Effect of telehealth interventions on adherence to endocrine therapy among patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of telehealth interventions on adherence to endocrine therapy among patients with breast cancer. METHODS: A systematic search of five English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the American Psychological Association PsycNet, and the Cochrane Library) and four Chinese databases (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, WanFang Data, and WeiPu Data) was performed from inception to March 31, 2023. Two investigators independently screened the available studies for eligibility and extracted relevant data. Quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The effect size was computed based on the risk ratio for dichotomous data and standardized mean difference for continuous data using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: A total of 1,780 participants from eight randomized controlled trials were included. These studies involved treatment with aromatase inhibitors only (n = 3) or aromatase inhibitors plus tamoxifen (n = 5). Telehealth interventions involved web-based interventions, telephone-based interventions, interventions via mobile applications, and interventions based on technology. In three studies, subjective measures were used, while objective measures were utilized in another three. Two studies incorporated a combination of both subjective and objective measures. The duration of the interventions varied among studies, ranging from a week to 36 months. The follow-up duration ranged from 4 weeks to 36 months. The quality of included studies was moderate to high. The meta-analysis of the five studies reporting dichotomous data showed that telehealth interventions had a significant effect on adherence to endocrine therapy (RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.76-0.97). Moreover, four studies reported continuous data. The meta-analysis demonstrated that telehealth interventions significantly improved adherence to endocrine therapy at 1 month (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.10-0.90), 3 months (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.17-0.99), and 6 months (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.08-0.47) of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Telehealth interventions may facilitate adherence to endocrine therapy among patients with breast cancer. Further research should adopt a theory-based design and explore the longer-term effects.

'Tis but a scratch: a critical review of the Women's Health Initiative evidence associating menopausal hormone therapy with the risk of breast cancer.

ABSTRACT: Use of menopausal hormone therapy (HT) fell precipitously after 2002, largely as a result of the Women's Health Initiative's report claiming that the combination of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) and medroxyprogesterone acetate increased breast cancer risk and did not improve quality of life. More recently, Women's Health Initiative (WHI) publications acknowledge HT as the most effective treatment for managing menopausal vasomotor symptoms and report that CEE alone reduces the risk of breast cancer by 23% while reducing breast cancer death by 40%. Their sole remaining concern is a small increase in breast cancer incidence with CEE and medroxyprogesterone acetate (1 per 1,000 women per year) but with no increased risk of breast cancer mortality. This article closely examines evidence that calls even this claim of breast cancer risk into serious question, including the WHI's reporting of nonsignificant results as if they were meaningful, a misinterpretation of its own data, and the misleading assertion that the WHI's findings have reduced the incidence of breast cancer in the United States. A generation of women has been deprived of HT largely as a result of this widely publicized misinterpretation of the data. This article attempts to rectify this misunderstanding, with the goal of helping patients and physicians make informed joint decisions about the use of HT.

A randomized controlled trial testing a virtual program for Asian American women breast cancer survivors.

A culturally tailored virtual program could meet the survivorship needs of Asian American women breast cancer survivors (AABC). This study aims to determine the efficacy of a culturally tailored virtual information and coaching/support program (TICAA) in improving AABC's survivorship experience. A randomized clinical trial (NCT02803593) was conducted from January 2017 to June 2020 among 199 AABC. The intervention group utilized TICAA and the American Cancer Society [ACS] website while the control group used only ACS website for 12 weeks. The outcomes were measured using the SCNS-34SF (needs; primary), the MSAS-SF (symptoms; secondary), and the FACT-B (quality of life; secondary). The data were analyzed using an intent-to-treat approach. The intervention group showed significant reductions in their needs from the baseline (T0) to post 4 weeks (T1) and to post 12 weeks (T2). Although the changes were not statistically significant, the intervention group had decreased symptoms from T0 to T2 while the control group had an increase in their symptoms. The intervention group had a significant increase in their quality of life from T0 to T2. A culturally tailored virtual program could therefore improve quality of life in AABC patients. Trial Registration: To Enhance Breast Cancer Survivorship of Asian Americans (TICAA), NCT02803593, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02803593?titles=TICAA&draw=2&rank=1.

