Burden of late effects in a nationwide sample of long-term breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Long-term breast cancer survivors (BCSs) may experience several late effects (LEs) simultaneously. This study aimed to identify subgroups of 8-year BCSs with higher burden of LEs who could benefit from closer survivorship care, explore variables associated with higher symptom burden, and describe how symptom burden may affect general functioning. METHODS: All Norwegian women aged 20 to 65 years when diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer in 2011 and 2012 were invited (n = 2803). The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire/BR23, the Fatigue Questionnaire, Assessment of Survivor Concerns, and Scale for Chemotherapy Induced Long-term Neurotoxicity were used to assess 10 common LEs and general functioning. Using latent class analysis, subgroups of BCSs with similar burden of LEs were identified. Multinominal regression analysis were performed to examine variables associated with higher symptom burden. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 1353 BCSs; 46% had low, 37% medium, and 17% high symptom burden. Younger age, short education, axillary dissection, higher systemic treatment burden, higher body mass index, and physical inactivity were associated with higher symptom burden. General functioning scores were lower, and the proportion on disability pension were higher among BCSs in the two most burdened subgroups compared with those in the low burden subgroup. CONCLUSION: More than half of long-term BCSs suffered from medium or high symptom burden and experienced impaired general functioning compared with BCS with low symptom burden. Younger age and systemic treatment were important risk factors for higher symptom burden. BCSs at risk of higher symptom burdens should be identified and offered closer and extended survivorship care.

High neuroticism is associated with common late adverse effects in a nationwide sample of long-term breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Neuroticism is a basic personality trait characterized by negative emotions triggered by stress such as a breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment. Due to lack of relevant research, the purpose of this study was to examine if high neuroticism is associated with seven common late adverse effects (LAEs) in long-term (≥ 5 years) breast cancer survivors (BCSs). METHODS: All female Norwegian BCSs aged 20-65 years when diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer in 2011 or 2012 were invited to a questionnaire study in 2019 (N = 2803), of whom 48% participated (N = 1355). Neuroticism was self-rated using the abridged version of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, and scores dichotomized into high and low neuroticism. LAEs were defined by categorization of ratings on the EORTC QLQ-C30 (cognitive function, pain, and sleep problems) and QLQ-BR23 (arm problems) questionnaires, and categorizations of scale scores on mental distress, fatigue, and neuropathy. Associations between high neuroticism and LAEs were explored using multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: High neuroticism was found in 40% (95%CI 37-42%) of BCSs. All LAEs were significantly more common among BCSs with high compared to low neuroticism. In multivariable analyses, high neuroticism was positively associated with all LAEs except neuropathy. Systemic treatment, somatic comorbidity, and not being in paid work were also significantly associated with all LAEs. CONCLUSIONS: High neuroticism is prevalent and associated with increased risks of LAEs among BCSs. Identification of high neuroticism could improve the follow-up care of BCSs as effective interventions for the condition exist.

Sexual health in long-term breast cancer survivors: a comparison with female population controls from the HUNT study.

PURPOSE: Sexual health is an important aspect of quality of life. Knowledge concerning sexual health in long-term breast cancer survivors (BCSs) is limited. This study compared sexual health in BCSs 8 years after diagnosis with similarly aged controls and examined the impact of menopausal status at diagnosis and systemic breast cancer treatments on sexual health. METHODS: Women aged 20-65 years when diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer in 2011-2012 were identified by the Cancer Registry of Norway (n = 2803) and invited to participate in a nationwide survey. Controls were women from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4). Sexual functioning and sexual enjoyment were measured by the EORTC QLQ-BR23 subscales scored from 0 to 100, and sexual discomfort by the Sexual Activity Questionnaire scored from 0 to 6. Linear regression analyses with adjustments for sociodemographic and health-related variables were performed to compare groups. Differences of ≥ 10% of range score were considered clinically significant. RESULTS: The study samples consisted of 1241 BCSs and 17,751 controls. Sexual enjoyment was poorer (B - 13.1, 95%CI - 15.0, - 11.2) and discomfort higher (B 0.9, 95%CI 0.8, 1.0) among BCSs compared to controls, and larger differences were evident between premenopausal BCSs and controls (B - 17.3, 95%CI - 19.6, - 14.9 and B 1.2, 95%CI 1.0, 1.3, respectively). BCSs treated with both endocrine- and chemotherapy had lower sexual functioning (B - 11.9, 95%CI - 13.8, - 10.1), poorer sexual enjoyment (B - 18.1, 95%CI - 20.7, - 15.5), and more sexual discomfort (B 1.4, 95% 1.3, 1.6) than controls. CONCLUSION: Sexual health impairments are more common in BCSs 8 years after diagnosis compared to similar aged population controls. During follow-up, attention to such impairments, especially among women diagnosed at premenopausal age and treated with heavy systemic treatment, is warranted.

