• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제16권2호
• /
• pp.641-646
• /
• 2015

Breast cancer (BC) is potentially a traumatic stressor which may be associated with negative outcomes, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or positive changes, such as post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study aims to identify the core issues of BC related PTSD, PTG and psychological distress by interrogating the literature in BC survivors. We have also highlighted issues related to the assessment, diagnosis and clinical management of PTSD and PTG. The authors systematically reviewed studies published from 1985 to 2014 pertaining to PTSD, psychological distress and PTG in BC survivors with particular attention paid to incidence rates and causative factors. Multiple studies intimated that women with BC have evidence of PTSD at the initial stages of diagnosis, whereas PTG develops once patients undergo treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of PTSD/PTG is paramount from literature review but the previously mentioned relationship between PTSD and PTG in BC patients could not be verified. It is evident from the literature that a small percentage of BC patients experience PTSD, while the majority experience PTG after BC diagnosis and treatment. Future research should include prospective studies focusing on high-risk patients, causative factors and the development of psychological interventions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제17권3호
• /
• pp.1313-1323
• /
• 2016

To study the full health effects of parental radiation exposure on the children of the atomic bomb survivors, the Radiation Effects Research Foundation developed a cohort of 76,814 children born to atomic bomb survivors (F1 generation) to assess cancer incidence and mortality from common adult diseases. In analyzing radiation-associated health information, it is important to be able to adjust for sociodemographic and lifestyle variations that may affect health. In order to gain this and other background information on the F1 cohort and to determine willingness to participate in a related clinical study, the F1 Mail Survey Questionnaire was designed with questions corresponding to relevant health, sociodemographic, and lifestyle indicators. Between the years 2000 and 2006, the survey was sent to a subset of the F1 Mortality Cohort. A total of 16,183 surveys were completed and returned: 10,980 surveys from Hiroshima residents and 5,203 from Nagasaki residents. The response rate was 65.6%, varying somewhat across parental exposure category, city, gender, and year of birth. Differences in health and lifestyle were noted in several variables on comparison across city and gender. No major differences in health, lifestyle, sociodemographics, or disease were seen across parental exposure categories, though statistically significant tests for heterogeneity and linear trend revealed some possible changes with dose. The data described herein provide a foundation for studies in the future.

• Child Health Nursing Research
• /
• 제29권2호
• /
• pp.111-127
• /
• 2023

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of healthy lifestyle interventions (HLSIs) on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACS). Methods: Major databases were searched for English-language original articles published between January 1, 2000 and May 2, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were included. Quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Nineteen studies were included. Significant effects on HR-QoL were found for interventions using a multi-modal approach (exercise and education) (d=-0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]=-0.84 to -0.07, p=.02), lasting not less than 6 months (d=-0.72; 95% CI=-1.15 to -0.29, p=.0010), and using a group approach (d=-0.46; 95% CI=-0.85 to -0.06, p=.02). Self-efficacy showed significant effects when HLSIs provided health education only (d=-0.55; 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.18; p=.003), lasted for less than 6 months (d=-0.40; 95% CI=-0.69 to -0.11, p=.006), and were conducted individually (d=-0.55; 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.18, p=.003). The physical outcomes (physical activity, fatigue, exercise capacity-VO₂, exercise capacity-upper body, body mass index) revealed no statistical significance. Conclusion: Areas of HLSIs for CACS requiring further study were identified, and needs and directions of research for holistic health management were suggested.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• 제14권4호
• /
• pp.218-226
• /
• 2011