Effect of electronic health (eHealth) on quality of life in women with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Women with breast cancer and improved survival face some specific quality of life (QOL) issues. Electronic health (eHealth) is a useful tool aiming to enhance health services. However, evidence remains controversial about the effect of eHealth on QOL in women with breast cancer. Another unstudied factor is the effect on specific QOL functional domains. Therefore, we undertook a meta-analysis about whether eHealth could improve the overall and specific functional domains of QOL in women with breast cancer. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched to identify appropriate randomized clinical trials from database inception to March 23, 2022. The standard mean difference (SMD) served as the effect size and the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model was constructed for meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to different participant, intervention, and assessment scale characteristics. RESULTS: We initially identified 1954 articles excluding duplicates and ultimately included 13 of them involving 1448 patients. The meta-analysis revealed that the eHealth group had significantly higher QOL (SMD 0.27, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.13-0.40, p < 0.0001) than the usual care group. Additionally, although not statistically significant, eHealth tended to improve the physical (SMD 2.91, 95% CI -1.18 to 6.99, p = 0.16), cognitive (0.20 [-0.04, 0.43], p = 0.10), social (0.24 [-0.00, 0.49], p = 0.05), role (0.11 [0.10, 0.32], p = 0.32), and emotional (0.18 [0.08, 0.44], p = 0.18) domains of QOL. Overall, consistent benefits were observed in both the subgroup and pooled estimates. CONCLUSIONS: eHealth is superior to usual care in women with breast cancer for improved QOL. Implications for clinical practice should be discussed based on subgroup analysis results. Further confirmation is needed for the effect of different eHealth patterns on specific domains of QOL, which would help improve specific health issues of the target population.

mHealth Technology as a Help Tool during Breast Cancer Treatment: A Content Focus Group.

PURPOSE: To assess the usability and preferences of the contents of mHealth software developed for breast cancer patients as a tool to obtain patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), improve the patient's knowledge about the disease and its side effects, increase adherence to treatment, and facilitate communication with the doctor. INTERVENTION: an mHealth tool called the Xemio app provides side effect tracking, social calendars, and a personalized and trusted disease information platform to deliver evidence-based advice and education for breast cancer patients. METHOD: A qualitative research study using semi-structured focus groups was conducted and evaluated. This involved a group interview and a cognitive walking test using Android devices, with the participation of breast cancer survivors. RESULTS: The ability to track side effects and the availability of reliable content were the main benefits of using the application. The ease of use and the method of interaction were the primary concerns; however, all participants agreed that the application would be beneficial to users. Finally, participants expressed their expectations of being informed by their healthcare providers about the launch of the Xemio app. CONCLUSION: Participants perceived the need for reliable health information and its benefits through an mHealth app. Therefore, applications for breast cancer patients must be designed with accessibility as a key consideration.

The Women's Health Initiative randomized trials of menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer: findings in context.

IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVE: The menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) association with breast cancer has been controversial for more than 40 years. Most recently, findings from cohort studies have been discordant compared with those from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized trials. In cohort studies, both estrogen therapy and estrogen plus progestin were associated with higher breast cancer incidence. In contrast, in the WHI randomized trials, findings for estrogen plus progestin are concordant with cohort study reports, whereas estrogen therapy significantly reduced breast cancer incidence. In addition, concerns have been raised regarding the WHI findings from both trials. In this report, we briefly summarize findings for MHT on breast cancer from cohort studies and the WHI randomized trials. The report focus is addressing, point-by-point, concerns raised regarding the WHI findings. METHODS: For cohort studies, we relied on the latest findings from (1) the meta-analysis of the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer and (2) the Million Women's Study. To identify commentaries and editorials, "Menopause" and "Climacteric" were searched from 2002 to present; PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for commentaries, editorials, and breast cancer, MHT, estrogen, conjugated equine estrogen, estradiol, "hormone replacement therapy," and "HRT." DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Thirty commentaries challenging WHI findings were identified. All were reviewed, and issues needing response were identified. Findings from the meta-analysis from the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer and the Million Women Study were summarized and compared with finding in the two WHI randomized trials evaluating estrogen therapy and estrogen plus progestin. Based on the randomized clinical trials, estrogen therapy, for women with prior hysterectomy, decreases breast cancer incidence and mortality. In contrast, estrogen plus progestin increases breast cancer incidence, which persists through two decades. Women considering estrogen plus progestin use for vasomotor symptoms should understand the breast cancer risk.

Telehealth multicomponent exercise and health education in breast cancer patients undergoing primary treatment: rationale and methodological protocol for a randomized clinical trial (ABRACE: Telehealth).

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines emphasize cancer patients should increase their physical activity levels, encouraging physical exercise practice as a complementary therapy to mitigate adverse effects during treatment. Telehealth can be a feasible method to improve adherence and interventional support for breast cancer patients, of which most do not meet sufficient physical activity levels after diagnosis. The Adaptations to Breast Cancer and Exercise Using Telehealth (ABRACE: Telehealth) study aims to investigate the effects of a 12-week telehealth multicomponent training program plus a health education program (MTHE), compared to a health education program alone (HE), on physical and psychological outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Women undergoing primary treatment (during or after chemotherapy) for breast cancer (stages I-III) will be randomly assigned to MTHE (twice a week) or HE (once a week). MTHE components are mobility, aerobic, balance, resistance, and flexibility home-based exercises, supervised by video call. The primary study outcome is cancer-related fatigue. The secondary outcomes are quality of life, symptoms of depression and anxiety, physical activity level, cancer-related cognitive impairment, and functional capacity. Other outcomes are adherence to interventions and a follow-up questionnaire evaluating the individual perception in motivation, lifestyle changes, and main barriers to participation. All outcomes will be remotely assessed before and after intervention. Our analysis will follow the intention-to-treat approach and per-protocol criteria, with additional sub-group analysis. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first randomized clinical trial in breast cancer patients using a face-to-face videoconference strategy to supervise physical exercise. Our hypothesis is of superiority for the effects of MTHE on primary and secondary outcomes compared to the effects of only the health education intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Adaptations to Breast Cancer and Exercise Using Telehealth (ABRACE: Telehealth), NCT04641377. Registered on 23 November 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04641377.

