scholarly journals Factors influencing non–adherence to chemotherapy: Perspective of Nigerian breast cancer survivors

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin-Agorye Ingwu ◽  
Chiamaka Idoko ◽  
Chidinma-Egbichi Israel ◽  
Ijeoma Maduakolam ◽  
Obiagele Madu
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Care Policy ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background & Aim: The use of chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer has experienced a rapid increase in recent years and this is expected to continue. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the patient-related factors, therapy related factors, and health care system factors that influence non-adherence to chemotherapy among breast cancer survivors at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu. Methods & Materials: The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive survey with a total population of 100 cancer survivors. The breast cancer questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Results: The result of the study showed that financial constraint 61(61.0%) was the major patient related factor that influence non-adherence to chemotherapy, medication side effects (hair loss, loss of weight) 62(62.0%) and duration of treatment 50(50.0%) were the major therapy related factors while unfavorable hour of clinic visit 40(40.0%) was the major health care related factor that influences non-adherence to chemotherapy. Conclusion: It was concluded that the federal government should re-implement the health care policy that allowed treatment free-of-charge at Nigerian government hospitals to those with malignancies and other chronic ailments to mitigate the burden of associated financial problems and encourage patients to seek orthodox medical care. Also, health education initiation on benefit of adhering to chemotherapy would be needed on the part of the nurses to foster the women intake of chemotherapy. Nurses caring for women who receive endocrine therapy for breast cancer should identify those who may be at greater risk for being non-adherent.

scholarly journals Regulatory VCAN polymorphism is associated with shoulder pain and disability in breast cancer survivors

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor S. Mafu ◽  
Alison V. September ◽  
Delva Shamley
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pain Disability ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background and purpose Shoulder morbidity following breast cancer treatment is multifactorial. Despite several treatment- and patient-related factors being implicated, unexplained inter-individual variability exists in the development of such morbidity. Given the paucity of relavant genetic studies, we investigate the role of polymorphisms in candidate proteoglycan genes. Patients and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on 254 South African breast cancer survivors, to evaluate associations between shoulder pain/disability and ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within four proteoglycan genes: ACAN (rs1126823 G>A, rs1516797 G>T, rs2882676 A>C); BGN (rs1042103 G>A, rs743641 A>T, rs743642 G>T); DCN rs516115 C>T; and VCAN (rs11726 A>G, rs2287926 G>A, rs309559). Participants were grouped into no–low and moderate–high shoulder pain/disability based on total pain/disability scores: < 30 and ≥ 30, respectively using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results The GG genotype of VCAN rs11726 was independently associated with an increased risk of being in the moderate-to-high shoulder pain (P = 0.005, OR = 2.326, 95% CI = 1.259–4.348) or disability (P = 0.011, OR = 2.439, 95% CI = 1.235–4.762) categories, after adjusting for participants’ age. In addition, the T-T-G inferred allele combination of BGN (rs74364–rs743642)–VCAN rs11726 was associated with an increased risk of being in the moderate-to-high shoulder disability category (0 = 0.002, OR = 2.347, 95% CI = 1.215–4.534). Conclusion Our study is first to report that VCAN rs11726, independently or interacting with BGN polymorphisms, is associated with shoulder pain or disability in breast cancer survivors. Whereas our findings suggest an involvement of proteoglycans in the etiology of shoulder pain/disability, further studies are recommended.

scholarly journals Regulatory VCAN Polymorphism is Associated with Shoulder Pain and Disability in Breast Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor Shepherd Mafu ◽  
Alison V September ◽  
Delva Shamley
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pain Disability ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background and PurposeShoulder morbidity following breast cancer treatment is multifactorial. Despite several treatment- and patient-related factors implicated, unexplained inter-individual variability exists in the development of such morbidity. Given the paucity of relavant genetic studies, we investigate the role of polymorphisms in candidate proteoglycan genes.Patients and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study on 254 South African breast cancer survivors, to evaluate associations between shoulder pain/disability and ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within four proteoglycan genes: ACAN (rs1126823 G>A, rs1516797 G>T, rs2882676 A>C); BGN (rs1042103 G>A, rs743641 A>T, rs743642 G>T); DCN rs516115 C>T; and VCAN (rs11726 A>G, rs2287926 G>A, rs309559). Participants were grouped into no–low and moderate–high shoulder pain/disability based on total pain/disability scores: <30 and ≥30, respectively using the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI).ResultsThe GG genotype of VCAN rs11726 was independently associated with an increased risk of being in the moderate to high shoulder pain (P=0.005, OR=2.326, 95% CI=1.259 - 4.348) or disability (P=0.011, OR=2.439, 95% CI=1.235 - 4.762) categories, after adjusting for participants’ age. In addition, the T-T-G inferred allele combination of BGN (rs74364 - rs743642) - VCAN rs11726 was associated with an increased risk of being in the moderate to high shoulder disability category (0=0.002, OR=2.347, 95% CI=1.215 - 4.534).ConclusionOur study is first to report that VCAN rs11726, independently or interacting with BGN polymorphisms, is associated with shoulder pain or disability in breast cancer survivors. Whereas our findings suggest an involvement of proteoglycans in the etiology of shoulder pain/disability, further studies are recommended.