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the public attitude toward the development of national health program for cancer survivorship. Based on the results of this survey suggest the necessity of national health program for cancer survivorship. Methods: We surveyed 1,015 adults who were over 20 years of age from the sixteen cities and local districts of Korea. We conducted a telephone survey with a structured questionnaire on the post-treatment care at the nation and on the permission as the handicapped for cancer. Results: Fifty-six percent of respondents answered that post-treatment program at the national level is very necessary and twenty-seven percent replied that it is necessary. Respondents emphasized 'Expanding insurance coverage for post-treatment care' (29.8%) and 'Systematic education and rehabilitation programs after treatment' (25.6%). This study found that a lower educational level [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04~1.77], earning under 300 per month [aOR=1.36; 95% CI=1.04~1.77], being married (60.2%) [aOR=1.79; 95% CI=1.34~2.37] and thought higher level of cancer treatment in Korea than the advanced (64.4%) [aOR=1.56; 95% CI=1.15~2.12] influenced the positive attitude toward a national health program. Sixty-eight percent of respondents answered 'Strongly agree' or 'agree' to permission for cancer survivors as the handicapped. People who have been married (72.4%) [aOR=1.89; 95% CI=1.41~2.53] and who have had a lower educational level [aOR=1.35; 95% CI=1.03~1.78] responded that they agree more to permission for cancer survivors as the handicapped. Conclusion: This study shows the positive public attitude of the public toward the national health program for the cancer survivors.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• 제25권2호
• /
• pp.136-144
• /
• 2017

Objectives : Cognitive complaints are reported frequently after breast cancer treatments. The causes of cognitive decline are multifactorial, a result of the effect of cancer itself, chemotherapy, and psychological factors such as depression and anxiety. However, cognitive decline does not always correlate with neuropsychological test performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of subjective cognitive decline with objective measurement and to explore associated factors of cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. Methods : We included 29 breast cancer survivors who complain cognitive decline at least 6 months after treatment and 20 age-matched healthy controls. Neuropsychological tests were performed in all participants. Multivariable regression analysis evaluated associations between neuropsychological test scores and psychological distress including depression and anxiety, also considering age, education, and comorbidity. Results : There were no statistically significant differences in neuropsychological test performances. However, the breast cancer survivors showed a significantly higher depression(p=0.002) and anxiety(p<0.001) than the healthy controls did. Among the cancer survivors, poorer executive function was strongly associated with higher depression(${\beta}=-0.336$, p=0.001) and anxiety(${\beta}=-0.273$, p=0.009), after controlling for age, education, and comorbidity. In addition, poorer attention was also significantly related with depression(${\beta}=-0.375$, p=0.023) and anxiety (${\beta}=-0.404$, p=0.013). Conclusions : The results of this study showed the discrepancies between subjective complaints and objective measures of cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. It suggests that subjective cognitive decline could be indicators of psychological distress such as depression and anxiety.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제17권10호
• /
• pp.4553-4553
• /
• 2016

• Asian Oncology Nursing
• /
• 제1권2호
• /
• pp.180-190
• /
• 2001

The purpose of this study is to compare the sexual behaviors of breast cancer survivors (BCS) with women without breast cancer (WWBC) and provide basic data to develop education program for patients before surgery. The study sample included 215 subjects: 140 women without breast cancer and 75 women diagnosed at least six months previously with breast cancer. Data were collected using the Wilmoth's Sexual behaviors Questionnaire-F that consisted of 50 items measuring sexually: communication, sexual techniques, sexual responses, body scare, self-touch, relationship quality, and masturbation. All items were scored on a 6-Likert scale with high scores reflecting high levels of the specific sexual behaviors. The reliability of this instrument was .91(Cronbach‘s alpha). Data were collected during the period from September 1 to September 30, 2001. The collected data were analyzed using t-test, Chi-square, ANCOVA with SPSSwin program. The scores of a sample of WWBC were compared to those of BCS and the scores of BCS were compared by type of surgery and period since surgery. The results were as follows: 1. No differences in sexual behaviors were found between BCS and WWBC, but, differences were found in communication, sexual technique, and relationship quality depending on the period since surgery. 2. Mean Score of BCS' communication in sexual behaviors was significantly lower than that of the WWBC. 3. Sexual behaviors scores of BCS with Menopause, lumpectomy, long duration since surgery showed significantly higher than that of the others. In conclusions, BCS returned to the normal sexual behaviors according to period since surgery. The program of the sexual counseling for patients before surgery should consider this result in the future.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제13권5호
• /
• pp.1841-1844
• /
• 2012

