Hughes et al. (2020) 'I feel cancer patients have been neglected'.

Purpose This study aimed to explore the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic including Government-enforced restrictions, on women diagnosed with oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer in the UK using a mixed-methods approach. MethodsDepression (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-7), optimism (LOT-R) and perceived risk of recurrence (IPQ-BCS) were measured pre-COVID-19 outbreak and perceived vulnerability, severity and impact of COVID-19 were measured during the UK lockdown period of 23rd March-13th May 2020. Free text responses provided qualitative data. Descriptive statistics regarding COVID-19-specific behaviours and correlations between pre-COVID-19 psychosocial factors and COVID-19 outcomes were conducted. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative responses. Quantitative and qualitative data are presented together.Results253 responses were received during the UK lockdown period. Twenty-six percent of the sample were shielding and 15% felt at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Higher pre-COVID-19 depression and anxiety and lower optimism were associated with higher perceived vulnerability to and severity of COVID-19 and lower confidence in protecting oneself. There were positive and negative effects of lockdown on exercise and relationships and 42% reported negative impacts on anxiety. Participants reported fear of COVID-19, difficulties with adapting to isolation and using technology, and anxiety about the impact of delayed cancer treatment on their cancer recovery and recurrence. ConclusionsNegative effects of lockdown, particularly for delayed cancer treatment should be considered to manage ongoing anxiety. Screening of state depression and anxiety is suggested for intervention prioritisation, but more longitudinal research is needed to understand the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer survivors.

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Assessment of Anxiety and Depression Among Breast Cancer Patients in Ghana

Journal of Global Oncology ◽

10.1200/jgo.18.37000 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽

pp. 99s-99s

Author(s):

K.A. Kyei

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Mixed Method ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Well Being ◽

Breast Cancer Treatment ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Cancer of the breast happens to be one of the most important diseases worldwide and in Ghana, accounts for the highest referral at the study site. The treatment of breast cancer has evolved over the years offering patients high rates of survival. What is missing in the literature are studies that focus on determining levels of depression and anxiety and how this assessment will impact treatment outcome for breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Hence, recognizing a better understanding in this study will promote positive social change in three different ways. First, it will serve the cancer population especially patients undergoing breast cancer treatment to manage depression and anxiety. Second, it will enhance efforts for coping and finally increase the overall quality of life of these patients undergoing treatment. Aim: This study aims to find various interventions for depression and anxiety among breast cancer patients in Ghana. Methods: The author used a mixed method design to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The qualitative data were an interview with selected working participants whiles the quantitative data were a nonprobabilistic approach using a structured questionnaire. This mixed method was a triangulation that described how the interviews supported and confirmed the responses from the patient participants. There was an evaluation of the relationships with a combination of two modified scales, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). The sample consisted of 100 patients between the ages of 20-89, and six professionals with a minimum of five years' work experience. Results: Findings of this study indicated the need intervene through counseling and education on behalf of patients in Ghana as they undergo breast cancer treatment. Age and monthly income of patients were statistically significant in predicting the anxiety and depression among the patients. The R (0.397) value was less than 0.5, which depicted that the alternate hypothesis could be accepted. The independent variables significantly predicted the anxiety and depression. Conclusion: The study illustrates a need to understand how breast cancer patients in Ghana go through treatment with the high impact of anxiety and depression with treatment which affects total well-being and life after treatment. Although interventions and management should be available to breast cancer patients with anxiety and depression undergoing treatment of their coping with the burden of the disease, a striking improvement in the survival of patients could be achieved when proper systems are put in place by the Ministry of Health and the government.

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Niejednoznaczny wpływ Brexitu na życie młodych Polaków w Wielkiej Brytanii

Studia Migracyjne – Przegląd Polonijny ◽

10.4467/25444972smpp.20.038.12775 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 46 (4 (178)) ◽

pp. 49-70

Author(s):

Agnieszka Trąbka ◽

Iga Wermińska-Wiśnicka

Keyword(s):

United Kingdom ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Longitudinal Research ◽