scholarly journals Distress, problems, referral wish, and supportive health care use in breast cancer survivors beyond the first year after chemotherapy completion

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 3023-3032
Author(s):  
J. M. Admiraal ◽  
J. E. H. M. Hoekstra-Weebers ◽  
C. P. Schröder ◽  
W. Tuinier ◽  
G. A. P. Hospers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Care Use ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Problems ◽  
T1 And T2

Abstract Purpose We examined distress levels, problems, referral wish, and supportive health care use in a cross-sectional group of breast cancer survivors at two-time points with a 1-year time interval. Also, factors related to continuing elevated distress were explored. Methods Breast cancer survivors, 1–5 years after chemotherapy completion, filled in the Dutch Distress Thermometer/Problem List (DT/PL) and questions on background characteristics at study inclusion (T1). DT/PL responses and health care use were discussed during semi-structured interviews. One year later, re-assessment took place (T2). The data were analyzed by descriptive and univariate analyses. Continuing elevated distress was defined as a DT score ≥ 5 at T1 and T2. Results Seventy-three survivors completed all questionnaires (response = 84.6%). Eighteen (25%) experienced continuing elevated distress. Fatigue (T1 N = 48 (66%); T2 N = 41 (56%)) and lack of physical fitness (T1 N = 44 (60%); T2 N = 36 (49%)) were most often reported. Time since diagnosis, health care use, and practical, social, emotional and physical problems were significantly associated with continuing elevated distress. Between diagnosis and T1, N = 49(67%) used supportive healthcare services, mostly a psychologist and/or a physical/lymphedema therapist, and between T1 and T2, 39 (53%) did. At T1, 8 (11%) expressed a referral wish and at T2, 11 (16%) did. Conclusions Screening and management of distress, problems, and referral wish are important, even years after chemotherapy completion as a substantial proportion of breast cancer survivors continue to report elevated distress and problems. Special attention should be paid to survivors reporting physical problems, especially fatigue and lack of physical fitness, since these problems are most strongly related to continuing elevated distress.

scholarly journals Unmet needs and related factors of Korean breast cancer survivors: a multicenter, cross-sectional study

BMC Cancer ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Byung Joo Chae ◽  
Jihyoun Lee ◽  
Se Kyung Lee ◽  
Hyuk-Jae Shin ◽  
So-Youn Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Perspectives of Survivorship Care Plans Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327482091720
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Krok-Schoen ◽  
Michelle J. Naughton ◽  
Anne M. Noonan ◽  
Janell Pisegna ◽  
Jennifer DeSalvo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Term Care

The Commission on Cancer’s standard 3.3 represents a paradigm shift in the care of cancer survivors, recommending that survivors receive a treatment summary and survivorship care plan (SCPs). A focus on older breast cancer survivors is needed, as they are the majority of the breast cancer population and their experiences and perspectives of SCPs is limited in the literature. This pilot study utilized a mixed methods approach (focus groups and self-report questionnaire data) to gather information on older (≥65 years) breast cancer survivors’ perspectives of their SCPs, cancer survivorship, and communication with their health-care providers. The questionnaire was completed individually by the participants prior to the focus group and contained items on basic demographics and their health status following cancer treatment. The focus groups indicated that only a minority of women actually developed a SCP. Those who developed a SCP in collaboration with their providers valued the personal care and attention received. However, some participants reported poor communication with their providers and within their health-care team, resulting in frustration and confusion. Participants’ suggestions for ideal SCPs included better education and personalization, particularly in appropriate nutrition and exercise, and managing side effects and comorbidities. Lastly, the women believed that additional long-term care resources, such as health coaches, were important in improving their survivorship. These findings provide insight into enhancing the content, communication, and application of SCPs to improve the survivorship experience of older breast cancer survivors.

scholarly journals Fatigue among Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors: A Controlled Cross-Sectional Study

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1301
Author(s):  
Saskia W. M. C. Maass ◽  
Daan Brandenbarg ◽  
Liselotte M. Boerman ◽  
Peter F. M. Verhaak ◽  
Geertruida H. de Bock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Reference Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

