Physician preferences for an electronic lung cancer screening decision aid.

OBJECTIVE: To present primary care physician (PCP) suggestions for design and implementation of a decision aid (DA) tool to support patient-provider shared decision-making on lung cancer screening (LCS). STUDY DESIGN: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 PCPs at an academic medical center. METHODS: The deidentified transcripts were independently coded by 2 study interviewers and jointly reviewed every 5 interviews until we determined that data saturation had been achieved. We then identified themes in the data and selected illustrative quotes. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: (1) make it brief and familiar (make the tool user-friendly and implement a similar format to other widely used DAs); (2) bring me to automation station (limit busywork; focus on the patient and on the decision); and (3) involve the patient (facilitate patient involvement in the DA with simple language, visual aids, and bullet-point takeaways). CONCLUSIONS: Findings contain concrete suggestions by PCPs to inform usable and acceptable LCS DA tool design and implementation. For an LCS DA to be most successful, PCPs emphasized that the tool must be easy to use and incorporate autopopulation functions to limit redundant patient charting.

The Assessment of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Cancer Patients and Survivors in the Pre-COVID-19 Period: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In the context of cancer research, identifying social isolation and loneliness is a priority given how both exacerbate poor outcomes and lead to increased mortality in oncological populations. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify all quantitative instruments that have been used to assess either social isolation or loneliness in patients previously or currently diagnosed with cancer in the pre-COVID-19 period. METHOD: PubMed (Web), Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched on August 22, 2019. All databases were searched from inception with no filters applied. The search strategies included terms that captured the following concepts: instruments/tools, social isolation or loneliness, and cancer. RESULTS: A total of 289 titles/abstracts were returned. Upon review, 114 titles/abstracts were deemed to be potentially eligible and the full text was retrieved. Of the 114 full texts, 69 articles met inclusion criteria and comprised the final sample. Publications span years 1980 through 2019, with the majority (71%) occurring in the last decade prior to this review, between 2009 and 2019. Average age of the study samples, with few exceptions, was often over 50 years old. Many studies used all-female samples, while only one study used an all-male sample. The most common cancer diagnosis of participants was breast cancer. The most common measure was the UCLA Loneliness Scale, used in 22 studies. Most measures we identified were used only once, and 11 measures were used 2-3 times. When the information was given, response ranges were always Likert-type scales most often ranging from 1-4 or 1-5, and sometimes from 1-10 possible response options. In terms of psychometrics, test-retest reliability and validity were rarely reported; by contrast, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was reported more than half of the time (60.9%). CONCLUSION: When selecting a measure to assess loneliness in cancer populations, the UCLA Loneliness Scale is both psychometrically strong and versatile across patients with different cancers, ages, and racial backgrounds. When selecting a measure to assess social isolation in cancer populations, both the PROMIS-SF V 2.0 social isolation and the Berkman-Syme Network Index are brief and have been used in patients with non-White racial backgrounds.

Challenges Addressing Lung Cancer Screening for Patients With Multimorbidity in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: Many individuals who are eligible for lung cancer screening have comorbid conditions complicating their shared decision-making conversations with physicians. The goal of our study was to better understand how primary care physicians (PCPs) factor comorbidities into their evaluation of the risks and benefits of lung cancer screening and into their shared decision-making conversations with patients. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews by videoconference with 15 PCPs to assess the extent of shared decision-making practices and explore their understanding of the intersection of comorbidities and lung cancer screening, and how that understanding informed their clinical approach to this population. RESULTS: We identified 3 themes. The first theme was whether to discuss or not to discuss lung cancer screening. PCPs described taking additional steps for individuals with complex comorbidities to decide whether to initiate this discussion and used subjective clinical judgment to decide whether the conversation would be productive and beneficial. PCPs made mental assessments that factored in the patient's health, life expectancy, quality of life, and access to support systems. The second theme was that shared decision making is not a simple discussion. When PCPs did initiate discussions about lung cancer screening, although some believed they could provide objective information, others struggled with personal biases. The third theme was that ultimately, the decision to be screened was up to the patient. Patients had the final say, even if their decision was discordant with the PCP's advice. CONCLUSIONS: Shared decision-making conversations about lung cancer screening differed substantially from the standard for patients with complex comorbidities. Future research should include efforts to characterize the risks and benefits of LCS in patients with comorbidities to inform guidelines and clinical application.

Preference Elicitation and Treatment Decision-Making Among Men Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial Results of Healium.

