Evaluating the role of massage therapy on patient caregivers in a comprehensive community cancer center.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 25-25
Author(s):  
Abhinav Binod Chandra ◽  
Angelic Alvarez ◽  
Mary Sweigart ◽  
Kathleen M Turpin ◽  
Vivek Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patient ◽  
Pain Score ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Massage Therapy ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Distress Screening ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Physical Comfort

25 Background: Cancer patients and their families undergo a lot of emotional and psychological turmoil during their cancer journey. Addressing cancer patient caregivers’ quality of life and stress is being recognized as equally important as more cancer patients receive treatment as outpatient and at home placing additional stressors on their home support system. Methods: We evaluated the role of massage therapy on the outcomes of cancer patient caregivers. Patient caregivers were evaluated prior to and after receiving massage therapy with the help of a distress screening tool. We looked at the type of massage they received. Patient caregivers were asked about their pain level, emotional comfort, physical comfort, fatigue level, and given the opportunity to express other comments before and after receiving the massage. Results: Between 08/01/2016 and 05/31/2017, 294 participants received massage therapy at the cancer center. Of these, 265 were patients and 29 were patient caregivers. We evaluated the outcome on patient caregivers. Massages were usually 60 minutes long and consisted of either a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage. Upon review, patient caregivers pain score dropped on average of 2 points. Patient caregivers also noted improvement in their emotional comfort, physical comfort and fatigue level. Most of the caregivers had positive comments regarding the intervention. Conclusions: We recognize that supporting cancer patient caregivers benefits the patients and the healthcare team. We were successfully able to document that by offering massage therapy to patient caregivers improve their pain score, emotional comfort, physical comfort and fatigue level. Successfully implementing this service at the cancer center was welcomed by patients, caregivers and providers and led to positive outcomes. Hopefully, further studies are focused on patient caregivers’ outcomes and their impact.

The potential role of an activity-based guitar program on the anxiety and fulfillment levels of younger relatives of cancer patients: A pilot study

2021 ◽  
pp. 025576142110273
Author(s):  
Erkan Sülün ◽  
Hüseyin Olgaçer ◽  
Hakkı Cengiz Eren
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Trait Anxiety ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Signed Rank Test ◽  
Total State ◽  
Rank Differences

In this study, the authors evaluated the potential role of an activity-based guitar training program on reducing anxiety and providing fulfillment for younger relatives of cancer patients. Ten active members of KHYD (The Society for Relatives of Cancer Patients), between ages 11 and 17 participated in an 8-week guitar education program. The participants filled out two questionnaires before and after their engagement in the 8-week program, one to measure changes in their anxiety levels (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and the other to measure changes in their general fulfillment levels (Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale). Wilcoxon signed rank test, as well as descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of data. Mean rank differences were observed to be statistically significant with respect to total state and trait anxiety scores; in both cases, the participants’ scores decreased after their engagement in the program. Statistically significant mean rank differences were also observed in the overall MSLSS scores and its “friends” and “environment” sub-dimensions; with respect to these, participants’ scores increased after their engagement in the program. Recommendations for more comprehensive, larger-scale studies are given at the end.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID 19 pandemic on pattern of cancer mortality in Najran, Saudi Arabia: a single-cancer center experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed M Badheeb ◽  
Mohamed A Badheeb ◽  
Hamdi A Alhakimi
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Mortality ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The aim of this paper is to compare the patterns and determinants of cancer mortality in Najran region before and after the COVID-19 epidemics. The association between cancer mortality and each of age, sex, site of cancer, stage, and the 30-days survival rate after the last dose of chemotherapy were assessed.Materials & Methods: Adult cancer patients who died of cancer in King Khalid Hospital in Najran Saudi Arabia, were included in this retrospective observational study. We compared mortality patterns in a period of 6 months in 2020 (March to August) with the corresponding period of 2019.Results: 50 dead adult cancer patients were included, 24 in 2019 and 26 in 2020. Among them, 21% vs 42% were younger than 65 years of age; 61% vs 62% were males, for the years 2019 & 2020 respectively. The top three killers in 2019 were colorectal, gastro-esophageal cancers, and hepatocellular carcinoma, while in 2020 were colorectal, hepatocellular carcinoma, and lymphomas. About 16.7% of patients died within 30 days of receiving anti-cancer treatment in 2019 in comparison with 7.7% in 2020. The difference in the 30-days mortality after receiving anti-cancer treatment was not statistically significant between 2019 and 2020 (p = 0.329).Conclusion: The Year 2020, the time of the COVID-19pandemic, was not associated with a significant increase in short-term mortality among patients with malignancy in Najran, Saudi Arabia. Our results generally reflect the crucial role of strict preventive national measures in saving lives and warrants further exploration.

