Impact of quality of life on employment and marital status in long-term cancer survivors treated in a referral center in Mexico.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 122-122
Author(s):  
Yuly Andrea Remolina Bonilla ◽  
Alejandra Armengol Alonso ◽  
Raul Rogelio Trejo rosales

122 Background: Worldwide there is an increasing number of cancer survivors (CS); in the United States in 2016 there were more than 15 million CS and are predicted to increase to 20 million in 2026. In Mexico (GLOBOCAN 2012), new cancer cases were 148.000 and at least 69.000 will survive. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on cancer survivor’s quality of life (QOL) and its effects in social aspects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed including 205 CS with history of non-metastatic cancer (aged ≤65 years, ≥ 2 years from diagnosis and off chemo- or radiotherapy). The QOL-CS questionnaire developed by City of Hope Medical Center was used to measure QOL. Participants reported employment and marital status changes during or after cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate QOL in CS and its association with employment and marital status. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate odds ratios (OR). Results: Of the 205 CS 70.2% were women and 29.8% men. Median age at the time of the study was 56 years. Median survival time from diagnosis was 83.6 months. 37.1% had history of invasive breast, 18% colorectal and 8.8% testicular cancers. Disease-related marital status changes presented in 15.6%, 26.8% lost or changed work and 36.6% decreased their work hours. Distress about initial diagnosis, cancer treatment, family and financial burden had the worst score in the QOL-CS. We found no differences in QOL between gender, income, age at diagnosis or type of tumor, but having received chemotherapy was associated with worst QOL (OR 7.33 CI 95% 1.99-26.96 p = 0.003) as well as self-reported neuropathy (OR 2.34 CI 95% 1.06-5.19 p = 0.032). Those with low QOL-CS scores (≤6) were more likely to have a disease-related change in employment (OR 2.34 CI 95% 1.19-4.61 p = 0.014). Disease-related marital status changes were higher in who experienced work status variations (OR 3.87 CI 95% 1.21-12.4 p = 0.023). Conclusions: this is one of the first studies in Mexican CS that associate QOL with relevant social roles. In this cohort having received chemotherapy has the greatest impact in QOL. CS with low QOL were more likely to have changes in employment and therefore, in the marital status.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 203-203
Author(s):  
Samantha Carlson ◽  
Becky Jones ◽  
Linda Grossheim ◽  
Joseph Mirro

203 Background: The number of cancer survivors in the United States is increasing and estimated to exceed 13 million. Consequently, the quality of life of these patients and their family members has become a high priority. The best interventions to decrease distress, improve coping and quality of life for survivors are poorly understood but are becoming an important focus of research. We therefore, undertook a prospective pilot study using a questionnaire to measure the emotional impact of a play depicting cancer treatment on cancer survivors and their family members. This research project was reviewed and approved by the West Michigan Cancer Center Institutional Review Board (IRB). Methods: The emotional feelings and perceived levels of coping were measured and compared before and after the play. Statistical analyses of responses included chi-square and t-tests for continuous variables, or Fisher’s test or Wilcoxon’s test where parametric assumptions were not met. Results: A total of 60 survivors and 49 family members completed the research questionnaire. The most promising finding was that a majority of survivors and family members 51.0% (n = 50) felt they were coping better (p < 0.0001) after the play. Of the survivors, 73.0% said the play reflected their experiences and 78.0% felt it was helpful dealing with their emotions. Overall, 94.0% of those attending the play requested additional theater performances. Conclusions: Our preliminary data demonstrates that theater depicting cancer treatment has a strong emotional impact and potential therapeutic effects for cancer survivors and family members. Increased feelings of coping with the diagnosis occurred following the play. Attendees also felt less alone (59.5%) and more hopeful (53.4%) after the play.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-105
Author(s):  
Amandeep R. Mahal ◽  
Laura D. Cramer ◽  
Elyn H. Wang ◽  
Shiyi Wang ◽  
Amy J. Davidoff ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayah M. Liska ◽  
Angie Kolen

Abstract Purpose: As a result of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, many cancer survivors experience persistent physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that affect their quality of life. Physical activity has been identified as an intervention that may help to manage the side effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on overall quality of life in adult cancer survivors. Methods: One-on-one semi structured interviews were conducted in person or via telephone with 13 adult (≥18 yrs) cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatment. Results: These cancer survivors described their physical activity as improving their physical functioning and mental health, as a means of positive social engagement, and adding positivity to their daily life. Conclusion: These results support the role of physical activity to enhance cancer survivors’ quality of life regardless of the individuals’ treatment(s) type, duration, or time since the end of active cancer treatment. Further research is warranted to (a) expand this research with a larger sample, (b) examine healthcare providers’ knowledge and application of exercise guidelines to cancer survivors in cancer care, and (c) explore implementation strategies for greater advocacy for healthcare providers to share the exercise recommendations with cancer survivors.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gek Phin Chua ◽  
Quan Sing Ng ◽  
Hiang Khoon Tan ◽  
Whee Sze Ong