A study of modifiable factors associated with health-related quality of life in long-term cervical cancer survivors.

INTRODUCTION: Health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in cancer survivors is relevant for symptom relief and optimal care. The aim of this cross-sectional study of long-term cervical cancer survivors was two-fold: (a) To compare HR-QoL in long-term cervical cancer survivors with reference data; and (b) to identify modifiable factors significantly associated with low levels of generic cancer HR-QoL in long-term cervical cancer survivors using high HR-QoL as reference. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women treated for cervical cancer from 2000 through 2007 who were cancer-free and alive in 2013 received a mailed questionnaire including scales for anxiety, depression, and HR-QoL. To obtain a homogeneous sample only women with FIGO stages 1 and 2 were included. The questionnaire included the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire.C-30 (EORTC QLQ C-30) for generic HR-QoL. Groups with high and low HR-QoL were defined by the median score on the general HR-QoL item. Between-group differences were examined with descriptive statistics. Logistic regression analyses examined independent variables associated with low generic HR-QoL. RESULTS: Complete C-30 scores were delivered by 472 long-term cervical cancer survivors. Median age at survey was 53 (interquartile range 14.9) years, and median time since diagnosis was 11 (interquartile range 3.9) years. The proportion of survivors with stage 1 disease was 83% and stage 2 was 17%. Mean generic HR-QoL scores showed minor differences between long-term cervical cancer survivors and reference data. In the multivariable analysis, only modifiable variables remained significantly associated with low generic HR-QoL namely self-rated health, probable depression, fatigue, and pain. In bivariate analyses other modifiable variables also showed significant associations with low generic HR-QoL like probable anxiety disorder, obesity, smoking, sleep disturbances, and bowel symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that generic HR-QoL in long-term cervical cancer survivors eventually may be improved by identification and treatment of modifiable factors through the whole follow-up period.

Sexual activity and functioning in long-term breast cancer survivors; exploring associated factors in a nationwide survey.

PURPOSE: Sexual health is a key quality of life issue. Knowledge concerning sexual health in long-term breast cancer survivors (BCSs) is limited. Within a nationwide sample, we aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual inactivity and to explore factors associated with sexual inactivity and reduced sexual functioning among long-term BCSs. METHODS: Long-term BCSs aged 20-65 years when diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2011-2012 were identified by the Cancer Registry of Norway in 2019 (n = 2803) and invited to participate in a nationwide survey. Sexual health was measured using the multidimensional Sexual Activity Questionnaire. Factors associated with sexual inactivity and reduced sexual functioning were explored using multivariable logistic- and linear regression analyses with adjustments for relevant sociodemographic, health-, and cancer-related variables. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 1307 BCSs with a mean age of 52 years at diagnosis. Fifty-two percent of the BCSs were sexually inactive. Lack of interest was the most common reason for sexual inactivity. Treatment with aromatase inhibitor (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.23, 2.43) and poor body image (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99, 0.995) were associated with sexual inactivity. Among sexually active BCSs, depression (B - 1.04, 95% CI - 2.10, - 0.02) and physical inactivity (B - 0.61, 95% CI - 1.21, - 0.02) were inversely related to sexual pleasure. Treatment with aromatase inhibitor (B 0.61, 95% CI 0.20, 1.01), sleep problems (B 0.37, 95% CI 0.04, 0.70), breast symptoms (B 0.01, 95% CI 0.003, 0.02), and chronic fatigue (B 0.43, 95% CI 0.05, 0.81) were associated with sexual discomfort. Chemotherapy (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.23, 2.97), current endocrine treatment (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.21, 3.25), and poor body image (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.98, 0.99) were associated with less sexual activity at present compared to before breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Treatment with aromatase inhibitor seems to affect sexual health even beyond discontinuation. Several common late effects were associated with sexual inactivity and reduced sexual functioning. To identify BCSs at risk of sexual dysfunction, special attention should be paid to patients treated with aromatase inhibitor or suffering from these late effects.

