scholarly journals The development of a lifestyle modification mobile application, “Health for You” for overweight and obese breast cancer survivors in Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-255
Author(s):  
Su-Jin Seo ◽  
Ju-Hee Nho ◽  
Youngsam Park

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a lifestyle modification (LSM) mobile application based on the Android operating system for overweight and obese breast cancer survivors (BCS) in Korea and evaluate its usability.Methods: The content analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the LSM intervention mobile application for overweight and obese BCS was conducted by identifying survivors’ needs, searching the literature, and reviewing existing mobile applications. The survey was conducted from June 1 to December 28, 2020 at Jeonju city, Korea.Results: The mobile application for BCS included dietary and exercise information, weight logs, as well as distress and daily achievement check. It also included information and videos on the prevention of breast cancer recurrence and used a communication bulletin board. Expert and user usability evaluation of its content and functions confirmed that it was appropriate and satisfactory for overweight and obese BCS.Conclusion: This LSM mobile application developed for overweight and obese BCS was found to be appropriate for use. It can be applied for further study of effectiveness on improving their health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, to ultimately improve quality of life.

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Shepler ◽  
Elizabeth Cottingham ◽  
Patrick Stutz ◽  
Shelley Johns

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) takes an emotional toll on cancer survivors and significantly undermines quality of life following treatment. During a randomized controlled trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for post-treatment breast cancer survivors with clinically significant FCR, we conducted qualitative interviews to glean a deeper understanding of the impact of ACT on survivors’ coping with FCR.  Methods: Breast cancer survivors (stage I-III) who had completed a 6-week ACT intervention were invited to share their experiences in semi-structured qualitative interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using a deductive approach. Participants received a $25 gift card for their time. Participants (n=16) were primarily White (81.3%) and college educated (68.8%), with a mean age of 57.3 (SD=11.1) and 75% had an income over $50,000.    Results: Prior to the study, survivors generally coped with FCR by denying their FCR or by attempting to control their fears through faith, lifestyle management, avoidance, and positivity. Survivors uniformly noted the sense of community they felt in their ACT group when listening to other survivors describe their own struggle with FCR. This common bond created a foundation that allowed survivors to embrace the ACT intervention and develop adaptive coping skills related to acceptance, present-moment awareness, and living consistently with one’s values. Survivors noted that these skills reduced the negative impact of FCR and other life challenges and improved quality of life compared to pre-study coping techniques.  Conclusion and Potential Impact: By building trust with other cancer survivors, participants were able to shift from attempts to ‘control’ FCR to a more ‘accepting’ approach to manage FCR and other life stressors. While research with a larger group of participants is needed, initial findings indicate that ACT may be a promising addition to care for cancer survivors. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Rey ◽  
R Touzani ◽  
A Monet ◽  
M K Bendiane ◽  
A D Bouhnik ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cancer recurrence and poor quality of life are major challenges of the growing population of breast cancer (BC) survivors. International guidelines encourage survivors to engage in regular physical activity (PA) and to maintain a healthy body weight (BW), as both have a proven benefit on survival. Our aims were (1) to describe PA and BW 5 years after a BC diagnosis and (2) to define the predictors of long-term engagement in healthy lifestyle, in a representative sample of French survivors. Methods The French National VICAN surveys were implemented in 2012 and 2015 among cancer survivors. This analysis focused on 723 women with BC, without progression at 5 years, and who participated in both surveys. The questionnaires dealt with several topics including socioeconomic status, treatments and side effects, psychometric scales and lifestyle habits. Results Five years after diagnosis, 26% of women reported regular PA, 61% occasional PA and 14% no PA. Moreover, 27% reported a weight gain ≥5kg, and 10% a weight loss ≥5kg. Half of the women had decreased or stopped PA since diagnosis. In logistic regression, long-term regular PA was associated with better mental quality of life (aOR=1.04; 1.01-1.07), no depression (aOR=3.42; 1.21-9.65), higher Post Traumatic Growth Inventory score (aOR=1.02; 1.01-1.04), normal arm mobility (aOR=3.7; 1.6-8.4) and healthy and stable BW since diagnosis (aOR=4.47; 1.61-12.37). Weight gain ≥5kg was associated with younger age (aOR=0.96; 0.93-0.99), higher BW at diagnosis (aOR=1.02; 1.01-1.04), and lymphedema 5 years after diagnosis (aOR=1.69; 1.02-2.83). Conclusions For BC survivors, mental well-being is essential for successful long-term investment in healthy habits. More psychological and dietary support, and a better management of sequelae are needed in this population. Key messages For breast cancer survivors, mental well-being is essential for successful long-term investment in healthy habits. More psychological and dietary support, and better sequelae management are needed to help breast cancer survivors to persist in healthy lifestyle.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Thöne ◽  
N Obi ◽  
A Jung ◽  
M Schmidt ◽  
J Chang-Claude ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Yohei Sasaki ◽  
Mina Honyashiki ◽  
Takayuki Kinoshita ◽  
Akira Matsui ◽  
Ayako Nakashoji ◽  
...  

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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