Well Being ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

The Social ◽

The Uk ◽

The Comparative Study ◽

The Impact ◽

Different Sources

Ambiguous impact of Brexit on young Poles living in the United Kingdom The paper aims to analyse the impact of Brexit on the social anchoring of young Poles in the United Kingdom in four spheres of their lives: decision and return plans; application for British citizenship; buying properties; well-being and life satisfaction. The article is based on research conducted within the project „CEEYouth: The comparative study of young migrants from Poland and Lithuania in the context of Brexit”. We also handle statistics data from the Office for National Statistics as well as qualitative data from three waves of Qualitative Longitudinal Research of 41 young (aged 19–34) Polish post-accession migrants in the UK. We find that it is hard to unambiguously assess the impact of Brexit on the mentioned spheres of young Poles’ lives. Firstly, it is caused by the fact that different sources of data show results which are contrasting and secondly, the reactions of people are dynamically changing within the lapse of time. Therefore, it could be surely said that Brexit has impacted the lives of young Polish migrants, but it has caused neither mass return, nor the general willingness to naturalise. Although the results of the Brexit referendum have caused disturbance amid many Poles, it has not impacted their life decisions or, according to statistics, their well-being.

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The impact of lymphedema on health-related quality of life up to 10 years after breast cancer treatment

npj Breast Cancer ◽

10.1038/s41523-021-00276-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mads G. Jørgensen ◽

Navid M. Toyserkani ◽

Frederik G. Hansen ◽

Anette Bygum ◽

Jens A. Sørensen

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Breast Cancer Treatment ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe impact of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) on long-term quality of life is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of BCRL on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) up to 10 years after breast cancer treatment. This regional population-based study enrolled patients treated for breast cancer with axillary lymph node dissection between January 1st 2007 and December 31th 2017. Follow up and assessments of the included patients were conducted between January 2019 and May 2020. The study outcome was HRQoL, evaluated with the Lymphedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire and the Short Form (36) Health Survey Questionnaire. Multivariate linear logistic regression models adjusted for confounders provided mean score differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals in each HRQoL scale and item. This study enrolled 244 patients with BCRL and 823 patients without BCRL. Patients with BCRL had significantly poorer HRQoL than patients without BCRL in 16 out of 18 HRQoL subscales, for example, in physical function (MDs 27, 95%CI: 24; 30), mental health (MDs 24, 95%CI: 21; 27) and social role functioning (MDs 20, 95%CI: 17; 23). Age, BMI, BCRL severity, hand and dominant arm affection had only minor impact on HRQoL (MDs < 5), suggesting a high degree of inter-individual variation in coping with lymphedema. This study showed that BCRL is associated with long-term impairments in HRQoL, especially affecting the physical and psychosocial domains. Surprisingly, BCRL diagnosis rather than clinical severity drove the largest impairments in HRQoL.

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O-81 The impact of caseload on practice patterns in breast cancer: Evidence from the UK Breast Screening Programme

European Journal of Cancer Supplements ◽

10.1016/j.ejcsup.2010.06.082 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 31

Author(s):

R.W Glynn ◽

N. Marshall ◽

N. Coffey ◽

O. Kearins ◽

G. Lawrence ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Breast Screening ◽

Practice Patterns ◽

Screening Programme ◽

Breast Screening Programme ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

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The variable and evolving nature of ‘cuckooing’ as a form of criminal exploitation in street level drug markets

Trends in Organized Crime ◽

10.1007/s12117-019-09368-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 301-323 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Jack Spicer ◽

Leah Moyle ◽

Ross Coomber

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Data ◽

Crack Cocaine ◽

Drug Markets ◽

Drug Supply ◽

Academic Literature ◽

Criminal Exploitation ◽

Local Residents ◽

The Uk ◽

Dominant Narratives ◽

The Impact

AbstractA form of criminal exploitation rarely mentioned in the academic literature has recently emerged, evolved and taken meaningful hold in the UK. Hundreds of cases of ‘cuckooing’ have been reported, where heroin and crack cocaine dealers associated with the so-called ‘County Lines’ supply methodology have taken over the homes of local residents and created outposts to facilitate their supply operations in satellite locations. Dominant narratives surrounding this practice have stressed its exploitative nature and the vulnerabilities of those involved. Combining qualitative data from two studies, this paper critically analyses the model of cuckooing and the experiences of those affected. In turn it explores the impact of County Lines on affected areas and local populations, a topic that has received little academic scrutiny. Four typologies of cuckooing are constructed, highlighting its variance and complexity. Findings also suggest it to be a growing method of criminal exploitation beyond drug supply with a possible burgeoning presence being realised internationally.