Long-term satisfaction with curative treatment and follow-up in prostate cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: In a cross-sectional observational study to explore long-term satisfaction with treatment among men who had undergone radical prostatectomy (RP) or definitive pelvic radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: After mean 7 years from therapy (range: 6-8), 431 PCa-survivors (RP: n = 313, RT: n = 118) completed a mailed questionnaire assessing persistent treatment-related adverse effects (AEs) (Expanded Prostate cancer Index Composite [EPIC-26]) and seven Quality indicators describing satisfaction with the health care service following a most often general practitioner (GP)-led follow-up plan. A logistic regression model evaluated the associations between long-term satisfaction and treatment modality, age, the seven satisfaction-related Quality indicators, and persistent AEs. The significance level was set at p< .05. RESULTS: Four of five (81%) PCa-survivors reported long-term satisfaction with their treatment. In a multivariable model, satisfaction was positively associated with sufficient information about treatment and AEs, patient-perceived sufficient cooperation between the hospital and the GP and sufficient follow-up of AEs (ref.: insufficient). Age ≥70 years (ref.: <70) and a rising summary score within the EPIC-26 sexual domain additionally increased long-term satisfaction. The treatment modality itself (RP versus RT) did not significantly impact on satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of curatively treated PCa-survivors are satisfied with their treatment more than 5 years after primary therapy. Sufficient information, improved cooperation between the hospital specialists and the responsible GP and optimized follow-up of AEs may further increase long-term satisfaction among prostatectomized and irradiated PCa-survivors.

Is neuroticism relevant for old cancer survivors? A controlled, population-based study (the Norwegian HUNT-3 survey).

PURPOSE: Personality traits, particularly neuroticism, have an impact on people's health and lifestyle. Due to lack of previous studies, we examined old cancer survivors (OCSs) versus cancer-free age-matched controls aged ≥ 70 years, regarding prevalence of high neuroticism, health problems in those with high and low neuroticism, and sociodemographic and clinical variables that were significantly associated with high neuroticism. METHODS: We merged data from a Norwegian population-based health study (the HUNT-3) and from the Cancer Registry of Norway identifying OCSs. Three cancer-free controls were drawn at random for each OCS. Neuroticism was self-rated on a brief version of Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Between-group statistical comparisons were made between OCS and controls, and among their subgroups with high and low neuroticism. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate independent variables significantly associated with high neuroticism. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of OCSs reported high neuroticism while controls reported 30%. OCSs showed significantly lower rate of good life satisfaction than controls. All other between-group comparisons were nonsignificant. Being OCSs was not significantly related to high neuroticism in the regression analyses. Sociodemographic, general health, and lifestyle issues, lack of energy, and low life satisfaction remained significantly associated with high neuroticism in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of high neuroticism was similar in OCSs and controls. High neuroticism was associated with negative health and lifestyle issues in both groups.

Sexual Inactivity During the Last 4 Weeks in Long-Term Cervical Cancer Survivors: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

