[Treatment of psychic symptoms of a cancer patient in a palliative care]. / Syöpäpotilaan psyykkisten oireiden hoito palliatiivisessa vaiheessa.

Approximately a third of cancer patients suffer from psychic symptoms recognizable by tested indicators during their illness. The most typical symptom picture is a mixed one consisting of anxiety and depression associated with changes in activity level (fatigue, over-alertness) and sleeping disturbances. According to a recent meta-analysis, some mood disorder fulfilling the DSM or ICD criteria can be diagnosed in approx. 30 to 40% of hospitalized cancer patients. The interpretation as mood disorder included all diagnoses of depression, anxiety disorders as well as mood problems of the adjustment disorder level.

Effectiveness of a 12-month exercise program on physical performance and quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

AIM: The study aimed at determining whether physical exercise training improves the quality of life (QoL) and physical fitness of breast cancer survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 573 breast cancer survivors were randomized into an exercise or a control group, 12-months after adjuvant treatments. EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR-23 questionnaires were used for evaluation of QoL, FACIT-F for fatigue and the Finnish modified version of Beck's 13-item depression scale (RBDI) for depression. Physical fitness was assessed by a 2-km walking test, and a figure-8 running test and physical activity (PA) by metabolic equivalent (MET) hours per week (MET-h/wk). RESULTS: Figure-8 running time improved significantly among the patients of the intervention group compared with the controls (p<0.001). No significant between-group differences were observed in 2-km walking time, in PA, EORTC-QLQ-C30, BR-23, FACIT-F or BDI. However, there was a linear relationship between increased PA and improved QoL (p=0.006), irrespective of the intervention. CONCLUSION: Increase in physical activity was associated with improved QoL, but no effect of the exercise intervention was observed.

[Long-term morbidity caused by breast cancer therapy]. / Rintasyövän hoidon aiheuttama pitkäaikainen sairastavuus.

All forms of breast cancer therapies are associated with both acute adverse effects and manifold long-term morbidity. Due to the common occurrence and favorable prognosis of breast cancer, the number of those suffering from complications worsening the quality of life is considerable. In a significant proportion, the long-term adverse effects caused by the therapy can be alleviated. The importance of follow-up visits of a breast cancer patient is not limited to diagnosing or excluding of relapses. During these visits, the elucidation of long-term adverse effects and their treatment alternatives and even discussing the symptoms and supporting the patient are important with respect to the quality of life.