Como as Práticas Corporais Afetam os Aspectos Psicológicos de Mulheres Sobreviventes e em Tratamento para o Câncer de Mama? Revisão Sistemática da Literatura / How do Body Practices Affect the Psychological Aspects of Survivors Women Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer? Systematic Literature Review / ¿Cómo Inciden las Prácticas Corporales en los Aspectos Psicológicos de las Mujeres Sobrevivientes y en Tratamiento por Cáncer de Mama? Revisión Sistemática de la Literatura

Introduction: Body practices can bring physical, psychological benefits and social rehabilitation and may be an alternative treatment for breast cancer. Objective: To analyze the evidence of the results of body practices over the psychological aspects of survivors women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Method: Systematic blind and independent review from September to December 2021 following the PRISMA guidelines, carried out in the databases: Embase Elsevier; PubMed Central; ScienceDirect; Scopus Elsevier and Web of Science ­ Core Collection. Results: Of 1,372 studies identified, 22 were included in this systematic review. Among the practices that stood out are meditation and Yoga, with anxiety being the most investigated variable by the studies. It is clear that body practices are options for non-pharmacological clinical treatments utilized in clinical practice by different health professionals in women who have survived breast cancer. Conclusion: Body practices proved to be beneficial in the treatment and psychological health of women who survived breast cancer. This evidence may help to implement body practices as a therapeutic resource to be used in the clinical practice of health professionals. However, more randomized clinical trials that follow study protocols more rigorously are suggested, so that the effectiveness of this approach can be evaluated in different clinical outcomes.

Introdução: As práticas corporais podem trazer benefícios na área de reabilitação física, psicológica e social e ser uma alternativa de tratamento para o câncer de mama. Objetivo: Analisar as evidências dos resultados das práticas corporais nos aspectos psicológicos de mulheres que sobreviveram e estavam em tratamento para câncer de mama. Método: Revisão sistemática desenvolvida de forma cega e independente, de setembro a dezembro de 2021, seguindo as diretrizes PRISMA, realizada nas bases de dados: Embase Elsevier; PubMed Central; ScienceDirect; Scopus Elsevier e Web of Science ­ Core Collection. Resultados: Dos 1.372 estudos identificados, 22 foram incluídos nesta revisão sistemática. Entre as práticas que mais se destacaram, estão a meditação e a Yoga, sendo a ansiedade a variável mais investigada pelos estudos. Fica claro que as práticas corporais são opções de tratamentos clínicos não farmacológicos utilizados na prática clínica por diferentes profissionais de saúde em mulheres que sobreviveram ao câncer de mama. Conclusão: As práticas corporais mostraram-se benéficas no tratamento e na saúde psicológica de mulheres que sobreviveram ao câncer de mama. Essas evidências podem auxiliar na implementação das práticas corporais como recurso terapêutico a ser utilizado na prática clínica dos profissionais de saúde. No entanto, são sugeridos mais ensaios clínicos randomizados que sigam os protocolos de estudo com mais rigor, para que a eficácia dessa abordagem possa ser avaliada em diferentes desfechos clínicos.

Introducción: Las prácticas corporales pueden traer beneficios en el área de rehabilitación física, psicológica y social y ser una alternativa de tratamiento para el cáncer de mama. Objetivo: Analizar las evidencias de los resultados de prácticas corporales en los aspectos psicológicos de mujeres sobrevivientes y en tratamiento por cáncer de mama. Método: Revisión sistemática desarrollada de forma ciega e independiente, de septiembre a diciembre de 2021 siguiendo los lineamientos PRISMA, realizada en las bases de datos: Embase Elsevier; PubMed Central; ScienceDirect; Scopus Elsevier e Web of Science ­ Core Collection. Resultados: De 1.372 estudios identificados, 22 se incluyeron en esta revisión sistemática. Entre las prácticas que más se destacaron están la meditación y el Yoga, siendo la ansiedad la variable más investigada entre los estudios. Es claro que las prácticas corporales son opciones de tratamientos clínicos no farmacológicos, utilizados en la práctica clínica por diferentes profesionales de la salud en mujeres que han sobrevivido al cáncer de mama. Conclusión: Las prácticas corporales demostraron ser beneficiosas en el tratamiento y la salud psicológica de las mujeres que sobrevivieron al cáncer de mama. Esta evidencia puede ayudar en la implementación de las prácticas corporales como recurso terapéutico para ser utilizado en la práctica clínica de los profesionales de la salud. Sin embargo, se sugieren más ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que sigan los protocolos de estudio de manera más rigurosa, de modo que la efectividad de este enfoque pueda evaluarse en diferentes resultados clínicos

