Psycho-oncology
-
This longitudinal study examines the extent to which global meaning, existential distress in terms of demoralization, and depression are predicted by tumor stage (UICC stages 0-II vs III/IV), palliative treatment, and physical problems in cancer patients. ⋯ Results indicate a risk of existential distress in cancer patients across all disease stages, possibly due to confrontation with, albeit different, existential stressors throughout the illness. The general protective effect of global meaning against distress, independent of the number of physical problems, underscores the notion of existential concerns being relevant to cancer patients more generally, rather than just to a subgroup. However, physical problems might play a central role in the process of becoming demoralized through impairing the sense of mastery and competence. Findings finally strengthen the difference between the concepts of demoralization and global meaning.
-
To identify risk factors for adverse psychological outcomes among adult siblings of long-term survivors of childhood cancer. ⋯ These findings suggest that siblings of long-term childhood cancer survivors are psychologically healthy in general. There are, however, small subgroups of siblings at risk for long-term psychological impairment who may benefit from preventive risk-reduction strategies during childhood while their sibling with cancer is undergoing treatment.
-
The aim of this review is to stress the importance of cognitive dysfunction in cancer survivors, and to discuss the way of assessing and managing these troubles in clinical practice. ⋯ Cognitive dysfunction induced by cancer or the treatment represents a real challenge in clinical practice. Based on limited published data, few clinical recommendations can be made regarding prevention, evaluation and management of this trouble. Longitudinal studies must be conducted to evaluate its real impact on quality of life.
-
There is no instrument available in Chinese for assessing psychosocial needs. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Supportive Care Needs Survey short form (SCNS-SF34-C) in Chinese women with breast cancer (BC). ⋯ The Chinese version of the Supportive Care Needs Survey has suitable factor structure and psychometric properties for use in assessing psychosocial needs among Chinese women with BC. Further validation is needed for other cancer types.
-
Coping with the physical and mental side effects of diagnosis and treatment for advanced prostate cancer (APC) is a challenge for both survivors and their spousal caregivers. There is a gap in our current understanding of the dyadic adjustment process on marital satisfaction in this population. The current study sought to: (1) document levels of physical and mental health, and marital satisfaction, and (2) evaluate the relationship between physical and mental health with marital satisfaction in this understudied population. ⋯ Levels of mental health and marital satisfaction were comparable to community-based and prostate cancer samples, while physical health was higher. Marital satisfaction between APC survivors and their spousal caregivers may be influenced by both physical and mental health functioning. In particular, APC survivor functioning may affect his marital satisfaction as well as his spousal caregiver's. This has implications for psychosocial interventions for APC dyads. Further evaluation of the complex nature of survivor/caregiver dyadic adjustment in dealing with APC is necessary.