BACKGROUND: Elicitation of patients' preferences is an integral part of shared decision-making, the recommended approach for prostate cancer decision-making. Existing decision aids for this population often do not specifically focus on patients' preferences. Healium is a brief interactive web-based decision aid that aims to elicit patients' treatment preferences and is designed for a low health literate population. OBJECTIVE: This study used a randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether Healium, designed to target preference elicitation, is as efficacious as Healing Choices, a comprehensive education and decision tool, in improving outcomes for decision-making and emotional quality of life. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who had not yet made a treatment decision were randomly assigned to the brief Healium intervention or Healing Choices, a decision aid previously developed by our group that serves as a virtual information center on prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Assessments were completed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months post baseline, and included decisional outcomes (decisional conflict, satisfaction with decision, and preparation for decision-making), and emotional quality of life (anxiety/tension and depression), along with demographics, comorbidities, and health literacy. RESULTS: A total of 327 individuals consented to participate in the study (171 were randomized to the Healium intervention arm and 156 were randomized to Healing Choices). The majority of the sample was non-Hispanic (272/282, 96%), White (239/314, 76%), married (251/320, 78.4%), and was on average 62.4 (SD 6.9) years old. Within both arms, there was a significant decrease in decisional conflict from baseline to 6 weeks postbaseline (Healium, P≤.001; Healing Choices, P≤.001), and a significant increase in satisfaction with one's decision from 6 weeks to 3 months (Healium, P=.04; Healing Choices, P=.01). Within both arms, anxiety/tension (Healium, P=.23; Healing Choices, P=.27) and depression (Healium, P=.001; Healing Choices, P≤.001) decreased from baseline to 6 weeks, but only in the case of depression was the decrease statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Healium, our brief decision aid focusing on treatment preference elicitation, is as successful in reducing decisional conflict as our previously tested comprehensive decision aid, Healing Choices, and has the added benefit of brevity, making it the ideal tool for integration into the physician consultation and electronic medical record. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05800483; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05800483.

Stress, anxiety, and illness perception in patients experiencing delay in operative care due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, the US Surgeon General ordered hospitals and healthcare systems to stop all elective surgical procedures. The aim of our study was to evaluate the additional mental health impact of surgical delay on patients awaiting surgery for benign, pre-malignant and malignant conditions within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design: All patients over the age of 18 awaiting surgery for benign, pre-malignant or malignant conditions within the gynecologic oncology, surgical oncology and colorectal services across Northwell Health were eligible for participation. Upon successful enrollment, participants completed a baseline questionnaire consisting of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and Brief-Illness Patient Questionnaire. Results: The surgical delay was considered moderately to extremely concerning by 72 % of survey respondents, with one third indicating the highest (10/10) level of concern. Fifty-five percent of patients with a pre-operatively suspected/confirmed cancer or pre-malignant condition demonstrated mild to severe anxiety in their completion of the GAD-7 scale. The average time awaiting surgery was 117 days (range 8-292); and 63 % of respondents indicated that the delay had a moderate to severe impact on their daily life. Conclusions: Patients awaiting surgery for confirmed, suspected or pre-malignant conditions expressed decreased sense of control and increased levels of distress compared to patients awaiting procedures for benign conditions (p < 0.05, 95 % CI [-2.65, -0.08]). Future research will focus on the effects of COVID-19 related delays in operative care on clinical outcomes, including cancer morbidity and mortality.

Examining the impact of a multimedia intervention on decisional conflict and psychological distress among early-stage breast cancer patients: results from a nationwide RCT.

We conducted a nationwide, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of Healing Choices, a novel interactive education and treatment decision program rooted in the self-regulation theory framework, on decisional conflict and psychological distress at 2-month post-intervention in women with early-stage breast cancer. Patients were randomized to receive the National Cancer Institute's standard print material (control) or standard print material plus Healing Choices (the intervention). The final sample at 2-month post-intervention consisted of N = 388 participants (intervention: n = 197; control: n = 191). There were no significant differences in decisional conflict or its subscales; however, psychological distress was higher in the intervention group (16.09 ± 10.25) than in the control group (14.37 ± 8.73) at follow-up, B = 1.88, 95% CI [-0.03, 3.80], t(383) = 1.94, p = .05. Upon further examination, we found that engagement with the intervention was low-41%-prompting as-treated analyses, which showed no difference in distress between users and nonusers and a positive impact of Healing Choices on decisional conflict: decisional support subscale: users (35.36 ± 15.50) versus nonusers (39.67 ± 15.99), B = -4.31 (s.e. = 2.09), p = .04. Multiple recommendations for moving ahead stem from this work: (i) intent-to-treat analyses appeared to cause distress, cautioning against interventions that may lead to information overload; (ii) engagement with the intervention is low and future work needs to focus on increasing engagement and monitoring it throughout the study; and (iii) in studies with low engagement, as-treated analyses are critical.