scholarly journals Quality Assessment of Online Complementary and Alternative Medicine Information Resources Relevant to Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153473542110660
Author(s):  
Megan E. Sansevere ◽  
Jeffrey D. White
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is often used by cancer patients and survivors in the US. Many people turn to the internet as their first source of information. Health information seeking through the internet can be useful for patients to gain a better understanding of specific CAM treatments to discuss with their healthcare team, but only if the information is comprehensive, high quality, and reliable. The aim of this article is to examine the content, writing/vetting processes, and visibility of cancer CAM online informational resources. Methods: Online CAM resources were identified by Google and PubMed searches, literature reviews, and through sources listed on various websites. The websites were analyzed through a modified online health information evaluation tool, DISCERN (score range = 1-5). The website’s features relevant to the quality assessment were described. Results: Eleven CAM websites were chosen for analysis. The DISCERN analysis showed a range of quality scores from 3.6 to 4.9. Lower DISCERN scores were generally due to deficiencies in describing the writing, editing, and updating processes. A lack of transparency with authorship and references was commonly present. Conclusion: Cancer patients interested in CAM need unbiased, evidence-based, reliable, high-quality, easily accessible educational materials. Individuals should use the guidelines followed in this analysis (including DISCERN and Medline Plus) to find reliable sources. Website developers can use CAM Cancer (NAFKAM), Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, breastcancer.org , Office of Dietary Supplements, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, and Cancer.gov as models for trustworthy content.

“How I kept track of it of course was my business”: Cancer patient self-monitoring as self-stylized work

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 355-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol J. Hermansen-Kobulnicky ◽  
Mary Anne Purtzer
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patient ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Work Lives ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Cancer Experience ◽  
Present Opportunity

AbstractObjectives:Self-monitoring behaviors of cancer patients benefit patients, caregivers, and providers, and yet the phenomenon of self-monitoring from the cancer-patient perspective has not been studied. We examined cancer patients' self-monitoring preferences and practices, focusing on the meaning of self-monitoring within the cancer experience.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted among adult cancer patients who had been seen at least once at a rural United States cancer center. Questions sought out the meaning of self-monitoring and its practical aspects. Qualitative data were analyzed by adapting the four-stepped method by Giorgi for empirical phenomenological analysis.Results:Twenty participants were interviewed (11 women and 9 men). Transcribed interviews revealed that cancer patient self-monitoring is self-stylized work that ranges from simple to complex, while being both idiosyncratic and routine. Participants reported using tools with systems for use that fit their distinctive lives for the purpose of understanding and using information they deemed to be important in their cancer care. Three conceptual categories were discerned from the data that help to elucidate this self-stylized work as fitting their individual priorities and preferences, reflecting their identities, and being born of their work lives.Significance of results:Findings highlight patients' unique self-monitoring preferences and practices, calling into question the assumption that the sole use of standardized tools are the most effective approach to engaging patients in this practice. Self-monitoring efforts can be validated when providers welcome or adapt to patients' self-stylized tools and systems. Doing so may present opportunity for improved communications and patient-centered care.

