scholarly journals Sexual Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Survivors: Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Sexual Activity Questionnaire for Use in Portugal

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipa Alves Da Costa ◽  
Manuel Castro Ribeiro ◽  
Sofia Braga ◽  
Elisabete Carvalho ◽  
Fátima Francisco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Test Validity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
P Value ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

Introduction: The increasing survivor population of breast cancer has shifted research and practice interests into the impacts of the disease and treatment in quality of life aspects. The lack of tools available in Portuguese to objectively evaluate sexual function led to the development of this study, which aimed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Sexual Activity Questionnaire for use in Portugal.Material and Methods: The questionnaire was translated and back-translated, refined following face-to-face interviews with seven breast cancer survivors, and then self-administered by a larger sample at baseline and a fortnight later to test validity and reliability.Results: Following cognitive debriefing (n = 7), minor changes were made and the Sexual Activity Questionnaire was then tested with 134 breast cancer survivors. A 3-factor structure explained 75.5% of the variance, comprising the Pleasure, Habit and Discomfort scales, all yielding good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α > 0.70). Concurrent validity with the FACt-An and the BCPT checklist was good (Spearman’s r > 0.65; p-value < 0.001) and reliability acceptable (Cohen’s k > 0.444). The Sexual Activity Questionnaire allowed the identification of 23.9% of sexually inactive women, for whom the main reasons were lack of interest or motivation and not having a partner.Discussion: Patient-reported outcomes led to a more comprehensive and improved approach to cancer, tackling areas previously abandoned. Future research should focus on the validation of this scale in samples with different characteristics and even in the overall population to enable generalizability of the findings.Conclusion: The adapted Sexual Activity Questionnaire is a valid tool for assessing sexual function in breast cancer survivors in Portugal.

Patient-reported sexual function of breast cancer survivors with genitourinary syndrome of menopause after fractional CO2 laser therapy

Menopause ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison M. Quick ◽  
Filadelfiya Zvinovski ◽  
Catherine Hudson ◽  
Andrew Hundley ◽  
Cynthia Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Laser Therapy ◽  
Co2 Laser ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Genitourinary Syndrome Of Menopause ◽  
Fractional Co2 Laser ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Genitourinary Syndrome

The impact of weight loss on physical function in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 12053-12053
Author(s):  
Jennifer Y. Sheng ◽  
Cesar Augusto Santa-Maria ◽  
Amanda L. Blackford ◽  
David Lim ◽  
Ashley Carpenter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Baseline Weight ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Endocrine Symptoms

12053 Background: In the prospective POWER-remote trial, 51% and 12% of overweight/obese breast cancer survivors randomized to either a remotely delivered behavioral intervention or self-directed approach, respectively, lost ≥5% of baseline weight. We collected patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to examine the impact of >5% weight loss on symptoms, physical function (PF), and wellbeing. We hypothesized a priori that, regardless of study arm, those with ≥5% weight loss would have improved PF at 6 months v. those who did not. Methods: Women with stage 0-III breast cancer, who completed local therapy and chemotherapy, with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were randomized to the 12-month intervention or self-directed weight loss. POWER-remote consists of telephone coaching and online tracking of diet, activity and weight. Women in the self-directed arm received a lifestyle booklet. All women completed PROs at baseline, 6 and 12 months: PROMIS PF, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep; FACT-endocrine symptoms; MOS-sexual function. PROs were summarized descriptively and changes within and between groups were tested with multivariable mixed effects models, adjusted for age and baseline weight. Results: From 2013-2015, 96 women enrolled; 83 were evaluable at 6 months. At 6 months, PF scores improved in those with ≥5% weight loss v. not. While endocrine symptoms, fatigue, and anxiety improved in the group who lost ≥5%, differences between groups were not statistically significant. There was no significant change in sexual function, depression, or sleep within or between groups. Similar findings were seen across domains at 12 months, except pain improved in the group losing ≥5%. Conclusions: For overweight/obese breast cancer survivors, PF and other PROs improved among patients who lost ≥5%. These results support the patient-centered benefits of weight loss in this population. Clinical trial information: NCT01871116 . [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Prevalence and Correlates of Cancer-related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Álvarez Bustos ◽  
Cristina G. de Pedro ◽  
María Romero Elías ◽  
Javier Ramos ◽  
Pablo Osorio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Purpose To identify potential correlates of CRF after curative breast cancer (BC) treatment. The hypothesis was that fatigue would be more severe among women treated with cardiotoxic drugs, with poor physical condition and those who exercised less.Methods Prospective observational cross-sectional design. Fatigue was evaluated through Perform Questionnaire (multi-item, multi-dimensional). Patient-reported assessments and objective information regarding clinical data, physical activity (PA) and physical condition were analysed as potential correlates of CRF.Results 180 women who remained free of disease were recruited. Prevalence of fatigue interfering with quality of life was 43%. Weight, BMI, treatment with trastuzumab and time spent walking one mile were positively associated with fatigue. Age, time from diagnosis, self-reported walking time, basal and recovery heart rate were negatively associated. Previous chemo, radio or hormonal therapy, objectively assessed weekly PA, cardio-respiratory condition, muscular strength and adherence to Mediterranean diet were not associated with CRF. However, an interesting unexpected negative association with nut intake was found.Conclusions CRF is a prevalent problem after BC treatment. Objectively assessed PA, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength did not predict CRF. The association of CRF with trastuzumab and low intake of nuts should be confirmed in further studies. A deeper insight in heart rate variability is warranted. Future research should include longitudinal studies and determination of biomarkers. Implications for Cancer Survivors BC survivors, especially younger and overweight women, should be informed about fatigue as a potential persistent symptom through all stages of the cancer trajectory and into survivorship. They also should be routinely screened for CRF.

