Psycho-oncology
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Anxiety and depression (distress) over the first year following the initial adjuvant therapy for advanced breast cancer (ABC) remain poorly documented in non-Caucasian populations. This study describes trajectories of distress and their determinants in Chinese women with ABC. ⋯ Most women with ABC did not experience psychological distress over 12 months following diagnosis of ABC. Preventive interventions should focus on women at risk of high persistent distress and reducing rumination, providing emotional support, and managing physical symptoms.
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Decisions about adjuvant chemotherapy in older women with early stage breast cancer (EBC) are often challenging. Uncertainty about benefits due to limited data about treatment efficacy and outcomes complicates decision making. This qualitative study explored older patients' experiences and preferences towards information giving and ultimate decisions about adjuvant chemotherapy. ⋯ Older women with EBC preferred to be involved in clinical decision making. Clinician recommendation plays a significant role in either accepting or declining chemotherapy. Well-informed decision making and effective communication between clinicians, older women and their family members are therefore important.
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Review Meta Analysis
The psychological experience of living with head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-synthesis.
To summarise patients' experiences of head and neck cancer (HNC) by examining the findings of existing qualitative studies ⋯ This review supports further specific research into these emerging themes and provides a context for future work, informing interventions to improve patients' experiences.
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The course of caregivers' depressive symptoms may not be homogenous. This study identified trajectories of depressive symptoms among caregivers providing end-of-life care to cancer patients and profiled the unique characteristics of caregivers within each trajectory. ⋯ Caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients follow distinct depressive-symptom trajectories while providing end-of-life care.
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Assessment and treatment of psychological distress in cancer patients was recognized as a major challenge. The role of spouses, caregivers, and significant others became of salient importance not only because of their supportive functions but also in respect to their own burden. The purpose of this study was to assess the amount of distress in a mixed sample of cancer patients and their partners and to explore the dyadic interdependence. ⋯ Our findings provide empirical support for gender-specific transmission of distress in dyads coping with cancer. This should be considered as an important starting point for planning systemic psycho-oncological interventions and conceptualizing further research.