Healing Choices is a multimedia software program that provides information and decision-making support for women with early-stage breast cancer. We present the results of a randomized controlled trial that evaluated the impact of Healing Choices, compared with standard of care (National Cancer Institute's standard print material), on decisional conflict and psychological distress. In total, 388 participants (197 in the intervention and 191 in the control group) completed the 2-month post-intervention assessment. Results indicated that Healing Choices did not help with treatment decision-making but was associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Use among women assigned to Healing Choices, however, was low, at 41%. When comparing women who used the program with those who did not, we found that the effect of elevated distress disappeared, while program users felt more support than nonusers during the decision-making process. In the future, interventions such as Healing Choices should be regulated so as not to cause distress via information overload, a focus on monitoring and increasing engagement with the intervention is necessary, and, when engagement is low, as-treated analyses are critical to explore the efficacy of the intervention.

Cancer Resource and Information Support (CRIS) for Bladder Cancer Survivors and Their Caregivers: Development and Usability Testing Study.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer survivors and their caregivers face profound practical (eg, use of stoma appliances and care for urinary diversion methods) and psychosocial (eg, depression and anxiety) challenges after surgical treatment with cystectomy. OBJECTIVE: To improve the health-related quality of life and postsurgical outcomes of both bladder cancer survivors and their caregivers, the team, in collaboration with Sourcetop, Inc (software design) and Dappersmith (graphic design), developed the Cancer Resource and Information Support (CRIS) software. The purpose of this manuscript is to report on the development and usability testing of the CRIS software. METHODS: The development of the CRIS software was guided by the Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model for developing behavioral treatments for chronic diseases. The ORBIT model is unique in that it proposes a flexible and progressive process with prespecific clinically significant milestones for forward movement and returns to earlier stages for refinement, and it facilitates communication among diverse groups by using terminology from the drug development model. This paper focuses on 2 phases of the ORBIT model: phase IA: define and IB: refine. During phase IA, the study team developed solutions for the stated clinical problem-adjustment to life post cystectomy-by reviewing the literature and collecting feedback from clinicians, professional organizations, bladder cancer survivors, and their caregivers. During Phase IB, the study team focused on tailoring content in the CRIS software to the user as well as usability testing with 7 participants. RESULTS: The finished product is CRIS, a web-based software for survivors of bladder cancer and their caregivers to serve as a health management and lifestyle resource after surgery. Overarching themes from phase IA (participant feedback) included how to use new medical equipment, tips and tricks for easier living with new medical equipment, questions about health maintenance, and questions about lifestyle modifications. To accommodate our target population, we also incorporated recommendations from the Americans with Disabilities Act for website design, such as large text size, large paragraph spacing, highly contrasting text and background colors, use of headings and labels to describe the purpose of the content, portrait orientation without the need for horizontal scrolling, multiple ways to access a web page within a set of pages, ability to navigate web pages in sequential order, and in-text links that are descriptive. Usability participants evaluated CRIS very positively, indicating that it was easy to use, the functions were well-integrated, and if available, they would use CRIS frequently. CONCLUSIONS: CRIS, developed over the course of 18 months by integrating feedback from experts, literature reviews, and usability testing, is the first web-based software developed for bladder cancer survivors and their caregivers to help them adjust to life following cystectomy. The efficacy of CRIS in improving patients' and caregivers' quality of life is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