Sub-Ethnicity and Survivorship Experience: Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592110319
Author(s):  
Wonshik Chee ◽  
Eun-Ok Im
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Asian American ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Japanese American ◽  
Personal Resource ◽  
Cancer Data

The purpose of the study was to explore the associations of sub-ethnicity to the survivorship experience of Asian American breast cancer survivors and identify the multiple factors that influenced their survivorship experience. This was a secondary analysis of the data among 94 Asian American breast cancer survivors from a larger ongoing study. Instruments included: questions on background characteristics, the perceived isolation scale, the Personal Resource Questionnaire, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer. Data were analyzed using hierarchical logistic and multiple regression analyses. After controlling for other factors, being a Japanese American (ref. = being a Chinese American) was significantly associated with pain scores (odds ratio [OR] = −0.32, p < .01), symptom distress scores ( β = −0.27, p < .01), and the quality of life scores ( β = 0.22, p = .03). Sub-ethnic variations in cultural attitudes, values, and beliefs need to be considered in future research/practice with Asian American breast cancer survivors.

scholarly journals Quality of life and mental health in breast cancer survivors compared with non-cancer controls: a study of patient-reported outcomes in the United Kingdom

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Carreira ◽  
Rachael Williams ◽  
Harley Dempsey ◽  
Susannah Stanway ◽  
Liam Smeeth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Cancer

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.

Patient-reported pain and other symptoms among breast cancer survivors: prevalence and risk factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (6) ◽  
pp. 480-490
Author(s):  
Michele Divella ◽  
Luigi Vetrugno ◽  
Serena Bertozzi ◽  
Luca Seriau ◽  
Carla Cedolini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Tissue ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Breast Cancer Surgery ◽  
Patient Reported

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with chronic pain and other symptoms related to breast cancer 6 months after surgery. Methods: In an observational study of 261 female breast cancer survivors treated between January 2017 and January 2018, patients were asked about their pain symptoms using a questionnaire that utilized the Numeric Rating Score (NRS) and the Douleur Neuropathique Score (DN4) for neuropathic pain; it also addressed phantom sensations and functional disorders on the ipsilateral shoulder. A total of 218 women completed the survey. Results: A total of 105 patients (48.17%) reported chronic pain. Of these, 64% rated the pain with an NRS of 1–3 and 35% with an NRS >3. Neuropathic pain was reported in 65% of the sample, phantom sensations in 12%, disorders of shoulder function in 16%, and web syndrome in 2%. Multivariable analyses showed that chronic pain (odds ratio [OR], 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.094–5.942; p < 0.05) and neuropathic pain (OR, 2.988; 95% CI, 1.366–6.537; p < 0.05) were positively associated with surgical adverse events; phantom sensations were statistically associated with the weight of removed breast tissue (OR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.001–1.005; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study highlights the need to employ specific tools capable of detecting different kinds of chronic pain after breast cancer surgery to improve pain prevention and treatment. Surgical complications and the weight of removed breast tissue emerged as 2 of the risk factors for chronic and neuropathic pain development in breast cancer survivors.

Evaluation of an interactive portal for breast cancer survivors: Use, satisfaction, and preliminary effects.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 200-200
Author(s):  
Wilma Kuijpers ◽  
Wim G Groen ◽  
Hester SA Oldenburg ◽  
Michel W.J.M. Wouters ◽  
Neil K Aaronson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Patient Reported

200 Background: MijnAVL is an interactive portal that includes patient education, an overview of appointments, access to the electronic medical record (EMR), patient-reported outcomes plus feedback and physical activity support. The aim of this feasibility study was to evaluate use, satisfaction and preliminary effects among breast cancer survivors. Methods: We included women currently or recently treated for breast cancer with curative intent. At baseline, they completed a questionnaire on sociodemographics, expectations of MijnAVL and three effect measures: patient activation (PAM), quality of life (SF-36), and physical activity (IPAQ). MijnAVL could be used noncommittally for 4 months. Log data were collected retrospectively and participants completed questions on satisfaction and effect measures. This process was conducted twice, to be able to improve MijnAVL iteratively. Results: We included 92 women (mean age 49.5 years, 59% on-treatment). Mean number of logins was 8.7 and mean duration 13.1 minutes. Overview of appointments (80% of participants) and access to the EMR (90%) were most frequently used and most appreciated. Website user satisfaction was rated 3.8 on a 1-5 scale on average and participants were primarily positive about the accessibility of information. We did not find an effect on the PAM. For the SF-36, we found significant improvements on the role functioning – emotional (65.3 to 78.5, p< .01), mental health (69.8 to 76.5, p< .01) and social functioning (71.2 to 80.5, p< .01) domains. Median vigorous physical activity significantly increased from 0 to 360 MET-minutes per week (p< .05); levels of walking and moderate physical activity did not change significantly over time. These effects were not related to the intensity of use of MijnAVL. Conclusions: This study showed that user experiences were positive and that exposure to MijnAVL resulted in improvements on three quality of life domains and vigorous physical activity. More tailored, interactive features might be needed to substantially change empowerment, quality of life and physical activity. Research with a controlled design and possibly a more sensitive measure for patient empowerment are needed to substantiate our findings.

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