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to determine the main concerns of survivors at various stages of the cancer survivorship of the cancer survivorship trajectory and to assess whether these concerns have any effect on their quality of life (QOL). The overall goal was to use the insights from the study to guide practice on patient care. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 1107 cancer survivors diagnosed with colorectal, breast, lung, gynaecological, prostate or liver cancers from a cancer centre in Singapore. Eligible patients self-completed a questionnaire adapted from the Mayo Clinic Cancer Centre’s Cancer Survivors Survey of Needs. Results The top 5 concerns among all survivors were cancer treatment and recurrence risk (51%), followed by long-term treatment effects (49%), fear of recurrence (47%), financial concerns (37%) and fatigue (37%). Cancer treatment and recurrence risk, long-term treatment effects and fear of recurrence were amongst the top concerns across the survivorship trajectory. Mean QOL was 7.3 on a scale of 0 – 10. Completed treatment patients had higher QOL score than the newly diagnosed and on treatment patients and the patients dealing with recurrence or second cancer patients. Predictors for QOL included the economic status and housing type of patients and whether patients were concerned with pain and fatigue Conclusion This study confirms that cancer survivors in Singapore face multiple challenges and had various concerns at various stages of cancer survivorship, some of which negatively affect their QOL It is critical to design patient care delivery that appropriately address the various concerns of cancer survivors in order for them to cope and improve their QOL.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 155798831986101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwin Srivatsav ◽  
Adithya Balasubramanian ◽  
Mohit Butaney ◽  
Nannan Thirumavalavan ◽  
J. Abram McBride ◽  
...  

Orchiectomy is the standard of care for many testicular conditions. Testicular prosthesis placement (TPP) can mitigate psychosocial burden, restore self-image, and improve quality of life for patients requiring orchiectomy. Limited data exist regarding patient attitudes and counseling on TPP in the United States. The objective of this study was to characterize patient experiences after TPP, rationale for pursuing/declining TPP, and satisfaction levels. Patients with a history of urologic conditions warranting orchiectomy were identified and sent an anonymous survey addressing demographics, pre/post counseling, attitudes toward TPP, satisfaction rates, and postoperative complications. Sixteen percent (76/480) of patients completed the survey. Of these, 50.8% (32/63) undergoing orchiectomy were counseled by their surgeon about TPP, and 22.2% (14/63) received a prosthesis. The most common reasons for declining TPP included lack of concern for cosmetic appearance and lack of counseling. Leading reasons for pursuing TPP included improving self-confidence and cosmetic appearance. Although 71% (10/14) of patients were satisfied with TPP, they did highlight areas for improvement. Twenty percent (2/10) felt their implant was too high, 60% (6/10) felt their implant was too firm, 10% (1/10) endorsed discomfort during sex, and 30% (3/10) felt that TPP did not match their size expectations. Despite these findings, 71% (10/14) reported that they would have TPP again and 79% (11/14) would recommend TPP to others. TPP improves body image and quality of life following orchiectomy. Provider counseling plays an important role in influencing a patient’s decision to undergo TPP. Areas of improvement include implant positioning and more effective replication of testicular consistency.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1648-1664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina L. Dickey ◽  
Motolani E. Ogunsanya

The purpose of this integrative review was to explore the impact of prostate cancer (PCa) on the quality of life (QoL) and factors that contribute to the QoL for Black men with PCa. Prostate is recognized as the prevalent cancer among men in the United States. Compared to other men, Black men are diagnosed more frequently and with more advanced stages of PCa. Black men also experience disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality rates of PCa, among all racial and ethnic groups. The initial diagnosis of PCa is often associated with a barrage of concerns for one’s well-being including one’s QoL. As a result, men must contend with various psychosocial and physiological symptoms of PCa survivorship. Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review method was utilized to examine empirical articles from the electronic databases of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, PubMed, Project Muse, and Google Scholar. The time frame for the literature was January 2005 to December 2016. A synthesis of the literature yielded 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the integrative review. A conceptual framework that examined QoL among cancer survivors identified four domains that measured the QoL among Black PCa survivors: (a) physical; (b) psychological; (c) social; and (d) spiritual well-being. Social well-being was the dominant factor among the studies in the review, followed by physical, psychological, and spiritual. Results indicate the need for additional studies that examine the factors impacting the QoL among Black PCa survivors, using a theoretical framework so as to develop culturally appropriate interventions for Black PCa survivors.


Author(s):  
Helena Carreira ◽  
Rachael Williams ◽  
Harley Dempsey ◽  
Susannah Stanway ◽  
Liam Smeeth ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose There is limited high-quality evidence on quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in breast cancer survivors and women with no history of cancer. We aimed to address this by comparing patient-reported outcomes between breast cancer survivors and women with no history of breast cancer. Methods Breast cancer survivors and women with no prior cancer were selected from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD primary care database, which includes population-based primary care electronic health record data. Breast cancer survivors and controls were frequency matched by age and primary care practice. Outcomes were assessed with validated instruments via postal questionnaire. Linear and logistic regression models were fitted to estimate adjusted associations between breast cancer survivorship and outcomes. Results A total of 356 breast cancer survivors (8.1 years post diagnosis) and 252 women with no prior cancer participated in the study. Compared with non-cancer controls, breast cancer survivors had poorer QoL in the domains of cognitive problems (adjusted β (aβ) = 1.4, p = 0.01), sexual function (aβ = 1.7, p = 0.02) and fatigue (aβ = 1.3, p = 0.01), but no difference in negative feelings, positive feelings, pain, or social avoidance. Breast cancer survivors had higher odds of borderline-probable anxiety (score ≥ 8) (adjusted OR = 1.47, 95%CI:1.15–1.87), but no differences in depression. Advanced stage at diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment were associated with poorer QoL. Conclusions Compared with women with no history of cancer, breast cancer survivors report more problems with cognition, sexual function, fatigue, and anxiety, particularly where their cancer was advanced and/or treated with chemotherapy. Implications for Cancer Survivors Breast cancer survivors with more advanced disease and/or treated with chemotherapy should be closely monitored and, when possible, offered evidence-based intervention for fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and sexual problems.


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