Psycho-oncology
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The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate psychological well-being outcomes in disease-free survivors who previously underwent radical surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma. ⋯ Patients who have survived cancer are likely to re-evaluate the importance of everyday events and this may explain why they had better PGWBI scores. This study also identified that a short time from diagnosis, early adverse events and bowel dysfunction had a negative impact on patients' well being.
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The objective of this study was to examine women's experiences with oral and intravenous (i.v.) bisphosphonate therapy, the impact that treatment had on bone pain and Quality of Life (QoL), and their preferences if choice were available between oral and i.v. administration. ⋯ Both oral and i.v. therapies have disadvantages but were acceptable to most patients some of whom had reduced bone pain over time. More data regarding acceptability, adherence, and patients' preference for bisphosphonate therapies are required. Until randomised trials demonstrate superior efficacy for one mode of bisphosphonate therapy over another, we suggest offering patients a choice of bisphosphonate therapy.
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There is evidence that cancer generates existential and spiritual concerns for both survivors and caregivers, and that the survivor's spiritual well-being (SWB) is related to his/her own quality of life (QOL). Yet the degree to which the SWB of each member of the couple has an independent association with the partner's QOL is unknown. Thus, this study examined individual and dyadic associations of SWB with the QOL of couples dealing with cancer. ⋯ Results suggest that the ability to find meaning and peace may be an important part of overall well-being during the cancer experience for both survivors and caregivers. Interventions designed to assist survivors and caregivers to enhance their ability to find meaning and peace in the cancer experience may help them improve mental health of their own and the physical health of partners when they are dealing with cancer beyond the initial phase of the illness trajectory.
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Comparative Study
The HADS and the DT for screening psychosocial distress of cancer patients in Taiwan.
This study assesses the sensitivity and specificity of Mandarin versions of two psychosocial screening tools for adjustment, anxiety and depressive disorders: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Distress Thermometer (DT). ⋯ The Mandarin versions of the HADS and the DT are efficacious for screening anxiety and depression for our population. Compared with the HADS-t, the DT appears to have not only higher sensitivity, but also higher specificity.
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The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of cancer pain in American Indians (AI) from the Northern Plains region of the United States. ⋯ This study suggests that there is very little difference between AI and other cultural groups regarding cancer pain in the description of pain, patterns, and types of pain management. However, this study identified notable differences in the high degree of isolation reported by AI, their desire to endure pain with stoicism, their intense desire to protect their privacy, and their distrust of outsiders. Findings from this study will inform future research on pain and pain interventions in AI patients with cancer.