Achieving cervical cancer elimination among Indigenous women.

Achieving the World Health Organisation (WHO) cervical cancer elimination target of fewer than four new cases per 100,000 woman-years requires scaling up HPV vaccination of girls, cervical screening, and pre-cancer and cancer treatment. We reviewed data from four high-income colonised countries (Australia, Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), and the United States (US)) to identify how each is currently performing compared to the cervical cancer incidence elimination and triple-intervention targets, nationally and in Indigenous women. We also summarise barriers and enablers to meeting targets for Indigenous women. To achieve elimination, cervical cancer incidence must be reduced by 74% in Indigenous women in Australia, and 63% in Maori women in NZ; data were not published in sufficient detail to compare incidence in Indigenous women in Canada or the US to the WHO target. Only Australia meets the vaccination coverage target, but uptake appears comparatively equitable within Australia, NZ and the US, whereas there appears to be a substantial gap in Canada. Screening coverage is lower for Indigenous women in all four countries though the differential varies by country. Currently, only Australia universally offers HPV-based screening. Data on pre-cancer and cancer treatment were limited in all countries. Large inequities in cervical cancer currently exist for Indigenous peoples in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US, and elimination is not on track for all women in these countries. Current data gaps hinder improvements. These countries must urgently address their systemic failure to care and provide health care for Indigenous women.

Exploring tensions within young breast cancer survivors' physical activity, nutrition and weight management beliefs and practices.

Purpose: Although the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating, and weight management for breast cancer survivors are well established, little is known about how best to promote these practices among women diagnosed before age 40 years. We conducted a qualitative study to explore young breast cancer survivors' beliefs and practices regarding physical activity, nutrition, and weight management.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 women (Mage=36 years, SD=3.4) who were within 5 years of breast cancer diagnosis. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Participants' accounts revealed several tensions between the factors motivating them to engage in physical activity, healthy eating, and weight management and those deterring them. Tensions were captured within three themes: (1) prolonging life with a healthy lifestyle versus enjoying living; (2) perceiving benefits versus barriers, and; (3) seeking social connection versus protecting the self from social threats. Participants also noted preferences, which if considered could help them maintain healthy lifestyle practices.Conclusions: Although young breast cancer survivors value physical activity, healthy eating, and weight management, they are constantly weighing the benefits of these practices against their perceived drawbacks. To facilitate long-term participation among young breast cancer survivors, future programing must address their conflicting beliefs and priorities.Implications for RehabilitationPhysical activity, healthy eating, and weight management can play an important role in the health and wellbeing of breast cancer survivors.Young breast cancer survivors experience a 'tug-of-war' between the factors motivating them to be active and eat healthy and those deterring them.Following treatment for breast cancer, young women would benefit from tailored lifestyle-based programing that addresses their conflicting beliefs and priorities.Tailored programing might involve strategically scheduled program times or flexible programs designed to include the participation of family and friends.

How much will older adults exercise? A feasibility study of aerobic training combined with resistance training.

BACKGROUND: Both aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT) have multidimensional health benefits for older adults including increased life expectancy and decreased risk of chronic diseases. However, the volume (i.e., frequency*time) of AT combined with RT in which untrained older adults can feasibly and safely participate remains unclear. Thus, our primary objective was to investigate the feasibility and safety of a high-volume exercise program consisting of twice weekly AT combined with twice weekly RT (i.e., four times weekly exercise) on a group of untrained older adults. In addition, we investigated the effects of the program on physical function, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and explored factors related to participant adherence. METHODS: We recruited eight inactive older adults (65+ years) to participate in a 6-week, single-group pre-post exercise intervention, consisting of 2 days/week of AT plus 2 days/week of progressive RT for 6 weeks. We recorded program attendance and monitored for adverse events during the course of the program. Participants were tested at both baseline and follow-up on the following: (1) physical function (i.e., timed-up-and-go test (TUG) and short physical performance battery (SPPB)), (2) aerobic capacity (VO2max) using the modified Bruce protocol; and (3) muscular strength on the leg press and lat pull-down. Post intervention, we performed qualitative semi-structured interviews of all participants regarding their experiences in the exercise program. We used these responses to examine themes that may affect continued program adherence to a high-volume exercise program. RESULTS: We recorded an average attendance rate of 83.3% with the lowest attendance for one session being five out of eight participants; no significant adverse events occurred. Significant improvements were observed for SPPB score (1.6; 95% CI: [0.3, 2.9]), VO2max (8.8 ml/kg/min; 95% CI: [2.8, 14.8]), and lat pull-down strength (11.8 lbs; 95% CI: [3.3, 20.2]). Qualitative results revealed two themes that promote older adults' adherence: (1) convenience of the program and (2) the social benefits of exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest untrained older adults can be successful at completing twice weekly AT combined with twice weekly progressive RT; however, these exercise programs should be group-based in order to maintain high adherence.

Qualitative meta-synthesis of survivors' work experiences and the development of strategies to facilitate return to work.

PURPOSE: To review the empirical qualitative literature on cancer survivors' experiences of the return to work process in order to develop strategies for health and vocational professionals to facilitate return to work. METHODS: A rigorous systematic search of five databases was completed to identify relevant qualitative studies published between Jan 2000 and July 2013. All potentially relevant titles and abstracts were reviewed by two reviewers. For studies that met eligibility, the full-text articles were obtained and assessed for quality. The collected evidence was then synthesized using meta-ethnography methods. RESULTS: In total, 39 studies met the eligibility criteria and passed the quality assessment. The synthesis of these studies demonstrated that cancer diagnosis and treatment represented a major change in individuals' lives and often resulted in individuals having to leave full-time work, while undergoing treatment or participating in rehabilitation. Thus, many survivors wanted to return to some form of gainful or paid employment after treatment and rehabilitation. However, there was also evidence that the meaning of paid employment could change following cancer. Return to work was found to be a continuous process that involved planning and decision-making with respect to work readiness and symptom management throughout the process. Nine key factors were identified as relevant to work success. These include four related to the person (i.e., symptoms, work abilities, coping, motivation), three related to environmental supports (i.e., family, workplace, professionals), and two related to the occupation (i.e., type of work/demands, job flexibility). Finally, issues related to disclosure of one's cancer status and cancer-related impairments were also found to be relevant to survivors' return to work experiences. CONCLUSIONS: This review reveals that cancer survivors experience challenges with maintaining employment and returning to work following cancer and may require the coordinated support of health and vocational professionals. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Cancer survivors need integrated support from health and vocational professionals (e.g., assistance with defining work goals, determining work readiness, determining how symptoms may impact work performance, suggesting workplace supports, and accommodations) to maintain and return to work after cancer diagnosis and treatment. These supports need to be provided throughout the recovery and rehabilitation process.