BACKGROUND: Most studies of cervical cancer (CC) survivors describe sexual inactivity in relation to treatment modalities, but few consider that inactivity varies with age and partner status. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sexual inactivity in long-term CC survivors according to age and partner status, and to examine cancer-related, health, demographic, and psychological factors related to sexual inactivity. METHODS: All 974 women treated for CC from 2000 through 2007 in 2 areas of Norway, who were alive and cancer-free by the end of 2013, received a mailed questionnaire. Among them, 523 delivered valid data on current sexual activity (response rate 57%). The prevalence rates of sexual inactivity in relation to age groups and partner status were compared to normative sample (NORMs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Sexual inactivity during the 4 weeks before the survey was administered. RESULTS: Median age of the sample at survey was 53 years (range 32-77) and median time since diagnosis was 11 years (range 6-15). Of the survivors aged 35-69 years, 39% (95% CI 35-44%) were sexually inactive at survey compared to 36% (95% CI 32-38%) in the NORMs. Compared with sexually active survivors, inactive ones were significantly older, more frequently had single partner status, and had less frequently been childbearing. Inactive survivors more frequently had low education, did not hold paid work at survey, had poorer self-rated health, and were more often obese. They also had higher prevalence of depression, high neuroticism, and chronic fatigue. On most cancer-related quality of life measures, sexually inactive survivors had significantly lower mean scores than sexually active ones. They significantly more often had been treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation than with conization or major surgery. In multivariable regression analysis, only older age, no prior childbearing, and single partner status remained significantly associated with sexual inactivity. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sociodemographic variables may be more relevant than clinical and cancer-related variables concerning sexual inactivity in long-term CC survivors. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Our study had a considerable sample size and used instruments with established psychometric qualities. The moderate response rates of the study and of the NORMs imply risks for selection biases. CONCLUSION: Close to 4 in 10 survivors were sexually inactive which is similar to the rate among NORMs. Demographic factors were most strongly associated with sexual inactivity. Some other significant factors are eventually amenable to treatment and should be checked by the health-care providers. Dahl AA, Bentzen AG, Fosså SD, et al. Sexual Inactivity During the Last 4 Weeks in Long-Term Cervical Cancer Survivors: Prevalence and Associated Factors. J Sex Med 2020;17:1359-1369.

Base rate of ovarian cancer on algorithms in patients with a pelvic mass.

OBJECTIVE: Algorithms have been developed to identify ovarian cancer in women with a pelvic mass. The aim of this study was to determine how the base rates of ovarian cancer influence the case finding abilities of recently developed algorithms applicable to pelvic tumors. We used three ovarian cancer algorithms and the principle of Bayes' theorem for risk estimation. METHODS: First, we evaluated the case finding abilities of the Risk of Malignancy Algorithm, the Rajavithi-Ovarian Predictive Score, and the Copenhagen Index in a prospectively collected sample at Oslo University Hospital of 227 postmenopausal women with a 74% base rate of ovarian cancer. Second, we examined the case finding abilities of the Risk of Malignancy Algorithm in three published studies with different base rates of ovarian cancer. We applied Bayes' theorem in these examinations. RESULTS: In the Oslo sample, all three algorithms functioned poorly as case finders for ovarian cancer. When the base rate changed from 8.2% to 43.8% in the three studies using the Risk of Malignancy Algorithm, the proportion of false negative ovarian cancer diagnoses increased from 1.2% to 3.4%, and the number of false positive diagnosis increased from 4.6% to 14.2%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the base rate of ovarian cancer in the samples tested was important for the case finding abilities of algorithms.

Preferences for follow up in long-term survivors after cervical cancer.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of cervical cancer survivors combined with lack of data on the efficacy of long-term surveillance, challenges existing follow-up models. However, before introducing new follow-up models, cervical cancer survivors' own views on follow up are important. We aimed to explore preferences for follow up in long-term cervical cancer survivors and their associations with self-reported late-effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2013, we mailed 974 Norwegian long-term cervical cancer survivors treated during 2000-2007 a questionnaire with items covering preferences for follow up after treatment, clinical variables and validated questionnaires covering anxiety, neuroticism and depression. RESULTS: We included 471 cervical cancer survivors (response rate 57%) with a median follow up of 11 years. In all, 77% had FIGO stage I disease, and 35% were attending a follow-up program at the time of survey. Of the patients, 55% preferred more than 5 years of follow up. This was also preferred by 57% of cervical cancer survivors who were treated with conization only. In multivariable analyses, chemo-radiotherapy or surgery with radiation and/or chemotherapy (heavy treatment) and younger age were significantly associated with a preference for more than 5 years' follow up. Late effects were reported by more than 70% of the cervical cancer survivors who had undergone heavy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals the need for targeted patient education about the benefits and limitations of follow up. To meet increasing costs of cancer care, individualized follow-up procedures adjusted to risk of recurrence and late-effects in cervical cancer survivors are warranted.