Comprehensive distress screening and referral at a tertiary cancer center.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 134-134
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Trice Loggers ◽  
Stephen Duane Watkins King ◽  
Jesse R Fann ◽  
Kerry K McMillin ◽  
Jodie HN David ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Distress Screening ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Existential Crisis ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
English Speaking

134 Background: Addressing distress in cancer patients is now broadly recognized as critical to well-being and associated with increased survival. Cancer centers are developing innovative distress screening methods; we describe our novel process and results. Methods: New patients from 9/2015 to 3/2017 received an email requesting completion of a 44-item web-based survey assessing depression (2-item Patient Health Questionnaire), anxiety (2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder), quality of life (QOL, 28-item Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-General), malnutrition (3-item Malnutrition Screening Tool), and 9 items addressing existential crisis, physical function, symptoms, tangible needs and concerns for dependent children. Results were computer scored, with positive screens resulting in direct, automated referrals to supportive care services (SCR). Analysis includes descriptive statistics and logistic regression using SAS 9.4. Results: 71% (n = 2629 of 3724) of those approached provided an email and completed the survey; 73% reporting no survey burden. Non-responders were more likely to be minority, non-English speaking, with non-commercial insurance (all p < 0.001). 59% (n = 1543) of responders screened positive for one or more SCR, including 6% to palliative care for poor QOL or symptoms. Receipt of SCR was more likely with Medicaid insurance (1.36 odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.76, p = .0061); plan to receive care (1.27 OR, CI 1.07-1.50, p = .0061); and any report of survey burden (2.26 OR, CI 1.83-2.80, p < .0001). Conclusions: Web-based distress screening is feasible, efficient and not burdensome for the majority of cancer patients. Those who find this screening burdensome are two-fold more likely to have distress. Future efforts should address screening of vulnerable populations.

Implementing and analyzing a distress screening tool (DST) in a community oncology setting: Breaking down barriers to comprehensive medical and psychosocial (PS) care—The Kaiser Permanente Lone Tree, CO (KP-LT) experience.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e21553-e21553
Author(s):  
Scott Arthur Kono ◽  
Jammie Reichel ◽  
Alex R. Menter ◽  
Stephen Armond Mayer ◽  
Lillian Klancar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Distress Screening ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Kaiser Permanente ◽  
Community Oncology ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Large Scale Screening

e21553 Background: PS distress (D) in cancer patients is an underestimated barrier to optimal care. The NCCN recommends D screening and intervention for D scores (DS) ≥4. KP is an ideal environment for large-scale screening. We sought to identify barriers in DST compliance, find a successful standardized workflow (SWF), and understand sources of D to elevate the standard of PS care. Methods: The DST was administered by the physician at completion of initial encounter to all new patients. Compliance recorded before and after implementing a SWF in 2/2016. Our DST utilizes 4 Major Categories of Distress (MCD) [Practical (P), Social (S), Health (H), Emotional (E)] to identify specific areas of D, and stratify DS by diagnosis [Benign (BH)-, Malignant- (MH) Hematology, Solid Tumor (ST)]. Clinic outreached any patient with a 4+ DS. DST was modified (mDST) 9/2016 to provide a DS for each MCD rather than 1 overall DS to improve practicality. Results: 936 DSTs completed from 6/2015-1/2017 (304/632 were mDST). DST compliance increased from 51% to 78% after the SWF. 289/632 (46%) scored 4+ (avg. DS 6.15). 153/304 (54%) mDSTs scored 4+ in ³ 1category. The avg. DS was 3.9 (n=936). Avg. DS for: BH= 3.67 (50% scored 4+, avg. 6.0), MH=3.79 (49% score 4+, avg. 6.14), and ST=4.02 (54% score 4+, avg. 6.18). The 3 most common concerns in each MCD are reported in Table 1. Most frequent outreach requests: Dietitian (n=88, 9%), LCSW (n=70, 7%), and Financial Counselor (n=50, 5%). Conclusions: Sources of D are a patient reported metric, not provider-assumed. DST use is feasible and essential to comprehensive cancer care. A SWF is crucial for success and led to a 27% increase in compliance. 4+ DS is frequent and was higher than expected in BH. Identifying specific stressors allows early intervention and improved resource utilization. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals CHITINASE-LIKE PROTEINS AS PROMISING MARKERS IN CANCER PATIENTS

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 99-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. V. Larionova ◽  
T. N. Sevastyanova ◽  
A. A. Rakina ◽  
N. V. Cherdyntseva ◽  
Ju. G. Kzhyshkowska
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Cancer Patient ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Tumour Progression ◽  
Patient Benefit ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
The Family ◽  
Metastasis Development