Genitourinary symptoms and quality of life of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy / Síntomas genitourinarios y calidad de vida de mujeres con cáncer de mama en quimioterapia / Sintomas geniturinários e qualidade de vida de mulheres com câncer de mama em tratamento quimioterápico

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare genitourinary symptoms and quality of life in women with breast cancer before and after chemotherapy treatment. This is a prospective and analytical study carried out with 60 women treated at a hospital in the state of Paraná. Sociodemographic data, menopausal status, climacteric symptoms, quality of life, and pelvic floor strength and resistance were collected. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, Shapiro-Wilk, Cochran, Factorial Analysis of Variance for Repeated Measures and Fishers least significance difference were used for data analysis. Participants suffered genitourinary alterations, such as reduced strength and resistance of the pelvic floor muscles, urinary incontinence and vulvovaginal atrophy, regardless of the evaluated factors (type of chemotherapy, parity, and menopausal status). Therefore, greater attention and discussion by multidisciplinary health teams is necessary, as these symptoms can be reduced and managed if recognized early.

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar los síntomas genitourinarios y la calidad de vida en mujeres con cáncer de mama antes y después del tratamiento con quimioterapia. Se trata de un estudio prospectivo y analítico realizado con 60 mujeres que recibieron atención en un hospital del estado de Paraná (Brasil). Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, estado menopáusico, síntomas climatéricos, calidad de vida y fuerza y resistencia del suelo pélvico. Se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas, pruebas t de Shapiro-Wilk y de Cochran, análisis factorial de varianza para medidas repetidas y LSD-Fisher para el análisis de datos. Las participantes sufrieron alteraciones genitourinarias, como disminución de la fuerza y resistencia de los músculos del suelo pélvico, incontinencia urinaria y atrofia vulvovaginal, independientemente de los factores evaluados (tipo de quimioterapia, paridad y estado menopáusico). Se concluye que es necesaria una mayor atención y discusión por parte de los equipos de salud multidisciplinarios, ya que estos síntomas pueden reducirse y manejarse si se reconocen a tiempo.

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar os sintomas geniturinários e a qualidade de vida de mulheres com câncer de mama antes e após o tratamento quimioterápico. Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo e analítico realizado com 60 mulheres atendidas em um hospital no estado do Paraná. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, status menopausal, sintomas do climatério, qualidade de vida e força e resistência do assoalho pélvico. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva, assim como os testes t, de Shapiro-Wilk, de Cochran, análise da variância fatorial para medidas repetidas e método LSD de Fisher para análise dos dados. As participantes sofreram alterações geniturinárias como redução de força e resistência dos músculos do assoalho pélvico, incontinência urinária e atrofia vulvovaginal independente dos fatores avaliados (tipo de quimioterapia, paridade e status menopausal). Entende-se que é necessário que haja maior atenção e discussão por parte das equipes multiprofissionais de saúde, pois esses sintomas, se reconhecidos precocemente, podem ser reduzidos e gerenciados.

A systematic review of m-health apps on managing side effects of breast cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: After breast cancer treatment, women with breast cancer may experience distress caused by treatment side effects, both in physical and psychological aspects. Technology use is increasing in favor among women. Therefore, it is essential to update the scientific evidence regarding mobile and web apps' effectiveness in managing the side effects of breast cancer treatments for breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of mobile and web apps in managing the side effects of breast cancer treatments among this group. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Published papers in English focused on mobile and web apps and the side effects of breast cancer treatment in breast cancer survivors were selected. The search reviewed studies from January 2011 to December 2021. From a total of 925 retrieved manuscripts, 11 studies were included for analysis. RESULTS: The findings showed that mobile apps were more frequently used and more likely to be an effective method for managing the side effects of breast cancer treatment among breast cancer survivors. The content in web or mobile apps for breast cancer survivors should include five categories: (1) information about cancer, (2) overview of cancer care, (3) opportunities for interaction with other people, (4) symptom management strategies, and (5) feedback about cancer treatment side effect management. However, a few studies examined the effects of a combination of mobile and web apps in managing breast cancer treatment side effects. Therefore, future research is needed to examine solo and combination use. In addition, more rigorous studies are warranted to examine these interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses may refer survivors to these resources to obtain more information and effectively manage the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and its treatment side effects.

Perspectives of older women with early breast cancer on telemedicine during post-primary treatment.

