Psycho-oncology
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We investigated the psychological functioning of parents of children suffering from pediatric cancer using a prospective design over a five-year time period. Parents of children diagnosed with cancer participated at diagnosis (T1), six months (T2), twelve months (T3), and five years later (T4, n = 115). Repeated measures ANOVAs were calculated for the three measures of psychological distress (GHQ, SCL-90 and STAI-S) to examine changes over time and gender differences. ⋯ Psychological functioning at T1 was significantly related to functioning at T4. These results support the conclusion that although parental distress decreases with time, a significant number of parents still suffer from clinical distress after five years. Parents of relapsed children are at risk for long-term psychological problems as are those with higher levels of psychosomatic complaints at diagnosis.
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As a result of advances in the treatment of childhood cancer many patients who may previously have had a limited life expectancy, are now surviving into adulthood. More insight is needed into the long-term adjustment of young adult survivors of childhood cancer. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and (2) to explore the role of cognitive coping in relation to HRQoL. ⋯ Because current coping seemed to be an important predictor of HRQoL, interventions directed at the coping strategies of survivors should be useful. The strong association between predictive coping and HRQoL stresses the importance of focusing at having positive expectations about the further course of the disease.
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The aim of this paper is to summarise and critically evaluate the evidence available from controlled clinical trials regarding the use of guided imagery as a sole adjuvant therapy for cancer patients. ⋯ Guided imagery, as a sole adjuvant cancer therapy may be psycho-supportive and increase comfort. There is no compelling evidence to suggest positive effects on physical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The data seem sufficiently encouraging for the use of guided imagery as an adjuvant cancer therapy to merit further research.
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to identify factors influencing Chinese women's choices between breast-conserving therapy (BCT), mastectomy (MRM) or MRM followed by breast reconstruction (MRM+R). ⋯ survival concerns rather than physical appearance, age and lack of recommendation push Chinese women to choose MRM as BCT is, incorrectly often seen as less efficacious. Recommending BCT increases BCT choice.
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There has been considerable research on the prevalence and demographic profile of cancer patients who opt to supplement conventional therapies with the use of complementary therapy. There is rather less information on the personality and adjustment variables associated with the decision to use complementary therapy. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between the use of complementary therapies by cancer patients and their mental adjustment to cancer, recovery locus of control, life orientation and psychopathology. ⋯ The findings of this study do not support the argument that the use of complementary therapy is associated with higher levels of psychopathology and distress. However, the data do indicate that for some patients the use of complementary therapy fulfils an important psychological need. The finding that psychosocial variables like fighting spirit and locus of control may impact on an individual's therapeutic choice can assist clinicians in tailoring interventions to personality and adjustment characteristics.