A cross-sectional study of current work ability after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Work ability represents a person's subjective assessment of current ability to work compared to his lifetime best. Since many men with prostate cancer are retired, work ability represents a more relevant work measure than employment status. The primary aim was to examine the prevalence of men who had high versus moderate/poor current work ability compared to their lifetime best work ability at a mean of 3.0 years after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. The secondary aim was to study variables associated with moderate/poor work ability at survey. METHODS: This is a questionnaire-based study of men who had robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy at Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet between January 2005 and August 2010. Among them 777 responded (79%), 730 reported on current work ability, socio-demographic data, somatic and mental health, and typical adverse effects (the EPIC-26) after prostatectomy. High versus moderate/poor work ability was the primary outcome. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample at survey was 65.5 years (SD 5.9). At survey 42% of the sample reported moderate/poor current work ability and 58% reported high work ability. In multivariable analysis older age at survey, low basic education, comorbidity, poor self-rated health, presence of depression and low EPIC-26 hormonal domain score remained significantly associated with moderate/poor work ability. CONCLUSIONS: Current work ability is a useful measure for the working capacity particularly of retired men. Socio-demographic, cancer-related, health, psychological and typical adverse effect variables were significantly associated with moderate/poor current work ability after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, and several health and psychological variables are amenable to identification and treatment by health care providers.

Norwegian reference data on the Fatigue Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and their interrelationship.

BACKGROUND: Population-based reference data on frequently used questionnaires are important for comparative purposes. Due to changes in health and lifestyles, such data should be updated every other decade. The objectives of this study were to establish Norwegian population-based reference data on the Fatigue Questionnaire (FQ) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) on depression, to compare the FQ-scores with our previous reference data from 1996, and to explore the relationship between the scores on these two instruments. METHODS: In 2015, a representative sample of 6,012 Norwegians aged 18-80 years was mailed a questionnaire including the FQ and the PHQ-9, and 36% responded. Complete FQ-scores were delivered by 2,041 subjects, and complete PHQ-9 scores by 2,086 subjects. The scores are displayed according to sex and 10-year age groups. RESULTS: Few 2015 mean scores of mental, physical, and total fatigue differed significantly from those of 1996, and the same was found for the prevalence rates of chronic fatigue. The exception was a significantly lower prevalence in 2015 of mean fatigue scores and prevalence of chronic fatigue in females ≥ 60 years. The prevalence of major depressive episode (MDE) based on the PHQ-9 sum score cut-off ≥ 10 was 5.9% for males and 9.8% for females, and 2.5% and 3.8% using a DSM-based algorithm with at least five endorsed criteria including either anhedonia or depressed mood. The correlation between the FQ and the PHQ-9 was 0.59, implying 36% shared variance. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed considerable interrelationship between the FQ and the PHQ-9 constructs. The reference data show that scores on the FQ have only improved significantly in persons aged 60 or more years between 1996 and 2015. Our prevalence findings of MDE based on the PHQ-9 are in accordance with the findings from other countries. The FQ and the PHQ-9 should be used together in epidemiological and clinical studies.

Survivors' knowledge of their diagnosis, treatment and possible late adverse effects after autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoma.

Purpose: Lymphoma survivors after high dose therapy with autologous stem cell therapy (HD-ASCT) are at high risk for late adverse effects (AEs). Information patients receive and collect throughout their cancer trajectory about diagnosis, treatment schedule and risks of AEs may influence attitudes and health-related behavior in the years after treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore level of knowledge in lymphoma survivors after HD-ASCT at a median of 12 years after primary diagnosis. Material and methods: From a national study on the effects of HD-ASCT for lymphomas, 269 survivors met for an outpatient examination, including a structured interview addressing knowledge about diagnosis and treatment. Survivors were also asked whether they knew and/or had experienced certain common late AEs. Numbers of recognized and experienced late AEs were presented as sum scores. Factors associated with the level of knowledge of late AEs were analyzed by linear regression analysis. Results: Eighty-one percent of the survivors knew their diagnosis, 99% knew the components of HD-ASCT and 97% correctly recalled having had radiotherapy. Ninety percent reported awareness of late AEs, but the level of knowledge and personal experience with specified AEs varied. Thirty-five percent of survivors stated to have received follow-up for late AEs. In multivariable analysis younger age at diagnosis, having received mediastinal radiotherapy, higher mental health related quality of life, a higher number of self-experienced late AEs and having received follow-up care for late AEs were significantly associated with a higher level of knowledge of AEs. Conclusion: The majority of lymphoma survivors treated with HD-ASCT correctly recalled diagnosis and treatment, while knowledge of late AEs varied. Our findings point to information deficits in survivors at older age and with lower mental health related quality of life. They indicate benefit of follow-up to enhance education on late AEs in lymphoma survivors.

