Psycho-oncology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Web-based self-monitoring for weight loss among overweight/obese women at increased risk for breast cancer: the HELP pilot study.
Excess weight and physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Training women to use self-help resources over the internet has potential for reducing intervention costs and enhancing maintenance. ⋯ A program to train women to use web-based weight loss tools achieved a substantial short-term weight loss among the majority of participants. Further follow-up is needed to assess weight loss maintenance over time.
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The aim of the study was to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer up to 18 months after radiotherapy. ⋯ The rates of depression in head and neck cancer patients increase following cancer treatment and are related to tumour/treatment-related physical symptoms. Anxiety levels are higher pre-treatment, lower immediately following cancer treatment but rise to near pre-treatment levels more than a year after completion of cancer treatment.
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Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) have been identified as a meaningful indicator of distress in cancer survivors. Distinct from young adult survivors of childhood cancer, young people diagnosed with cancer as adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face unique psychosocial issues; however, there is little published research of PTSS in the AYA population. This study examines prevalence and predictors of PTSS among AYAs with cancer. ⋯ Post-traumatic stress symptoms were observed as early as 6 months following diagnosis and remained stable at 12-month follow-up. The development of early interventions for reducing distress among AYA patients in treatment is recommended.
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Levels of distress in breast cancer survivors approaching discharge from routine hospital follow-up.
Hospital-based breast cancer follow-up provides reassurance to patients despite limited evidence for clinical efficacy. Although alternative models of hospital/community-based follow-up have yielded encouraging results, traditional hospital follow-up continues to be offered to all patients. Survival rates continue to rise; consequently, more patients are likely to require support, as many have a limited understanding of the long-term physical and emotional consequences of cancer and its treatment. We examine levels of psychological distress in breast cancer patients in follow-up 2 years or more from diagnosis. ⋯ Breast cancer survivors reported good psychological outcomes 2 years on from diagnosis. Screening for psychological/emotional distress is a vital part of follow-up care, which should be incorporated into UK policy.
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The aim of the study was to investigate the adequacy of help delivered by the healthcare system for 12 symptoms/problems in a national, randomly selected sample of advanced cancer patients in Denmark. ⋯ Advanced cancer patients are not receiving the help they need. Large proportions of patients were burdened by symptoms/problems. Of those who had received help, many viewed it as inadequate. Better symptom/problem identification and management is warranted for advanced cancer patients.