Background: Fatigue is the most common and persistent symptom among women in the first five years after a breast cancer diagnosis. However, long-term prevalence of fatigue, among breast cancer survivors, needs further investigation. Aim: To compare fatigue experienced by long-term breast cancer survivors with that in a reference population and to evaluate the determinants of that fatigue. Design and Setting: A cross-sectional cohort study of 350 breast cancer survivors ≥5 years after diagnosis and a reference population of 350 women matched by age and general practitioner. Method: Fatigue was measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and a sum score of >60 (multidimensional fatigue) was the primary outcome. Logistic regression was applied to compare the prevalence of multidimensional fatigue between the survivor and reference populations, adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and for cardiovascular and psychological variables. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were estimated. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the determinants of multidimensional fatigue among the survivors. Results: Breast cancer survivors (median 10 years after diagnosis), more often experienced multidimensional fatigue than the reference population (26.6% versus 15.4%; OR, 2.0 [95%CI, 1.4–2.9]), even after adjusting for confounders. The odds of multidimensional fatigue were also higher among survivors with symptoms of depression (32.2% versus 2.7%; OR, 17.0 [95%CI, 7.1–40.5]) or anxiety (41.9% versus 10.1%; OR, 6.4 [95%CI, 3.6–11.4]). Conclusion: One in four breast cancer survivors experience multidimensional fatigue and fatigue occurs more frequently than in women of the same age and general practitioner. This fatigue appears to be associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

scholarly journals Unmet Needs and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Korean Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Won Lee ◽  
Jihyoun Lee ◽  
Min Hyuk Lee ◽  
Se Kyung Lee ◽  
Wan Sung Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Multiple Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Backgroud: As the survival rates of cancer patients have been increasing due to early diagnosis and technological advances in treatment, their caregiver burden has also emerged as an important issue. In view of this situation, this study aims to investigate the unmet needs and quality of life of caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors.Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional interview survey was performed among 160 caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors. Caregivers who gave written informed consent to participate completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers and EuroQol-5 Dimensions. Data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis.Results: The mean age of the caregivers was 46.4 years, 44.4% (71/160) were spouses of patients, and 52.5% (84/160) were personally taking care of cancer survivors. Unmet needs were highest in the ‘healthcare staff’ domain (mean ± SD: 1.69 ±1.11), and the item with the highest level of unmet needs was ‘needed information about the current status of the patient’s illness and its future courses’ (1.98 ± 1.04). Unmet needs were correlated with age, educational level, marital status, employment, religion and psychosocial status. Poorer quality of life was closely related to higher levels of unmet needs. In multiple regression analysis, age, employment, religion, and levels of stress and despair were closely associated with unmet needs.

Protective myoelectric activity at performing upper limb neurodynamic test 1 in breast cancer survivors. A cross-sectional observational study

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 68-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene de la Rosa-Díaz ◽  
María Torres-Lacomba ◽  
Paz Acosta-Ramírez ◽  
Itxaso García-de Orive ◽  
Robert J. Nee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Myoelectric Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional

A Behavior-Modification, Clinical-Grade Mobile Application to Improve Breast Cancer Survivors' Accountability and Health Outcomes

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renee Stubbins ◽  
Tiancheng He ◽  
Xiaohui Yu ◽  
Mamta Puppala ◽  
Chika F. Ezeana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Behavior Modification ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Care Team ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
System Usability Scale

Purpose Only 34% of breast cancer survivors engage in the recommended level of physical activity because of a lack of accountability and motivation. Methodist Hospital Cancer Health Application (MOCHA) is a smartphone tool created specifically for self-reinforcement for patients with cancer through the daily accounting of activity and nutrition and direct interaction with clinical dietitians. We hypothesize that use of MOCHA will improve the accountability of breast cancer survivors and help them reach their personalized goals. Patients and Methods Women with stages I to III breast cancer who were at least 6 months post–active treatment with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m2 were enrolled in a 4-week feasibility trial. The primary objective was to demonstrate adherence during weeks 2 and 3 of the 4-week study period (14 days total). The secondary objective was to determine the usability of MOCHA according to the system usability scale. The exploratory objective was to determine weight loss and dietitian-participant interaction. Results We enrolled 33 breast cancer survivors who had an average BMI of 31.6 kg/m2. Twenty-five survivors completed the study, and the average number of daily uses was approximately 3.5 (range, 0 to 12) times/day; participants lost an average of 2 lbs (+4 lbs to −10.6 lbs). The average score of usability (the second objective) was 77.4, which was greater than the acceptable level. More than 90% of patients found MOCHA easy to navigate, and 84% were motivated to use MOCHA daily. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of technology use to improve goal adherence for patients by providing real-time feedback and accountability with the health care team. MOCHA focuses on the engagement of the health care team and is integrated into clinical workflow. Future directions will use MOCHA in a long-term behavior modification study.

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