Demographic and Psychosocial Characteristics Associated With Use of a Prostate Cancer Survivorship Website: Implications From a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Many prostate cancer (PC) survivors experience disease and treatment-related symptomatology in both the physical and psychosocial domains. Although the benefits and barriers to using web-based resources for cancer patients are well-documented, less research has focused on the personal characteristics important for efficient tailoring and targeting of information that are associated with usage. OBJECTIVE: We used the Cognitive-Social Health Information Processing (C-SHIP) framework to guide our exploration of personal characteristics associated with use of PROGRESS, an informational PC survivorship website that addresses physical, emotional, interpersonal, and practical concerns relevant for PC survivors. METHODS: PC survivors (N=217) were randomized to the intervention arm (PROGRESS) of a randomized controlled trial. Of those randomized to the intervention arm, 84 used PROGRESS, and 133 did not use PROGRESS. Multivariable analyses evaluated demographic and psychosocial characteristics (eg, style of coping, health literacy, self-efficacy, affective states of depression, anxiety, and fatigue) associated with website use. RESULTS: A larger proportion of non-Hispanic White (68/160, 42.5%), compared with non-Hispanic Black (9/40, 23%), participants used PROGRESS (P<.001). Further, PROGRESS users were older in age (P<.001), had a monitoring style of coping (P=.01), and were less depressed (P=.004), anxious (P=.02), and fatigued (P<.001) than nonusers. Education, income, health literacy, blunting style of coping, self-efficacy, and treatment type (radiation therapy or surgery) were not significantly related to use. On multivariable analyses, race (OR 0.28, P<.001), age (OR 1.05, P<.001), monitoring style of coping (OR 1.27, P=.02), and overall mood (OR 0.98, P<.001) remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of monitoring and low levels of negative affect were associated with website use. Additionally, users were older, non-Hispanic White survivors. To ensure that important survivorship-relevant information reaches users, future efforts need to focus on enhancing patient engagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02224482; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02224482.

Cancer health self-efficacy improvement in a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: eHealth interventions can help cancer survivors self-manage their health outside the clinic. Little is known about how best to engage and assist survivors across the age and cancer treatment spectra. METHODS: The American Cancer Society conducted a randomized controlled trial that assessed efficacy of, and engagement with, Springboard Beyond Cancer, an eHealth self-management program for cancer survivors. Intent-to treat analyses assessed effects of intervention engagement for treatment (on-treatment vs completed) overall (n = 176; 88 control, 88 intervention arm) and separately by age (<60 years vs older). Multiple imputation was used to account for participants who were lost to follow-up (n = 41) or missing self-efficacy data (n = 1) at 3 months follow-up. RESULTS: Self-efficacy for managing cancer, the primary outcome of this trial, increased significantly within the intervention arm and for those who had completed treatment (Cohen's d = 0.26, 0.31, respectively). Additionally, participants with moderate-to-high engagement in the text and/or web intervention (n = 30) had a significantly greater self-efficacy for managing cancer-related issues compared to the control group (n = 68), with a medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.44). Self-efficacy did not differ between the intervention and control arm at 3 months post-baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Study results suggest that cancer survivors benefit variably from eHealth tools. To maximize effects of such tools, it is imperative to tailor information to a priori identified survivor subgroups and increase engagement efforts.

Patterns of alcohol use among early head and neck cancer survivors: A cross-sectional survey study using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT).

OBJECTIVE: Alcohol use among survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) negatively impacts patient outcomes and is an important risk factor for recurrent and second primary tumors. Despite recommendations from several cancer societies, alcohol consumption remains a common problem in this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) Self-Report questionnaire. Patients with HNC completed surveys at pre-treatment and follow-up appointments every 3-6 months for at least 2-years after treatment. RESULTS: 796 surveys were available for analysis. Most participants were male (75.7%) and had either oropharyngeal (34.5%) or laryngeal (16.7%) cancer. The percentage of alcohol drinkers decreased from 56.1% at pre-treatment to 40.4% at 0-3 months post-treatment, but then increased and surpassed baseline levels by 24 + months post-treatment (64.4%, p = 0.0079). Concurrently, moderate drinkers (AUDIT = 1 - 3) decreased from 34.2% at pre-treatment to 25.2% at 0-3 months post-treatment, but then increased and surpassed baseline levels at 24 + months post-treatment (39.7%, p = 0.0129). Trends among heavy (AUDIT > 3), and heaviest (AUDIT > 6) drinkers were similar, but not statistically significant. At 24 + months post-therapy, we observed a statistically significant increase in female users (39.1% to 63.2%, p = 0.0213) and moderate drinkers < 55 years old (43.4% to 61.9%, p = 0.0184). CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption in survivors of HNC transiently decreases in the immediate months after treatment, but then increases and remains largely stable by 24 months. This pattern is particularly concerning and highlights the need for timely interventions.

