Navigating financial toxicity in patients with cancer: A multidisciplinary management approach.

Approximately one-half of individuals with cancer face personal economic burdens associated with the disease and its treatment, a problem known as financial toxicity (FT). FT more frequently affects socioeconomically vulnerable individuals and leads to subsequent adverse economic and health outcomes. Whereas multilevel systemic factors at the policy, payer, and provider levels drive FT, there are also accompanying intervenable patient-level factors that exacerbate FT in the setting of clinical care delivery. The primary strategy to intervene on FT at the patient level is financial navigation. Financial navigation uses comprehensive assessment of patients' risk factors for FT, guidance toward support resources, and referrals to assist patient financial needs during cancer care. Social workers or nurse navigators most frequently lead financial navigation. Oncologists and clinical provider teams are multidisciplinary partners who can support optimal FT management in the context of their clinical roles. Oncologists and clinical provider teams can proactively assess patient concerns about the financial hardship and employment effects of disease and treatment. They can respond by streamlining clinical treatment and care delivery planning and incorporating FT concerns into comprehensive goals of care discussions and coordinated symptom and psychosocial care. By understanding how age and life stage, socioeconomic, and cultural factors modify FT trajectory, oncologists and multidisciplinary health care teams can be engaged and informative in patient-centered, tailored FT management. The case presentations in this report provide a practical context to summarize authors' recommendations for patient-level FT management, supported by a review of key supporting evidence and a discussion of challenges to mitigating FT in oncology care. CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72:437-453.

Development of the Partner Version of the Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI-PV) Scale in the Context of Cancer Survivorship.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop the Partner Version of the Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI-PV) scale. METHODS: Candidate items derived from the patient version of the instrument were refined with input from an expert panel specializing in sexual health, psychosocial oncology, and instrument development (n = 6). Partners (n = 17) of female cancer survivors participated in cognitive interviews to assess the revised scale's content validity. RESULTS: Transcripts were analyzed qualitatively. Participants endorsed the items as relevant, clear, and appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: The present work illustrates the iterative development of the SECSI-PV scale. The study highlights the importance of including partners in sexual health discussions and emphasizes the need for psychosocial interventions supporting partners' confidence communicating about sexuality and intimacy. Additional research is recommended to validate the instrument in larger samples encompassing cancer types that are not sex-based and partners from diverse backgrounds, including sexual and gender minority groups.

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) and delayed care: a qualitative analysis of psychosocial factors.

The literature has extensively documented how delayed access to health care services in the context of cancer can result from subjective characteristics, dysfunctional coping styles, barriers to care, or procrastination. However, limited research has investigated the psychosocial experience of women diagnosed with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC). This qualitative study aimed at understanding cognitive, emotional and relational factors associated with delayed access to care and treatment decision-making. In-depth interviews with 14 Italian women were conducted. A thematic analysis of elementary contexts using T-LAB was used to identify the association between emerging clusters and participants' coping styles as measured by the Mini-MAC. Five clusters were identified: 'relationships', 'ineluctability', 'disease', 'surgery', and 'diagnosis'. The 'relationships' cluster was characterized by elevated rates of Fighting Spirit (p < 0.01) while Anxious Preoccupation was associated with 'surgery' (p < 0.01). Findings contribute to explain individual and relational variables related to delay seeking care of LABC patients by illustrating the interplay of personal motivations and social networks' characteristics. Evidence from this work expands current understanding of the interplay of factors contributing to delays in seeking medical attention and may be utilized to inform strategies to timely identify women at greater risk.

Age as a moderator for the association between depression and self-rated health among cancer survivors: a U.S. based population study.

