Cancer resources

Based on the study of each individual case and their aggregate, on the desire to note and assess the observed symptoms and applying an individual approach to the development of this topic, we hoped to get at least a few valuable touches and move further from the dead center very many questions of the unresolved problem. Hence, their schemes for study proposed by many authors will become clear; but often a kind of clinical picture does not fit into a ready-made framework; it is necessary with a greater degree of certainty, in accordance with their experience and the prevailing conditions of work, to create still new ones others. A collective study of all the available material on cancer and will create an accurate and informed judgment for the further fight against it. The foregoing served as an incentive to study 203 inpatiently conducted cases of cancer (3.4%) out of 6000 of all surgical patients who passed from 1923 to 1917 inclusive.

Coping during COVID-19: a mixed methods study of older cancer survivors

Purpose Older cancer survivors are among the most vulnerable to the negative effects of COVID-19 and may need specific survivorship supports that are unavailable/restricted during the pandemic. The objective of this study was to explore how older adults (≥ 60 years) who were recently (≤ 12 months) discharged from the care of their cancer team were coping during the pandemic. Methods We used a convergent mixed method design (QUAL+quan). Quantitative data were collected using the Brief-COPE questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected using telephone interviews to explore experiences and strategies for coping with cancer-related concerns. Results The mean sample age (n = 30) was 72.1 years (SD 5.8, range 63–83) of whom 57% identified as female. Participants’ Brief-COPE responses indicated that they commonly used acceptance (n = 29, 96.7%), self-distraction (n = 28, 93.3%), and taking action (n = 28, 93.3%) coping strategies. Through our descriptive thematic analysis, we identified three themes: (1) drawing on lived experiences, (2) redeploying coping strategies, and (3) complications of cancer survivorship in a pandemic. Participants’ coping strategies were rooted in experiences with cancer, other illnesses, life, and work. Using these strategies during the pandemic was not new—they were redeployed and repurposed—although using them during the pandemic was sometimes complicated. These data were converged to maximize interpretation of the findings. Conclusions Study findings may inform the development or enhancement of cancer and non-cancer resources to support coping, particularly using remote delivery methods within and beyond the pandemic. Clinicians can engage a strengths-based approach to support older cancer survivors as they draw from their experiences, which contain a repository of potential coping skills.

A fountain of knowledge? The quality of online resources for testicular cancer patients

Introduction: Testicular cancer is the most common solid malignancy diagnosed in young men aged 15–29. This population is also the age group that searches most actively for health information online. This study systematically evaluates the quality of websites available to patients with testicular cancer. Methods: The term “testicular cancer” was inputted into the search engines Google, Dogpile, and Yippy. The top 100 websites intended for patient education were compiled. A validated structural rating tool was used to evaluate the websites with respect to attribution, currency, disclosure, interactivity, readability, and content. Results: Less than half of the websites (44) disclosed authorship. Sixty-one websites provided a last modified date, and of those, 46 were updated in the last two years. The average readability level was 11.01 using the Flesh Kincaid grade level system. The most accurate topic was treatment, with 82 websites being completely accurate and containing all required information. The least accurate topic was prognosis, with 27 being completely accurate. Conclusions: These results show that authorship and currency are lacking in many online testicular resources, making it difficult for patients to validate the reliability of information. The high average readability of testicular cancer websites can affect comprehension. Topics such as prognosis were incompletely covered although represent an area for which patients often seek more information. These results can be used to counsel patients on the strength and weaknesses of online testicular cancer resources.