PURPOSE: Telemedicine has the potential to lessen healthcare burden of older patients due to frequent appointments, physical disabilities, and reliance on caretakers. To benefit from telemedicine, patients must have the capacity and willingness to engage with technology. This study aimed to better understand the telemedicine experiences of older women with non-metastatic breast cancer regarding visit convenience, completeness, and interpersonal satisfaction. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a convenience sample of women age 65+, post-primary treatment for stage I-III breast cancer, who had received in-person outpatient care at a cancer center in urban North Carolina before a telemedicine appointment occurring after March 2020. Patients were interviewed about their perceptions of telemedicine (telephone, video) as compared to in-person visits. Audio files of interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes and subthemes established a priori in the interview protocol. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (telephone = 5, video = 10) were consented and interviewed July-October 2021, mean age 74. Thirteen participants reported they preferred a hybrid care model that included telemedicine care over in-person care alone. COVID-19, physical disability, and transportation burden were the most common factors for telemedicine preference. Comfort with familiar face-to-face interactions and having a physical exam were common factors for in-person appointment preference. In-person appointment was favored early in the post-primary treatment phase; telemedicine was more acceptable when relationships were well-established and patients were farther out from diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-provider discussions about appointment modality should take into account newness of diagnosis, patient familiarity with the care team, travel burden, and necessity of physical exam.

Patient-Reported Experiences of Breast Cancer Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Delay, and Telemedicine Adoption during COVID-19.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and quantify potential sociodemographic disparities in breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the use of telemedicine. METHODS: We fielded a 52-item web-based questionnaire from 14 May 2020 to 1 July 2020 in partnership with several U.S.-based breast cancer advocacy groups. Individuals aged 18 or older were eligible for this study if they: (1) received routine breast cancer screening; OR (2) were undergoing diagnostic evaluation for breast cancer; OR (3) had ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. We used descriptive statistics to understand the extent of cancer care delay and telemedicine adoption and used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the association of sociodemographic factors with odds of COVID-19-related delays in care and telemedicine use. RESULTS: Of 554 eligible survey participants, 493 provided complete data on demographic and socioeconomic factors and were included in the analysis. Approximately half (n = 248, 50.3%) had a personal history of breast cancer. Overall, 188 (38.1%) participants had experienced any COVID-19-related delay in care including screening, diagnosis, or treatment, and 339 (68.8) reported having at least one virtual appointment during the study period. Compared to other insurance types, participants with Medicaid insurance were 2.58 times more likely to report a COVID-19-related delay in care (OR 2.58, 95% Cl: 1.05, 6.32; p = 0.039). Compared to participants with a household income of less than USD 50,000, those with a household income of USD 150,000 or more were 2.38 (OR 2.38, 95% Cl: 1.09, 5.17; p = 0.029) times more likely to adopt virtual appointments. Self-insured participants were 70% less likely to use virtual appointment compared to those in other insurance categories (OR 0.28, 95% Cl: 0.11, 0.73; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and accelerated the delivery of virtual care. Lower-income groups and patients with certain insurance categories such as Medicaid or self-insured could be more likely to experience care delay or less likely to use telemedicine. Careful attention must be paid to vulnerable groups to insure equity in breast cancer-related service utilization and telemedicine access during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Nurse-Led mHealth Self-Management Program (mChemotherapy) for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The global pandemic has caused breast cancer (BC) patients who are receiving chemotherapy to face more challenges in taking care of themselves than usual. A novel nurse-led mHealth program (mChemotherapy) is designed to foster self-management for this population. The aim of the pilot study is to determine the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of an mChemotherapy program for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The objective also is to evaluate the preliminary effects of this program on adherence to app usage, self-efficacy, quality of life, symptom burden, and healthcare utilization among this group of patients. METHODS: This is a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot study that includes one intervention group (mChemotherapy group) and one control group (routine care group). Ninety-four breast cancer patients who commence chemotherapy in a university-affiliated hospital will be recruited. Based on the Individual and Family Self-management Theory, this 6-week mChemotherapy program, which includes a combination of self-regulation activities and nurse-led support, will be provided. Data collection will be conducted at baseline, week 3 (T1), and week 6 (T2). A general linear model will be utilized for identifying the between-group, within-group, and interaction effects. Qualitative content analysis will be adopted to analyze, extract, and categorize the interview transcripts. DISCUSSIONS: Breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are a population that often experiences a heavy symptom burden. During the pandemic, they have had difficulties in self-managing the side effects of chemotherapy due to the lack of face-to-face professional support. An mChemotherapy program will be adopted through a self-regulation process and with the provision of nurse-led real-time professional support for these patients. If proven effective, BC patients who engage in this program will be more likely to take an active role in managing their symptoms, take responsibility for their own health, and subsequently improve their self-efficacy and adherence to the use of the app.

A Telehealth-Based Cognitive-Adaptive Training (e-OTCAT) to Prevent Cancer and Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Women with Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Many women with breast cancer experience a great number of side effects, such as cognitive impairment, during and after chemotherapy that reduces their quality of life. Currently, research focusing on the use of non-pharmacological, and specifically telehealth interventions to prevent or mitigate them has been insufficient. METHODS: This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial aimed at studying the preventive effects of a videoconferenced cognitive-adaptive training (e-OTCAT) program (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04783402). A number of 98 eligible participants will be randomized to one of the following groups: (a) the experimental group receiving the e-OTCAT program during 12 consecutive weeks since the beginning of chemotherapy; and (b) the control group receiving and educational handbook and usual care. The primary outcome will be the cognitive function. Secondary measures will be psychological distress, fatigue, sleep disturbance, quality of life and occupational performance. The time-points for these measures will be placed at baseline, after 12 weeks and six months of post-randomization. CONCLUSION: This trial may support the inclusion of multidimensional interventions through a telehealth approach in a worldwide growing population suffering from breast cancer, emphasizing the prevention of cognitive impairment as one of the side effects of cancer and its treatments.

