European journal of cancer care
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Sep 2004
The association of cigarette smoking and anxiety, depression and fears of recurrence in patients following treatment of oral and oropharyngeal malignancy.
Psychological factors, including distress and fears of recurrence, may be implicated in explaining why head and neck oncology patients continue or refrain from smoking. The aim was to determine the role of psychological factors in understanding smoking behaviour in a consecutive group of cancer patients attending a Regional Maxillofacial Unit over an assessment period of 12 months. A consecutive sample (n = 87) was assessed at 3, 7, 11 and 15 months following initial treatment. ⋯ Previous duration of tobacco consumption prior to illness predicted psychological distress in abstainers (standardized coefficient = 0.29, n = 30, P < 0.036). In conclusion, past and current smoking behaviour is associated with psychological distress in patients with oral and oropharyngeal malignancy in their first 15 months of recovery following initial treatment. This behaviour successfully identified a psychologically at-risk group.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Sep 2004
Barriers to effective cancer pain management: a survey of Australian family caregivers.
Cancer pain continues to be an important focus of health research and intervention development. The continuing shift of cancer care to the community increases the family caregiver's role in pain management and highlights the need to understand family experiences and also family barriers to effective pain management. ⋯ Caregivers demonstrated similar levels of concern about side-effects or whether the presence of pain indicated disease progression. These findings support research in other populations and are further evidence of the need to include family caregivers, along with patients, in intervention studies aimed at reducing the impact of these barriers on effective pain management.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Sep 2004
How can experiences of patients and carers influence the clinical care of large bowel cancer?
A qualitative project was designed to investigate the care of large bowel cancer from patients' and carers' perspectives using semi-structured interviews; tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed; to identify recurrent themes. Forty-nine patients treated surgically for bowel cancer from three hospital trusts in West Surrey were visited at home, and eight of their carers attended a focus group from a choice of three geographical locations. Five main themes identified: experience of symptoms; general practitioner (GP) management; impact of diagnosis; perceptions of clinical care and treatment; information needs. ⋯ The public needs more accessible information about the symptoms and signs of bowel cancer. Referral to multiprofessional bowel cancer teams is essential to provide appropriate support and clear information from the time of diagnosis throughout the care pathway. Recommended strategies for improving clinical care are outlined.