A prospective observational cohort study to screen major depressive disorders in geriatric oncology-Comparison of different scales.

OBJECTIVE: Systematic depression screening is recommended for older patients with cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of three mood disorder screening scales frequently used in geriatric oncology to help in diagnosing major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: A prospective multicentre study was conducted in patients 70 years of age and over with cancer, comparing three self-report questionnaires: the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression (HADS-D) and the Distress Thermometer (DT). In the event of abnormal scores, a psychologist consultation was suggested and a reassessment of the patient's mood was planned within 3 weeks. Potential differences between initial abnormal screening score and confirmed MDD (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria [DSM-5]) were assessed using variance analysis for each screening scale. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients with a median age of 81 years (70-95) were included. Sixty-six patients had at least one abnormal score on one of the screening scales. MDD was confirmed in 10 of the 36 reassessed patients. Analysis of ROC curves showed that the HADS-D significantly predicted MDD (AUC = 0.760, IC95% : 0.603-0.917; p = 0.017), but not the GDS-15 or the initial DT. CONCLUSION: The HADS-D could better detect MDD, to confirm in a larger sample.

[Quality of life of young women with early breast cancer and their partners: specific needs result in the necessity of development of specific questionnaires for the patient and the partner]. / Qualité de vie des femmes jeunes ayant un cancer du sein localisé et de leur partenaire : nécessité de développement de questionnaires spécifiques pour la patiente et le partenaire.

Purpose. To determine the feelings of young women with early breast cancer concomitantly with their partners at different treatment periods in order to create a specific quality of life (QOL) scale for this population. Materiel and methods. It was a prospective, multicentre, qualitative study, in patients younger than 45 years old at diagnosis and living with a partner for at least six months. Patients and partners were interviewed by a psychologist, from the diagnosis disclosure until follow up, using non-directing individual talks. Results. Sixty-nine couples were interviewed. Analyses of the interviews have highlighted the impact of disease on eight dimensions: psychological, physical, family, social, couple, sexuality, domestic, professional and economic dimensions. These impacts are mostly negative and are present in all periods and even after treatment for follow up. Discussion. A multidimensional profile of this specific population was established. A QOL scale dedicated to this population is being validated.

[Psychological aspects of cancer Information dedicated to patients and relatives]. / Vivre pendant et après un cancer. Information à l'usage des personnes malades et de leurs proches.

In response to the evolution of the information-seeking behaviour of patients and concerns from health professionals regarding cancer patient information, the French National Federation of Comprehensive Cancer Centres (FNCLCC) introduced, in 1998, an information and education program dedicated to patients and relatives, the SOR SAVOIR PATIENT program (SSP). The methodology of this program adheres to established quality criteria regarding the elaboration of patient information. Cancer patient information, developed in this program, is based on clinical practice guidelines produced by the FNCLCC and the twenty French cancer centres, the National League against Cancer, The National Cancer Institute, the French Hospital Federation, the National Oncology Federation of Regional and University Hospitals, the French Oncology Federation of General Hospitals, many learned societies, as well as an active participation of patients, former patients and caregivers. The information and dialogue handbook SOR SAVOIR PATIENT Vivre pendant et après un cancer reporting on the psychological aspects of cancer was worked out and published on the Web in 2005. The guide aims to provide cancer patients with support and advice about the psychological impact of the disease. It provides information on the possible personal consequences of the disease and treatments, in every domain: psychological, emotional, interpersonal, familial or professional. Patients are also advised of the emotional challenges associated with cancer, of the support they may expect at every stage of the disease, from diagnosis to treatment, and of psychological outcome after the disease is over. The document also provides healthcare professionals with a valuable, concise source of validated information on the psychological aspects of cancer, thus facilitating communication between carers and patients. Information provided in the present article has been selected from the information and dialogue handbook SOR SAVOIR PATIENT Vivre pendant et après un cancer. The document addresses the issue of the psychological support made available to the patients during and after the disease. The SOR SAVOIR PATIENT guide can be downloaded from the FNCLCC website at: http://www.fnclcc.fr