Pilot randomized controlled trial of eHealth cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia among Spanish-speaking breast cancer survivors.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold-standard treatment for insomnia, which is common among breast cancer survivors (BCS). This pilot randomized controlled trial tested the first CBT-I intervention for Spanish-speaking BCS delivered using eHealth. Participants (N = 30) were Spanish-speaking BCS with insomnia symptoms recruited in Puerto Rico and randomized to a 6-week eHealth CBT-I group intervention or a waitlist control. Primary outcomes were acceptability (recruitment, treatment satisfaction) and feasibility (retention, attendance). Secondary outcomes were group differences in sleep outcomes post-treatment (i.e., insomnia symptoms, sleep disturbance, sleep efficiency). Recruitment (95%) and retention (97%) were excellent. All CBT-I participants (100%) attended ≥ 3 of 6 sessions. Satisfaction with CBT-I was acceptable. Post-intervention, there were medium to large group differences for average insomnia symptoms (d = 1.02), sleep disturbance (d = 1.25), and sleep efficiency (d = 0.77) favoring CBT-I. There were small/medium to medium/large group differences for the proportion of participants with clinically significant insomnia symptoms (d = 0.52), sleep disturbance (d = 0.67), and low sleep efficiency (d = 0.33) favoring CBT-I. Spanish-language eHealth CBT-I for BCS was acceptable and feasible and showed preliminary efficacy.ClinicalTrials.gov TRN: NCT04101526 (Posted September 24, 2019).

Women's health behaviour change after receiving breast cancer risk estimates with tailored screening and prevention recommendations.

BACKGROUND: The Predicting Risk of Cancer at Screening (PROCAS) study provided women who were eligible for breast cancer screening in Greater Manchester (United Kingdom) with their 10-year risk of breast cancer, i.e., low (≤1.5%), average (1.5-4.99%), moderate (5.-7.99%) or high (≥8%). The aim of this study is to explore which factors were associated with women's uptake of screening and prevention recommendations. Additionally, we evaluated women's organisational preferences regarding tailored screening. METHODS: A total of 325 women with a self-reported low (n = 60), average (n = 125), moderate (n = 80), or high (n = 60) risk completed a two-part web-based survey. The first part contained questions about personal characteristics. For the second part women were asked about uptake of early detection and preventive behaviours after breast cancer risk communication. Additional questions were posed to explore preferences regarding the organisation of risk-stratified screening and prevention. We performed exploratory univariable and multivariable regression analyses to assess which factors were associated with uptake of primary and secondary breast cancer preventive behaviours, stratified by breast cancer risk. Organisational preferences are presented using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Self-reported breast cancer risk predicted uptake of (a) supplemental screening and breast self-examination, (b) risk-reducing medication and (c) preventive lifestyle behaviours. Further predictors were (a) having a first degree relative with breast cancer, (b) higher age, and (c) higher body mass index (BMI). Women's organisational preferences for tailored screening emphasised a desire for more intensive screening for women at increased risk by further shortening the screening interval and moving the starting age forward. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer risk communication predicts the uptake of key tailored primary and secondary preventive behaviours. Effective communication of breast cancer risk information is essential to optimise the population-wide impact of tailored screening.

Percepção dos enfermeiros acerca da detecção precoce e prevenção do câncer de mama na atenção primária à saúde / Nurses' perception about early detection and prevention of breast cancer in primary health care / Percepción de las enfermeras sobre la detección temprana y la prevención del cáncer de mama en la atención primaria de salud

Introdução: Câncer de mama é uma doença de saúde pública que ainda acomete muitas mulheres no Brasil. Uma das importantes atribuições do enfermeiro na saúde da mulher é a prevenção do câncer de mama, fundamental na detecção precoce da doença. Objetivo: Identificar a percepção do enfermeiro acerca do conhecimento sobre a Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem na detecção precoce e prevenção do câncer de mama em mulheres na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Material e Método: Estudo descritivo, qualitativo, realizado em Unidades Básicas de Saúde em uma cidade do interior de São Paulo, com enfermeiras que atuam na mesma, onde em local reservado responderam às perguntas de um formulário com questões sobre dados pessoais e concederam uma entrevista, que foi gravada e transcrita na íntegra. Resultados: As participantes demonstraram conhecimento quanto ao seu papel nas estratégias preventivas para detecção precoce do câncer de mama, mas pela sobrecarga de trabalho e o fator tempo, referiram dificuldades na prática destas ações. A pandemia por COVID-19, vivenciada atualmente, também influenciou negativamente no desenvolvimento destas estratégias, diante das recomendações de afastamento do convívio social e do medo da população em procurar atendimento nos serviços de saúde ou mesmo para receber este serviço em domicílio. Conclusão: A ciência dos enfermeiros quanto às estratégias de prevenção do câncer de mama é fundamental e a sobrecarga para colocá-las em prática deve ser corrigida, assim como a influência negativa da pandemia atual por COVID-19, refletida junto à equipe de trabalho.(AU)