In the present review we collected the main studies regarding the role of chitinase-like proteins (CLPs), belonging to the family of Glyco_18 domain-containing proteins, in different cancers. In  humans, 3 chitinaselike proteins have been identified: YKL-40 (CHI3L1), YKL-39 (CHI3L2) and  stabilin-1-interacting chitinase-like protein (SI-CLP). CLPs are produced by several types of cells  and combine the properties of cytokines and growth factors. The high levels of CLPs were  identified in the circulation of the patients with inflammatory diseases and various types of  tumors. We highlighted the main known functions of CLPs in normal and pathological conditions, their contribution to metastasis development, angiogenesis, invasion and other processes in  cancer, the correlation of the levels of CLPs with tumour progression. Our data also contribute to the understanding of question how CLP could be useful for cancer patient benefit.

Germline heterozygous BLM mutations and prostate cancer risk.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 321-321
Author(s):  
Elisa Ledet ◽  
Emmanuel S. Antonarakis ◽  
Colin Pritchard ◽  
William B. Isaacs ◽  
A. Oliver Sartor
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Dna Sequencing ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Prostate Cancer Risk ◽  
Dna Helicase ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Increased Risk

321 Background: The BLM gene encodes a RecQ DNA helicase that is involved in homologous recombination. Biallelic BLM inactivation leads to Bloom syndrome, an inherited genetic disorder marked by chromosomal instability and multiple cancer susceptibilities. Conflicting studies have suggested that heterozygous BLM mutation carriers may have an increased risk of various cancers. Here we explored the role of germline pathogenic BLM mutations in prostate cancer. Methods: Prostate cancer patients with heterozygous BLM mutations were assembled from Tulane Cancer Center (TCC), Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) and University of Washington (UW). BLM germline mutations were identified either through commercial germline testing (Invitae), the UW-BROCA panel, or whole-exome sequencing. Corresponding tumor tissue was analyzed by DNA sequencing for somatic alterations. Population level control data were obtained from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD). Results: 6 BLM germline carriers were identified among 985 advanced prostate cancer case; 2/295 TCC patients, 2/172 JHH patients, and 2/518 UW patients. Overall, pathogenic BLM mutations were detected in 0.609% (6/985) of prostate cancer cases. All mutations were loss-of-function truncating lesions (splicing or nonsense alterations). No Ashkenazi BLM mutations were observed. The population frequency of pathogenic or likely pathogenic BLM alterations detected in gnomAD was 0.025% (31/124,589). Compared to gnomAD controls, the relative risk of BLM mutations in prostate cancer patients was 24.3 (95% CI 10.2 to 58.2; P < 0.0001). One family had a pathogenic splice variant in BLM that cosegregated with disease in three of three cases with lethal/high risk prostate cancer. Tumor DNA sequencing was possible in 5 of 6 BLM carriers; no case demonstrated LOH or additional somatic BLM mutations. Interestingly, 2/5 cases on tumor sequencing also had bi-allelic BRCA2 inactivation. Conclusions: Germline BLM mutations may play a role in prostate cancer risk. Given the role of BLM in chromosomal stability and evidence of concurrent BRCA2 inactivation in a subset of cases, larger cohorts and functional analyses will be critical for better understanding the role of BLM in prostate cancer.

scholarly journals From guidelines to clinical practice: a roadmap for oncologists for nutrition therapy for cancer patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 175883591988008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Muscaritoli ◽  
Jann Arends ◽  
Matti Aapro
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcome ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Cancer Patient ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
European Society ◽  
Nutrition Therapy ◽  
Challenging Tasks ◽  
Robust Evidence

Tackling malnutrition in cancer patients remains one of the most challenging tasks in clinical practice. Even though robust evidence exists stressing the role of nutritional status in relation to treatment outcome, its appropriate consideration in clinical practice is often lacking. In this review, we discuss the significance of nutritional status and of malnutrition for the cancer patient. Drawn from experience and from current recommendations of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), we propose concrete and manageable steps to routinely incorporate nutritional aspects in today’s oncological clinical practice.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document