment, psycho-social distress associated with the risk of cancer recurrence, chronic uncertainty and social disruption. Thus, this trial will answer the research questions of 'Will the combined symptom management and mindfulness-based training programme be a promising approach to assist women with breast cancer in transition from treatment to survivorship?', and 'Since breast cancer survivors have infrequent clinical follow-up, will e-Home based system provide a feasible option for post-treatment care?' Methods: We aim to develop an e-Home based symptom management and mindfulness training programme for breast cancer survivors and to determine its effects on the endpoints including quality of life, symptom distress, psychosocial adjustment, psychological morbidity, and unplanned outpatient attendance or hospitalisation in breast cancer survivors. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02931864) We employ a randomised clinical trial with four study arms (with 47 subjects, who have completed cancer treatment for stage 0 to 3 breast cancer between 6 months to 5 years previously, in each arm) together with a process evaluation; group 1 (usual care), group 2 (experimental group: five weekly sessions of online symptom management + mindfulness training programme and usual care), group 3 (comparison group 1: online symptom management programme and usual care), and group 4 (comparison group 2: online mindfulness training programme and usual care). Subjects will complete questionnaires measures of 6-item Social Support Questionnaire, Breast Cancer Survivor Self- Efficacy Scale, the Quality of Life-Cancer Survivor Scale, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale, short version of the Fear of Recurrence Scale, Hospital and anxiety Depression Scale, and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire at baseline, at 8 weeks from time 1 (time 2), at 12 weeks from time 1 (time 3) and at 24 weeks from time 1 (time 4). Intention-to-treat approach will be used. Repeated measures analysis of variance will be used to examine the differences on outcome measures among the experimental, comparison, and control groups across study time points. Currently, 162 of 188 planned subjects have been enrolled and the trial continues as planned. Clinical trial information: NCT02931864 .


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Thöne ◽  
N Obi ◽  
A Jung ◽  
M Schmidt ◽  
J Chang-Claude ◽  
...  

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