scholarly journals Fear of Cancer Recurrence Is Highly Prevalent and Linearly Associates With Anxiety and Depression in Chinese Breast Cancer Patients

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhensheng Li ◽  
Yue Li ◽  
Yunjiang Liu ◽  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Xiaohui Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Distress Screening ◽  
Reference Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

Abstract Objective: To characterize the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and its relationship with anxiety and depression and quality of life (QoL) among Chinese breast cancer (BC) patients in China. Methods: Patients completed the questionnaires of QLQ-C30, QLQ-BR32 and HAD to assess FCR, QoL, anxiety and depression before radiotherapy. A cross-sectional analysis was performed. Chi-square and non-parametric tests and multivariate ordinal logistic regressions (mOLR) were utilized for reference analysis. Final covariates included age, BMI, TNM, surgery, chemotherapy, pain, and sleep disturbance. Results: From July 2015 to December 2016, 463 patients were prospectively enrolled. Their age mean (range) were 47 (19 - 89) years old. In total, 327 patients (70.6%) reported having FCR ‘a little bit’ (51.2%), ‘some’ (12.1%) and ‘very much’ (7.3%) in the past week. FCR severity ordered above (incl. ‘no’) was associated with anxiety score (median 1.5, 5.0, 7.0, 8.5 and level (‘abnormal’ rate 0%, 3.4%, 12.5%, 26.5%), depression score (median 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 6.5) and level (‘abnormal’ rate 2.2%, 3.4%, 5.4%, 17.7%) (all p<0.001). mOLR showed that compared to ‘no’, three higher levels of FCR were associated with one level increase of anxiety with OR (p) as 1.983 (0.076), 4.291 (0.001), 8.282 (<0.001) and depression with OR (p) as 1.903 (0.062), 2.262 (0.065), 4.205 (0.004), respectively. FCR severity also was inversely associated with most QoL function scores (p<0.001). Conclusions: FCR was prevalent in Chinese BC patients and linearly associated with anxiety, depression and low QoL. It seems that a single-item question for FCR is a valid surrogate tool for distress screening in this population.

Evaluation of psychological distress in breast cancer patients during the COVID- 19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 36-41
Author(s):  
Md Rassell ◽  
KM Shaiful Islam ◽  
Hasan Shahrear Ahmed ◽  
Mohammad Jayedul Islam ◽  
Krisna Rani Majumdar
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Fear Of Cancer ◽  
The Impact

Cancer patients are the vulnerable group of population and have more chances of contracting Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They are at great risk of passing through very stressful events during this COVID-19 pandemic that may lead to different psychological problems. Different psychological symptoms of breast cancer patients are evaluated in this study during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Consecutive fifty women selected with a non-metastatic breast cancer, scheduled to receive cancer treatment in the upcoming days/weeks not. Received treatment in the past, completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D), the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI). and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and questionnaires. The study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from the 1st July 2020 to the 30th June 2021.. Patients were investigated about their worries regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their lives as carcinoma breast patients. Since the 1st July 2020 to the 30th June 2021, Consecutive 50 patients were prospectively evaluated. They were diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. The mean age was 42.3 (range 30–70). Most of the patients (90%, n. 45) are married, 8% (n.4) patients are single and 2% (n. 1) patients are widowed. Among the patients 24 (48%) patients have high school or less education level, 19 (38%) have college experience and 7 (14%) have university degrees. Ten patients (20%) lived alone, 8 (16%) with one or two family members, and 32 (64%) with three or more family members. Concerning their working life, 36 (72%) were not working (namely housewives, retired, unemployed, or students) and 14 (28%) was occupied. In consideration of economic status 52% (n. 26) patients have annual family income in BDT 250001- 350000. On the other hand 22% (n. 11) within BDT 350001- 450000, 14% (n. 7) within BDT 150000- 250000, 6% (n. 3) within BDT 450001-550000 and 6% (n. 3) within BDT >550000 respectively. We found that 62% of patients had anxiety (HADS-A), 66% depression (HADS-D), and 68% fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for mild post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 2% patients for moderate and 2% patients for severe PTSD. Results revealed that 50% (n.25) patients were suffering from subthreshold insomnia. On the other hand 46% (n.23) patients had no clinically significant Insomnia but 2% (n.1) patients had moderate and severe insomnia in each category. The Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) score was 14.7(SD±6.2) which was more than the cut-off value..Breast cancer patients pass through many stressful events that may develop significant psychological symptoms during this COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome of this study definitely contributes to understand the psychological distress of cancer patients and a to formulate a better plan for their management and psychological support. BSMMU J 2021; 14 (COVID -19 Supplement): 36-41

scholarly journals The Association Between Fear of Cancer Recurrence and the Gut Microbiota in Breast Cancer Survivors (P05-030-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryo Okubo ◽  
Takayuki Kinoshita ◽  
Noriko Katsumata ◽  
Yasuhiro Uezono ◽  
Jinzhong Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Memory ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