BACKGROUND: Self-rated health (SRH) is a salient outcome for cancer survivors. Although depression is a well-studied correlate with SRH, few studies have focused on the role of cancer survivors' age on the association between depression and SRH. This study evaluates demographic and psychosocial factors associated with cancer survivors' SRH. We also assess the moderating role of age to the association between depression and SRH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper analyzed 2,470 U.S. cancer survivors from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. Two ordered logistic regression models with complex survey weights were used for analyses. Missing data was addressed using multiple imputations by chained equations. RESULTS: Being female, higher education and higher income were positively associated with better SRH. While the relationship between higher education and higher income was consistent with previous findings, the positive association between being female and SRH was different from previous studies. Age significantly moderated the association between depression and SRH, evidenced by results of the joint tests of all interaction term coefficients being statistically significant, F(2, 544.6) = 5.13, p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study highlighted the significance of screening for social determinants of health and health disparity when supporting cancer survivors. Additionally, findings of this study emphasized the significance of adopting an age-specific approach when evaluating and addressing depression across different age groups of cancer survivors.

Financial toxicity impact on younger versus older adults with cancer in the setting of care delivery.

BACKGROUND: Young adults and other working-age adults with cancer are at risk for cancer-related financial toxicity (FT), including material hardships, depletion of coping resources, and psychological burden. This study compares FT domains in young adults (18-39 years old) (YAs), other working-age adults (40-64 years old), and older adults (≥65 years old) receiving cancer care. METHODS: A total of 311 adults were surveyed using the multi-domain Economic Strain and Resilience in Cancer instrument measuring FT (0-10 score indicating least to greatest FT; score ≥5 severe FT). Participants were receiving ambulatory care from March-September 2019. Associations of age with overall FT and material hardship, coping resource depletion, and psychological burden FT domains were tested using Kruskal-Wallis and χ2 tests and multivariable generalized linear models with gamma distribution. RESULTS: YAs (median age, 31.5 years) comprised 9.6% of the sample; other working-age adults comprised 56.9%. Overall, material, coping, and psychological FT scores were worse in younger age adults versus older adults (P < .001 in all multivariable models). Compared with older adults, younger age adults demonstrated worse material hardship (median scores, 3.70 vs 4.80 vs 1.30 for YAs, other working-age, and older adults, respectively; P < .001), coping resource depletion (4.50 vs 3.40 vs 0.80; P < .001), and psychological burden (6.50 vs 7.00 vs 1.00; P < .001). Fifty percent of YAs had severe overall FT versus 40.7% of other working-age adults and 9.6% of older adults (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Younger age adults with cancer bore disproportionate FT. Interventions to address unmet needs are critical components for addressing FT in this population.

Psychological and sexual distress in rectal cancer patients and partners.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer (RC) patients experience unique sources of distress, including sexual dysfunction and body image concerns, which can also cause distress among partners. This preliminary study investigated patterns of psychological distress, sexual functioning, sexual distress, and relationship satisfaction among RC patient-partner couples at pivotal points during cancer treatment. METHODS: Twenty couples participated (N = 40). Patients and partners completed a series of validated measures of psychological distress (ET), sexual functioning (FSFI; IIEF), sexual distress (GMSEX; Sexual Distress Scale) and relationship satisfaction (GMREL) at time of diagnosis, 3 weeks after radiation, 4 weeks post-surgery, and after chemotherapy and surgery for ostomy closure. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to analyze scores over time, first for patients and partners, and then by sex. RESULTS: Relationship satisfaction remained elevated over time. In this sample, 55% of patients and 78.9% of partners reported clinically significant rates of psychological distress at diagnosis, which decreased to 23% and 46% respectively at the last assessment. Sexual satisfaction and distress worsened for patients and partners between baseline and surgery for ostomy closure. Both male and female participants reported statistically significant declines in sexual function from baseline to end of treatment (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Relative to relationship satisfaction, psychological and sexual health outcomes seem more vulnerable to the effects of RC treatment during the first year after diagnosis, both for patients and partners and for men and women. Results support the need for psychosocial care and sexual education/counseling for couples coping with RC.