Improved cancer coping from a web-based intervention for prostate cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer (PCa) survivors report poor physical functioning alongside negative psychological outcomes as they cope with treatment side effects and practical concerns after treatment completion. This study evaluated PROGRESS, a web-based intervention designed to improve adaptive coping among PCa survivors. METHODS: Localized PCa patients (N = 431) within one year of treatment completion were randomized to receive educational booklets or PROGRESS + educational booklets. Surveys completed at baseline, 1-, 3-, and 6-months assessed patient characteristics; functional quality of life and coping (primary outcomes); and psychosocial outcomes (e.g., self-efficacy, marital communication; secondary outcomes). Intent-to-treat and as-treated analyses were completed to assess change in outcomes from baseline to 6 months using linear mixed effects regression models. RESULTS: In the intent-to-treat analyses, participants randomized to the intervention group had improved diversion coping (i.e., healthy redirection of worrying thoughts about their cancer), but more difficulties in marital communication (ps < 0.05). However, PROGRESS usage was low among those randomized to the intervention group (38.7%). The as-treated analyses found PROGRESS users reported fewer practical concerns but had worse positive coping compared to PROGRESS non-users (ps < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest PROGRESS may improve certain aspects of adaptive coping among PCa survivors that use the website, but does not adequately address the remaining coping and psychosocial domains. Additional research is needed to better understand the gaps in intervention delivery contributing to low engagement and poor improvement across all domains of functional quality of life and adaptive coping.

Social and medical risk factors associated with supportive needs in the first year following localized prostate cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: Individuals who completed treatment for prostate cancer (PCa) often report poor coping and practical concerns when adapting to new roles in their lives-and strong patient-provider communication is critical for this period. However, there is limited research identifying factors associated with supportive needs after the completion of PCa treatment. This study aimed to identify the social and medical risk factors associated with supportive needs for adapting among individuals who completed treatment for localized PCa. METHODS: Using baseline data from a study evaluating a web-based support system for patients in the first year following treatment for localized PCa, self-efficacy for re-entry (e.g., maintaining relationships, symptom management), medical interactions, and practical concerns (e.g., insurance, exercise) were assessed. Multivariable regression analyses were completed to identify risk factors for low readiness. RESULTS: Participants (N = 431) with lower health literacy or income or with depressive symptoms had lower self-efficacy for re-entry, more negative interactions with medical providers, and more practical concerns (ps < .05). Lastly, non-Hispanic White participants reported greater readiness compared with all other races (ps < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple social and medical risk factors are associated with greater supportive needs when adapting to new roles after PCa treatment. Understanding the risk factors for supportive needs in this period is critical. Future research is needed to help providers identify and support individuals at risk for poorer coping and greater practical concerns after treatment completion. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Identifying individuals with greater supportive needs following treatment for localized PCa treatment will help ensure successful adaptation to new roles.

Incidence of Significant Findings of Microhematuria Workup in Women-What Guidelines Work Best?

OBJECTIVE: To apply the American Urogynecological Society (AUGS)/American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendations of foregoing workup in patients under 50 years of age with less than 25 red cells per high-powered field, to a cohort of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (AMH) patients, and assess diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value compared to the American Urologic Association (AUA) guidelines. METHODS: Retrospective review of female patients who underwent AMH evaluation from 2012 to 2015. The number of patients who would have avoided workup following the AUGS/ACOG recommendations was determined. Sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative-predictive value and accuracy of the AUGS/ACOG recommendations compared to AUA guidelines were determined. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty women underwent AMH workup with 265 women undergoing full workup as per the AUA guidelines. Applying the AUGS/ACOG recommendations to this cohort would not have resulted in missed malignant diagnoses. Two tumors were found, both in patients who had undergone complete workup, and for whom AUGS/ACOG recommends workup. Following the AUGS/ACOG recommendations would have avoided workup in 126/620 of all women and 44/265 women who underwent the full AUA workup. In looking at findings of malignancy, the AUGS/ACOG workup had a sensitivity of 100% and a negative predictive value of 100% as compared to the AUA guidelines. CONCLUSION: AUA guidelines may over screen female low risk AMH patients. Extensive workup in a low risk group of female patients does not result in increased cancer diagnoses. Perhaps a more nuanced approach could result in fewer workups without compromising cancer detection.

Survey of Radiation Oncologists to Assess Interest and Potential Use of a Genetic Test Predicting Susceptibility for the Development of Toxicities After Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy.