Introduction: Breast cancer is a public health disease that still affects many women in Brazil. One of the important tasks of nurses in women's health is the prevention of breast cancer, which is fundamental in the early detection of the disease. Objective: To identify the nurses' perception of knowledge about the Systematization of Nursing Care in the early detection and prevention of breast cancer in women, in Primary Health Care. Material and Method: Descriptive, qualitative study, carried out in Basic Health Units in a city in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil, with nurses, where in a reserved place they answered a form with questions about personal data and granted an interview, which was recorded and transcribed in full. Results: The participants demonstrated knowledge in preventive strategies for the early detection of breast cancer, but they reported difficulties in the practice of these actions because of work overload and the time factor. The pandemic by COVID-19 negatively influenced the development of these strategies, due to the recommendations to withdraw from social life and which caused fear of the population seeking care from the health service or even receiving this service at home. Conclusion: Nurses' knowledge of breast cancer prevention strategies is fundamental and the burden to put them into practice must be corrected, as well as the negative influence of the current pandemic by COVID-19, reflected in the work team.(AU)

Introducción: El cáncer de mama es una enfermedad de salud pública que todavía afecta a muchas mujeres en Brasil. Una de las tareas importantes de las enfermeras en la salud de la mujer es la prevención del cáncer de mama, fundamental en la detección precoz de la enfermedad. Objetivo: Identificar la percepción del conocimiento de los enfermeros acerca de la Sistematización de los Cuidados de Enfermería en la detección precoz y prevención del cáncer de mama en mujeres, en el servicio de Atención Primaria de Salud. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo, cualitativo, realizado en Unidades Básicas de Salud de una ciudad del interior de São Paulo, Brasil, con enfermeros, donde en un lugar reservado respondieron a un formulario con preguntas sobre datos personales y concedieron una entrevista, que fue grabada y transcrita íntegramente. Resultados: Las participantes demostraron conocimiento sobre su papel en las estrategias preventivas para la detección precoz del cáncer de mama, pero debido a la sobrecarga de trabajo y al factor tiempo, relataron dificultades en la práctica de estas acciones. La pandemia de COVID-19, actualmente vivida, también influyó negativamente en el desarrollo de estas estrategias, dadas las recomendaciones de alejamiento de la vida social y el temor de la población a buscar atención en los servicios de salud o incluso a recibir este servicio en el domicilio. Conclusión: La concientización de los enfermeros sobre las estrategias de prevención del cáncer de mama es fundamental y se debe corregir la carga para ponerlas en práctica, así como la influencia negativa de la actual pandemia por COVID-19, reflejada con el equipo de trabajo.(AU)

Patterns of Fitbit Use and Activity Levels Among African American Breast Cancer Survivors During an eHealth Weight Loss Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This study examined adherence with a physical activity tracker and patterns of activity among different subgroups of African American/Black breast cancer survivors (AABCS). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of weight loss trial that used an activity tracker (FitBit) with or without a commercial eHealth program (SparkPeople) over 12 months. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: AABCS (N = 44) in New Jersey. MEASURES AND ANALYSIS: Adherence with tracker use, steps per day, and active minutes per week were compared by demographic and clinical characteristics using nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: Median adherence was over 6 days per week throughout the 12-months. Adherence was significantly correlated with steps and active minutes (p < 0.015). Groups with lower adherence included: those with 5 or more conditions (p = 0.039), had higher number of household members (p = 0.008), and younger than 60 years (p = 0.044). Median number of steps per day remained consistently around 7000 throughout 12 months. Factors associated with lower activity included: age > 60; retirement; higher number of household members, comorbidity, or baseline BMI; and those in the SparkPeople + Fitbit group. Self-monitoring, goal setting, and self-efficacy were significantly correlated with activity levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of a physical activity tracker may help increase activity levels in AABCS. Certain subgroups, e.g. those older than age 60 years, retired, with BMI over 40, higher number of comorbidities or more household members, may require additional interventions.