Abstract Objectives Dysfunctional processing of fear memory may be involved in the pathophysiology of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), which is cited as the major unmet psychological need of cancer survivors. Emerging evidence has shown that the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis affects psychiatric disorders, including depressive and anxiety disorders, which are associated with fear memory (PMID: 29628046). We therefore hypothesized that the gut microbiota is associated with FCR in cancer survivors (PMID: 29628046). Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer who were not currently undergoing chemotherapy. Fecal samples were obtained to assess the gut microbiota. FCR grade was assessed using the Concerns About Recurrence Scale (CARS). Results Mean age of the participants (n = 126) was 58 years; 47% had stage I disease. Multiple regression analysis with adjustment for possible confounders showed that the relative abundance of the Bacteroides genus (beta = 0.180, P = 0.03) was significantly and directly associated with FCR. In the 57 participants with a history of chemotherapy, higher FCR was associated with lower microbial diversity (P = 0.04), lower relative abundance of Firmicutes (P = 0.03) and higher relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (P = 0.04) at the phylum level, and higher relative abundance of Bacteroides (P < 0.01) and lower relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae.g (P = 0.03) and Ruminococcus (P = 0.02) at the genus level. Conclusions Our findings provide the first evidence of an association between the gut microbiota and FCR and suggest that chemotherapy-induced changes in gut microbiota can influence FCR. Further studies should examine the effects of the gut microbiota on FCR using a prospective design. Funding Sources This study was supported in-part by a donation from Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd, grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Sciences and the Foundation for Promotion of Cancer Research.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic Stressors and Psychological Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 294-300
Author(s):  
Véronique Massicotte ◽  
Hans Ivers ◽  
Josée Savard
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

Background. The current Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a highly stressful event that may lead to significant psychological symptoms, particularly in cancer patients who are at a greater risk of contracting viruses. This study examined the frequency of stressors experienced in relation to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its relationship with psychological symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression, insomnia, fear of cancer recurrence) in breast cancer patients. Methods. Thirty-six women diagnosed with a non-metastatic breast cancer completed the Insomnia Severity Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the severity subscale of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, and the COVID-19 Stressors Questionnaire developed by our research team. Participants either completed the questionnaires during (30.6%) or after (69.4%) their chemotherapy treatment. Results. Results revealed that most of the participants (63.9%) have experienced at least one stressor related to the COVID-19 pandemic (one: 27.8%, two: 22.2%, three: 11.1%). The most frequently reported stressor was increased responsibilities at home (33.3%). Higher levels of concerns related to the experienced stressors were significantly correlated with higher levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, and fear of cancer recurrence, rs(32) = 0.36 to 0.59, all ps < 0.05. Conclusions. Cancer patients experience a significant number of stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which are associated with increased psychological symptoms. These results contribute to a better understanding of the psychological consequences of a global pandemic in the context of cancer and they highlight the need to better support patients during such a challenging time.

scholarly journals Predictors for Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Breast Cancer Patients Referred to Radiation Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Center Cross-Section Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinrong Xie ◽  
Weixiang Qi ◽  
Lu Cao ◽  
Yuting Tan ◽  
Jin Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Shanxi Province ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
River Region ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

ObjectiveThe outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted on radiotherapy (RT) strategy for breast cancer patients, which might lead to increased distressing psychological symptoms. We performed a multi-center cross-section survey to investigate prevalence of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and predictors for FCR in patients referred to RT during pandemic.Methods542 patients were consecutively enrolled from three regions in China including Yangtze Delta River Region, Guangdong and Shanxi province. Patients’ characteristics were collected using an information sheet, Fear of progression questionnaire-short form, Hospital Anxiety/Depression Scale and EORTC QLQ-C30. The hierarchical multiple regression models were performed.Results488 patients with complete data were eligible. The RT strategy was affected in 265 (54.3%) patients, including 143 with delayed RT initiation, 66 believing to have delayed RT initiation but actually not, 24 with RT interruptions, 19 shifting to local hospitals for RT and the remaining 13 influenced on both RT schedule and hospital level. The model explained 59.7% of observed variances in FCR (p&lt;0.001) and showed that influence of RT strategy had significantly impacted on FCR (△R2 = 0.01, △F=2.966, p=0.019). Hospitals in Shanxi province (β=-0.117, p=0.001), emotional function (β=-0.19, p&lt;0.001), social function (β=-0.111, p=0.006), anxiety (β=0.434, p&lt;0.001) and RT interruption (β=0.071, p=0.035) were independent predictors.ConclusionsRT strategy for breast cancer patients was greatly influenced during pandemic. RT interruption is an independent predictor for high FCR. Our findings emphasize the necessity to ensure continuum of RT, and efforts should be taken to alleviate FCR through psychological interventions.

scholarly journals Perilla Oil and Bifidobacterium for Alleviating Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors: Study Protocol for a Three-Arm Phase II Randomized Controlled Study (POB Study)

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Yohei Sasaki ◽  
Mina Honyashiki ◽  
Takayuki Kinoshita ◽  
Akira Matsui ◽  
Ayako Nakashoji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Perilla Oil ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

The fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is the most common and most severe unmet need among cancer survivors. Safe treatments for the FCR that are easily disseminated are greatly needed. Our primary aim is a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy and effect size of perilla oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and Bifidobacterium, a probiotic, on FCR in breast cancer survivors after the completion of chemotherapy. This study has been planned as an exploratory clinical study (phase II) and will be conducted as a three-arm, 12-week parallel group, masked-rater randomized controlled trial. Fifteen participants will be randomized with 1:1:1 allocation to receive Bifidobacterium plus perilla oil, Bifidobacterium alone, or no intervention (control). Interventions will end within 12 weeks after the random allocation of each participant. The participants will be outpatients with invasive breast cancer aged 20 years or older whose chemotherapy was completed at least 6 months before registration; hormone therapy may be ongoing. The primary outcome will be severity of FCR at 12 weeks assessed by masked raters using the 4-item Concerns about Recurrence Scale concerning overall fear of recurrence. The study protocol for the current study is registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs031200029).

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