PURPOSE: A genetic test predicting susceptibility for the development of toxicities after prostate cancer radiation therapy is in development. This test intends to help physicians with treatment decision making. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Radiation oncologists were surveyed using a web-based questionnaire to gauge their interest in using a genetic test predictive of increased risk of radiation therapy toxicities as an aid in determining therapy for men with prostate cancer. Responses were summarized using frequencies, and a χ2 test compared responses among participants. Multivariable ordinal regression identified factors associated with anticipated adoption or nonadoption of such a genetic test by radiation oncologists. RESULTS: Among 204 radiation oncologists (64% from the United States, 36% from other countries), 86.3% would order a genetic test and 80.2% said the test would be useful for treatment discussions. There was wide acceptance (76.7%) to offer a genetic test to all patients considering radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Additionally, 98.1% indicated that patients would be receptive to the test information. There were no significant differences in the likelihood of ordering a genetic test based on practice setting, familiarity with scientific literature, time spent on research, or geographic location (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Radiation oncologists who treat prostate cancer are interested in and willing to order a genetic test predictive of susceptibility to radiation therapy toxicity to aid their treatment decision making.

Use of a Risk Stratification Tool to Guide Evaluation of Patients With Asymptomatic Microscopic Hematuria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if use of the hematuria risk index can reduce testing and cost, while maintaining equivalent lesion detection in patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 1049 patients at single institution. Hematuria risk index score was calculated based on clinical factors including age, sex, smoking history, and degree of hematuria for each patient along with evaluation studies performed and total number of tumors discovered. Cost benefit analysis was performed based on published Medicare averages. RESULTS: Tumor detection rate in overall, low-risk, and moderate-risk groups were 1.2%, 0%, and 2.96% at a total cost of $408,376. When low-risk group is not screened cost decreases to $166,252 with no lesions missed. The cost to discover one lesion/cancer in the overall group was $34,031.3, the cost to find one high-grade clinically significant lesion/cancer was $136,125.3 for the overall group. When the low-risk group was removed, the cost to find a high-grade clinically significant lesion/cancer decreased to $55,417.3 without missing any significant lesions. Ultrasound may be utilized instead of computed tomography with minimal loss of lesion detection in select moderate risk patients. CONCLUSION: None of the low-risk hematuria risk patients were diagnosed with any lesions, as such these patients may not need an evaluation. Furthermore, by utilizing a risk-stratified approach to the assessment of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria health care costs can be significantly decreased with limited negative consequences in terms of lesion detection.

Management of Distress in Patients with Cancer-Are We Doing the Right Thing?

BACKGROUND: Screening for distress and referral for the provision of psychosocial care is currently the preferred approach to the management of distress in patients with cancer. To date, this approach has shown a limited effect on the reduction of distress. Recent commentaries have argued that the implementation of distress screening should be improved. On the other hand, the underlying assumption that a referral for psychosocial care is required for distressed patients can be questioned. This has led to the development of an alternative approach, called emotional support and case finding. PURPOSE: In the context of finding innovative solutions to tomorrow's health challenges, we explore ways to optimize distress management in patients with cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: We discuss three different approaches: (i) optimization of screening and referral, (ii) provision of emotional support and case finding, and (iii) a hybrid approach with multiple assessments, using mobile technology. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest continued research on the screening and referral approach, to broaden the evidence-base on improving emotional support and case finding, and to evaluate the utility of multiple assessments of distress with new interactive mobile tools. Lessons learned from these efforts can be applied to other disease areas, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Gay men's experiences with prostate cancer: Implications for future research.

Gay men's experiences with prostate cancer and its impact on health-related quality of life are poorly understood. This qualitative study explored gay men's experience with prostate cancer with a focus on the emotional, physical, and sexual impact of cancer; support needs; and healthcare interactions. Three semi-structured focus groups of gay men with prostate cancer were conducted. A conventional content analytic approach was used to identify six primary content areas that described poignant aspects of the men's experience with prostate cancer: minority stress, intimacy and sexuality concerns, impact on life outlook, healthcare experiences, social support and the gay community, and intersectional identities.

Alcohol-related head and neck cancer: Summary of the literature.

Alcohol drinking is a risk factor for the development of head-and-neck malignancies, including oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers, and coupled with tobacco use, accounts for 75% of oral cancers. We summarized the literature on alcohol-related head and neck cancer (HNC) and identified gaps that represent areas for future investigation. Research indicates that alcohol consumption has not only been linked to the development of primary HNCs, but also to secondary cancers with continued alcohol intake, cancer recurrences, and other poor health outcomes. Given this evidence, several organizations have called for reduction or avoidance of alcohol, particularly in HNC survivors. Despite these strong recommendations, evidence suggests that HNC survivors continue to use alcohol. There is a need to forge collaborations among clinicians, researchers, and social workers, to address this problem of alcohol consumption in the growing population of HNC survivors.