The effect of mobile health educational intervention on body image and fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue, physical changes, and pain are among the most troublesome symptoms caused by breast cancer treatment and influence the patients' quality of life. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of mobile health educational intervention on body image and fatigue in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: The present clinical trial study conducted on 38 women with breast cancer referred to Golestan and Shahid Baghaei 2 hospitals, Ahvaz, south west Iran in 2018-2019. Patients were randomly assigned into two intervention group, and control groups on 1:1 basis. Data collection tool included three parts: cancer fatigue scale, body image concern inventory, and demographic information. Text messages sent to intervention group via WhatsApp messenger for 7 weeks on a daily schedule. The control group did not receive any messages. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23.0. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 46.34 ± 9.96. The mean score of cancer fatigue scale after the intervention in the intervention group was decreased significantly (p = 0.005), but no statistically significant difference was observed in the control group. There was a significant difference in the mean score of body image concern inventory in the intervention group (p = 0.002) after the intervention compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Mobile health educational intervention improved cancer-related fatigue and body image among women breast cancer survivors. The integration of education for the management of fatigue and body image disturbance as part of routine care among breast cancer survivors is recommended.

Fatores associados ao início do tratamento especializado em tempo inoportuno após diagnóstico do câncer do colo do útero no Estado da Bahia, Brasil / Factores asociados con el inicio del tratamiento especializado en tiempo inadecuado tras un diagnóstico de cáncer de cuello de útero en el estado de Bahía, Brasil / Factors associated with delay in specialized treatment after diagnosis of cervical cancer in Bahia State, Brazil

Este estudo teve o objetivo de analisar os fatores associados ao tratamento especializado em tempo inoportuno após diagnóstico do câncer do colo do útero no Estado da Bahia, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo de base hospitalar, de corte transversal, realizado com mulheres tratadas em unidades credenciadas ao sistema de Registro Hospitalar de Câncer (RHC) do Estado da Bahia, no período de 2008 a 2017. Foi realizada análise descritiva e regressão logística, construída na modelagem stepwise backward, para estimar as razões de prevalência (RP) bruta e ajustada, sendo consideradas estatisticamente significantes aquelas com o valor de p ≤ 0,05 pelo teste qui-quadrado de Pearson. Foram analisados 9.184 casos, destes, 65% tiveram tratamento em tempo inoportuno (tempo transcorrido entre o diagnóstico e o primeiro tratamento > 60 dias). A prevalência de tratamento em tempo inoportuno apresentou valores mais elevados entre mulheres com 65 anos ou mais (RP = 1,30; IC95%: 1,21-1,39), nenhuma escolaridade (RP = 1,24; IC95%: 1,15-1,33) e estadiamento avançado (RP = 1,17; IC95%: 1,13-1,21). Na maioria dos casos analisados, houve tratamento em tempo inoportuno, com maior prevalência entre as mulheres com mais idade, menor escolaridade e estadiamento clínico do tumor avançado, evidenciando a necessidade de ampliação do acesso aos serviços de tratamento oncológico no Estado da Bahia, em especial para estes grupos que apresentaram pior situação.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los factores asociados al tratamiento especializado en un tiempo inadecuado, tras el diagnóstico del cáncer de cuello de útero en el estado da Bahía, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio con base hospitalaria, de corte transversal, realizado con mujeres tratadas en unidades acreditadas en el sistema de Registro Hospitalario de Cáncer (RHC) del estado de Bahía, en el período de 2008 a 2017. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y regresión logística, construida en el modelado stepwise backward, para estimar las razones de prevalencia (RP) bruta y ajustada, siendo consideradas estadísticamente significativas aquellas con el valor de p ≤ 0,05, mediante el test chi-cuadrado de Pearson. Todos los análisis fueron procesados en el programa Stata versión 16.0. Se analizaron 9.184 casos, de estos, un 65% tuvieron tratamiento en un tiempo inadecuado (tiempo transcurrido entre el diagnóstico y el primer tratamiento > 60 días). La prevalencia de tratamiento en tiempo inoportuno presentó valores más elevados entre mujeres con 65 años o más (RP = 1,30; IC95%: 1,21-1,39), ninguna escolaridad (RP = 1,24; IC95%: 1,15-1,33) y estadio avanzado (RP = 1,17; IC95%: 1,13-1,21). En la mayoría de los casos analizados, hubo tratamiento en un tiempo inadecuado, con mayor prevalencia entre las mujeres con más edad, menor escolaridad y estadio clínico del tumor avanzado, evidenciando la necesidad de una ampliación del acceso a los servicios de tratamiento oncológico en el estado de Bahía, en especial para estos grupos que presentaron peor situación.

This study aimed to analyze factors associated with delay in specialized treatment after diagnosis of cervical cancer in the State of Bahia, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study of women treated in accredited units in the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) system in the State of Bahia from 2008 to 2017. A descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed with backward stepwise modeling to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR), defining statistical significance as p ≤ 0.05 in Pearson's chi-square test. We analyzed 9,184 cases, and 65% had delayed treatment (time between diagnosis and first treatment > 60 days). Delayed treatment was more prevalent among women 65 years or older (PR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.21-1.39), with no schooling (PR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.15-1.33), and in advanced stages (PR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.13-1.21). Most of the cases analyzed had delayed treatment, more prevalent among older women, with less schooling, and advanced tumor stages, highlighting the need to expand access to cancer treatment services in Bahia state, especially for these groups in worse conditions.