Gender differences in health status and benefits of a one-week educational programme for caregivers of cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate differences between female and male caregivers' health status before and 3 months after a one-week educational programme, self-reported needs for support and changes in health status over time. METHODS: Caregivers were partners of cancer patients aged ≥18 years who participated in the programme. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and 3 months after the programme. RESULTS: At baseline, 167 caregivers completed the questionnaire, 55% were females and the mean age 60.2 years (range 31-79). Female caregivers reported poorer vitality (p = 0.016) and more chronic fatigue compared to male caregivers (28% vs. 13%, p = 0.036). Females more frequently reported need for support: psychological counselling (21% vs. 3%, p = 0.001), group conversations (51% vs. 28%, p = 0.003), nutritional counselling (39% vs. 17%, p = 0.002) and recreational stay (46% vs. 24%, p = 0.004). Significant benefits within-group changes were observed among female caregivers in role physical, general health, vitality, social functioning, mental and total fatigue, whereas no significant within-group changes were observed for males. However, in adjusted analyses no significantly between-group gender differences in mean changes were observed. CONCLUSION: More studies are needed to better understand the differences and possible effects of programmes among female and male caregivers in order to develop relevant support.

Golf as Therapy for Individuals With Mental Health or Substance Use Disorders.

The current study was undertaken to explore the experiences of individuals with mental health problems or substance use when introduced to systematic golf activities. The study examined the perceived impact of golf activities on participants' physical and mental health, social contact, and daily activities, as well as their overall evaluation of involvement in a Golf as Therapy group. This qualitative, cross-sectional study gathered data from 12 individual interviews. Qualitative content analysis based on the information from meaning units, subcategories, categories, and themes determined the interpretation of manifest and latent concepts. The findings revealed a positive influence on health and social well-being in addition to positive changes in daily activities. The main theme that arose from the data was Shaping a New Direction in Life, elaborated by the categories of ameliorated physical fitness, creation of a social meeting place, improved focus and concentration, practical help and support, and reduced mental symptom burden. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(10), 44-51.].

Cancer Survivorship in Adults.

With the favorable trend regarding survival of cancer in the Western world, there is an increasing focus among patients, clinicians, researchers, and politicians regarding cancer survivors' health and well-being. The number of survivors grows rapidly, and more than 3% of the adult populations in Western countries have survived cancer for 5 years or more. Cancer survivors are at increased risk for a variety of late effects after treatment, some life-threatening such as secondary cancer and cardiac diseases, while others mainly have negative impact on daily functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The latter factors include fatigue, anxiety disorders, sexual problems, insomnia, and reduced work ability, while depression does not seem to be more common among survivors than in the general population. Life style factors are highly relevant for cancer survivors concerning risk of relapse and somatic comorbidity. The field of cancer survivorship research has grown rapidly. How to best integrate the knowledge of the field into clinical practice with adequate follow-up of cancer survivors at risk for developing late effects, is still an unresolved question, although several models are under consideration.