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Abstract P6-16-08: The impact of genomic mutation on metastatic breast cancer treatment: A retrospective clinical trial

10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs16-p6-16-08 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Y Yuan ◽

S Yost ◽

Y-C Yuan ◽

Z Liu ◽

P Frankel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Metastatic Breast ◽

Breast Cancer Treatment ◽

Genomic Mutation ◽

The Impact

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The Perceived Impact of Suicide Bereavement on Specific Interpersonal Relationships: A Qualitative Study of Survey Data

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16101801 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. 1801 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Valeriya Azorina ◽

Nicola Morant ◽

Hedvig Nesse ◽

Fiona Stevenson ◽

David Osborn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Interpersonal Relationships ◽

Online Survey ◽

Extended Family ◽

Social Withdrawal ◽

Free Text ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Suicide Bereavement ◽

Social Discomfort ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

People bereaved by suicide have an increased risk of suicide and suicide attempt, yet report receiving less support than people bereaved by other sudden deaths. Reductions in support may contribute to suicide risk, yet their nature is unclear. We explored the impact of suicide bereavement on the interpersonal relationships of young adults in the UK using an online survey to collect qualitative data. We conducted thematic analysis of free-text responses from 499 adults to questions capturing the impact of bereavement on relationships with partners, close friends, close family, extended family, and other contacts. We identified four main themes describing the changes in relationships following the suicide: (1) Social discomfort over the death (stigma and taboo; painfulness for self or others to discuss; socially prescribed grief reactions); (2) social withdrawal (loss of social confidence; withdrawal as a coping mechanism); (3) shared bereavement experience creating closeness and avoidance; (4) attachments influenced by fear of further losses (overprotectiveness towards others; avoiding attachments as protective). These findings contribute to understanding deficits in support and pathways to suicidality after suicide bereavement. Such disrupted attachments add to the burden of grief and could be addressed by public education on how to support those bereaved by suicide.

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Financial Costs and Burden Related to Decisions for Breast Cancer Surgery

Journal of Oncology Practice ◽

10.1200/jop.18.00796 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (8) ◽

pp. e666-e676 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Rachel A. Greenup ◽

Christel Rushing ◽

Laura Fish ◽

Brittany M. Campbell ◽

Lisa Tolnitch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Financial Burden ◽

Breast Conserving Surgery ◽

Treatment Costs ◽

Cancer Surgery ◽

Breast Cancer Surgery ◽

Bilateral Mastectomy ◽

Financial Costs ◽

The Impact

PURPOSE: Financial toxicity is a well-recognized adverse effect of cancer care, yet little is known about how women consider treatment costs when facing preference-sensitive decisions for breast cancer surgery or how surgical treatment choice affects financial harm. We sought to determine how financial costs and burden relate to decisions for breast cancer surgery. METHODS: Women (≥ 18 years old) with a history of breast cancer were recruited from the Army of Women and Sisters Network to complete an 88-item electronic survey. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to evaluate the impact of costs on surgical decisions and financial harm after breast cancer surgery. RESULTS: A total of 607 women with stage 0 to III breast cancer were included. Most were white (90%), were insured privately (70%) or by Medicare (25%), were college educated (78%), and reported household incomes of more than $74,000 (56%). Forty-three percent underwent breast-conserving surgery, 25% underwent mastectomy, 32% underwent bilateral mastectomy, and 36% underwent breast reconstruction. Twenty-eight percent reported that costs of treatment influenced their surgical decisions, and at incomes of $45,000 per year, costs were prioritized over breast preservation or appearance. Overall, 35% reported financial burden as a result of their cancer treatment, and 78% never discussed costs with their cancer team. When compared with breast-conserving surgery, bilateral mastectomy with or without reconstruction was significantly associated with higher incurred debt, significant to catastrophic financial burden, treatment-related financial hardship, and altered employment. Among the highest incomes, 65% of women were fiscally unprepared, reporting higher-than-expected (26%) treatment costs. CONCLUSION: Cancer treatment costs influenced decisions for breast cancer surgery, and comparably effective surgical treatments differed significantly in their risk of patient-reported financial burden, debt, and impact on employment. Cost transparency may inform preference-sensitive surgical decisions and improve patient-centered care.

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