Background: The majority of patients with pancreatic cancer present with advanced disease. Systemic chemotherapy has limited impact on overall survival (OS) so that eligible patients should be selected carefully. The aim of this study was to analyze prognostic factors for survival in Turkish advanced pancreatic cancer patients who survived more than one year from the diagnosis of recurrent and/or metastatic disease and receiving gemcitabine (Gem) alone or gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GemCis). Methods: This retrospective evaluation was performed for patients who survived more than one year from the diagnosis of recurrent and/or metastatic disease and who received gemcitabine between December 2005 and August 2011. Twenty-seven potential prognostic variables were chosen for univariate and multivariate analyses to identify prognostic factors associated with survival. Results: Among the 27 variables in univariate analysis, three were identified to have prognostic significance: sex (p = 0.04), peritoneal dissemination (p =0.02) and serum creatinine level (p=0.05). Multivariate analysis by Cox proportional hazard model showed only peritoneal dissemination to be an independent prognostic factor for survival. Conclusion: In conclusion, peritoneal metastasis was identified as an important prognostic factor in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients who survived more than one year from the diagnosis of recurrent and/or metastatic disease and receiving Gem or GemCis. The findings should facilitate pretreatment prediction of survival and can be used for selecting patients for treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
• /
• 제9권1호
• /
• pp.5-14
• /
• 2006

Purpose: This research was conducted to explore the relationship between spiritual well being and life attitude among breast cancer patients who were operated, and to increase understanding for wholistic nursing care. Method: With spiritual well being from quality of life questionnaire in breast cancer survivors (QOL-BR 23) of Ferrell et al (1998) and Life attitude profile (LAP) of Recker & Peacock (1981), the data were collected by research assistant in a sample of 56 women with stage 1-stage 3 breast cancer at surgery OPD after follow-up care. Result: Mean spiritual wellbeing score of subject was 5.83 (0-10) and life attitude was 4.96 (1-7). There were significant differences in life attitude according to monthly income (F=3.22, p=.03), and in spiritual wellbeing according to monthly income (F=4.16, p=.01) and religion (t=-3.67, p=.001) among demographic characteristics. There was significant difference in spiritual wellbeing according to the period passed after operation (F=2.89, p=.04) among disease characteristics. From life attitude domain, the mean score of "will to meaning" was the highest (5.30) and "existential vacuum" was the lowest (4.58). There was a significant relationship between spiritual wellbeing and "will to meaning" subscale of life attitude (r=.521, p=.000). The correlation coefficient showed r= .513 between spiritual well being and life attitude. Conclusion: Nurses could promote positive life attitude for breast cancer patients by improving spiritual well being with the encouragement of having religion expecially for long term breast cancer survivors in the process of their rehabilitation.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• 제34권6호
• /
• pp.1069-1080
• /
• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a socioculturally-appropriate psychosocial intervention program for Korean patients with breast cancer and test its effects on stress, anxiety, depression, and coping strategies. Methods: One group pretest and posttest design was used to test the effects of the intervention. A post-intervention interview was conducted to refine the nature of the intervention. A convenience sample of 10 breast cancer survivors was recruited from the outpatients clinics. Psychosocial intervention was developed to provide the health education, stress management, coping skill training and support weekly(90min) for 6 weeks. Results: There was a significant decrease in stress scores following the intervention(Z= -2.388, p=0.017). However, no significant changes were noted in the use of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies, nor in the changes of anxiety and depression levels. Content analysis of interview data revealed six clusters; changes in perception, changes in problem solving approaches, changes in anger management, changes in life pattern, social support and reduction of perceived stress. Conclusions: Based on quantitative and qualitative data, we recommend the refinements of the intervention in the following areas for future studies: 1) duration, activities, and progression of psychosocial intervention; 2) research design and sample size; and 3) measurements.