A study of chronic fatigue in Norwegian cervical cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic fatigue after treatment is a common adverse event in cancer patients, but there are few studies in long-term survivors of cervical cancer. The aim of this investigation was to explore the prevalence of chronic fatigue and its association with various clinical and treatment-related factors in a population-based cohort of Norwegian cervical cancer survivors treated by any modality. METHODS: All patients, treated for cervical cancer from 2000 through 2007 in the Health Region of South-Eastern Norway, cancer-free, alive and aged ≤75years by the end 2013 (n=822) received a questionnaire covering chronic fatigue and other clinical variables. RESULTS: 461 of 822 survivors (56%) completed the questionnaire and 382 entered the analyses. Chronic fatigue was reported by 23% (95% confidence interval 19%-27%) with a median age of 52years (range 32-75) at survey, 11years (range 7-15) after diagnosis. Among survivors treated by minimal invasive- or radical surgery, 19% had chronic fatigue, while the prevalence was 28% in those treated with radiation and concomitant chemotherapy (chemoradiation). The chronic fatigue group reported significantly more cardiovascular disease, obesity, less physical activity, more treatment-related symptom experience, more menopausal symptoms, higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and poorer quality of life than the non-fatigued group. In multivariate analysis only increased level of depression and poorer global quality of life were significantly associated with chronic fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic fatigue was reported by 23% of long-term survivors after cervical cancer at a mean of 11years after treatment. Some of the associated factors are amenable to prevention and/or treatment and should be subjects of attention at follow-up.

Psychometric properties of the expanded prostate cancer index composite - 26 instrument in a cohort of radical prostatectomy patients: theoretical and practical examinations.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite 26-item version (EPIC-26) was recommended for the assessment of adverse effects after the treatment of prostate cancer without clear reasons. This decision encouraged us to review the questionnaire development from the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA-PCI) to the EPIC-16 CP with a focus on psychometric properties. We also reviewed PubMed for papers concerning such properties of the EPIC-26 since 2012 (latest review in 2011). Finally, we examined the psychometric properties of the EPIC-26 in a sample of Norwegian males treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). METHODS: This study used three methods: (1) Comparison of the content of the UCLA-PCI, EPIC-50, EPIC-26, and EPIC-16 CP; (2) Review of EPIC-26 and EPIC-16 CP papers in PubMed from 2012 to 2016, identifying papers reporting on the psychometric properties of these questionnaires; and (3) Psychometric examination of the EPIC-26 rating in 651 Norwegian men treated with RALP at a mean of 3.2 years post-surgery. RESULTS: The questionnaire development showed a significant increase in bother versus function items, and the EPIC-26 contains eight function and 18 bother items. Twelve papers concerning the EPIC-26 available on PubMed since 2012 support the psychometric properties of the EPIC-26. The Norwegian EPIC-26 findings supported the psychometric properties of the EPIC-26, but suggested six subdomains both by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In general our examinations supported the adequate psychometric properties of the EPIC-26, although the factor structure, construct and predictive validity of the instrument should be examined further.

Norwegian male military veterans show low levels of mental health problems four years after deployment in Afghanistan.

BACKGROUND: Deployment of soldiers is associated with considerable rates of mental disorders after redeployment. AIMS: The aim of this study was to identity prevalence of probable mental disorders and associated factors among male Norwegian soldiers at a mean of 4 years following deployment to Afghanistan in 2001-2011. METHODS: The retrospective questionnaire-based study invited all Norwegian veterans deployed to Afghanistan from 2001-2011 to participate. The response rate was 59%, but only the 3403 men (47.5%) who completed all items of the four different screening instruments were used to define cases with mental health problems were included. Independent variables covered deployment and post-deployment issues. RESULTS: The prevalence of subjects with mental health problems was 5.1% (95% CI = 4.4-5.9%) of the sample. Among deployment-related factors, physical and mental problems during deployment were most strongly associated with mental health problems after deployment. Among post-deployment factors high neuroticism and limitations in work, social, and family functions showed the strongest associations. In multivariable analysis, younger age at first deployment (OR = 0.95), neuroticism (OR = 6.40), increased current alcohol intake (OR = 3.08), impaired family function (OR = 1.91), more sleep problems (OR =1.13), and increased negative civilian life events (OR = 1.39) remained significantly associated with probable mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Among male Norwegian veterans from Afghanistan, the prevalence of mental health problems was low, and mainly associated with post-deployment factors. Veterans complaining of mental symptoms should be diagnosed, treated, and examined for other problems of life.

Modern treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. / Moderne behandling av prostatakreft med fjernmetastaser.

The treatment of prostate cancer with remote metastases has advanced greatly in recent years. Treatment options are dependent on the extent of the metastases, the patient's general condition and wishes, and the treatment response. We present an overview of the latest options for systemic treatment of patients with metastatic prostate cancer, based on availability in Norway.