Post-traumatic stress symptoms and social constraints in the communication with family caregivers among Chinese-speaking breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The consequences of breast cancer on physical and psychological well-being have been extensively studied. One of the long-term effects of the disease is Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS). However, only a small number of studies examined PTSS among Chinese-speaking breast cancer survivors. This study investigated interpersonal and physical health predictors of PTSS and explored sociodemographic and clinical factors linked to PTSS in this group. We hypothesized that higher levels of social constraints and lower levels of social support, relationship closeness, and physical health would be associated with higher levels of PTSS. METHODS: A sample of 96 Chinese-speaking breast cancer survivors completed measures of PTSS, social constraints, social support, closeness, health-related quality of life, and acculturation. Bivariate correlation examined association between variables of interest. Then, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine predictors of PTSS. RESULTS: Participants reported an average score of 14.7 (SD = 10.46, range 0-44) on the severity of PTSS, with 54.2% (N = 52) meeting the criteria for likelihood of PTSD. PTSS were positively associated with social constraints and negatively associated with social support, closeness, and physical health. More medication usage was linked to worse PTSS. Only social constraints in the ability to communicate cancer-related concerns to the caregiver predicted worse PTSS severity. CONCLUSIONS: The study unveils the role of interpersonal factors in mental health outcomes of Chinese-speaking breast cancer survivors. Future research should be conducted on larger samples and culturally relevant psychosocial interventions should be developed.

The influence of relational mutuality on dyadic coping among couples facing breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The study examined how a couple's capacity for mutuality as conceptualized by the Relational-Cultural Theory plays a role in their managing the stresses accompanying breast cancer. METHODS: Eighty-six women treated for a primary, non-metastatic breast cancer and their partners completed measures of quality of life, relational mutuality, and dyadic coping. Demographic and clinical factors were self-reported. The relationship between mutuality and dyadic coping was evaluated using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). RESULTS: Relational mutuality was positively associated with both the patients' and the caregivers' scores on common and positive dyadic coping. Similarly, relational mutuality was associated with both patients' and caregivers' reduced scores on avoidance of dyadic coping. CONCLUSIONS: Relational mutuality emerges as a significant factor in our understanding about dyadic coping in the context of cancer and this study highlights the role it plays in dyadic coping behaviors. IMPLICATIONS: The promotion of relational mutuality in couples coping with cancer-related stress should be a major focus in couple-based interventions.

Addressing the psychosocial needs of cancer patients: a retrospective analysis of a distress screening and management protocol in clinical care.

BACKGROUND: A growing recognition of the impact of distress on the quality of life and adherence to treatment of cancer patients has been documented. As a result, national guidelines and standards of care mandate providers to implement distress screening protocols to connect patients with psychosocial services. However, limited literature has examined whether distressed patients are referred to care and their needs addressed. This article assessed differences in rates of referral and psychosocial services by demographic factors, clinical characteristics, and distress severity. Potential predictors of these two outcomes were investigated. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patient data abstracted from electronic medical records of a NCI-designated Academic Comprehensive Cancer Center was conducted. Of the 399 cases meeting the inclusion criteria, 302 (75.7%) were screened for distress with the Distress Thermometer. Differences were examined with chi-square, t-tests, and ANOVAs. Predictors were identified with multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: Overall, patients who were identified as distressed were referred to a psychosocial provider (71.4%) and psychosocial services were delivered in approximately 64% of the cases. Referrals and service delivery rates varied by age group, clinic, health insurance coverage, distress severity, and presence of psychosocial issues. Only the distress score predicted the likelihood of being referred, and of a provider intervention to occur. Conclusions and implications for psychosocial providers: Although the protocol appeared to facilitate referral and service delivery to patients scoring above the cutoff for distress, our results suggest that patients were more likely to not have their distress and psychosocial needs addressed if they were older, without insurance coverage, and were seen in clinics where a social worker was not consistently available. Future studies able to monitor patient outcomes in terms of quality of life, satisfaction with care, and service utilization are recommended.

Dyadic coping and marital adjustment during pregnancy: A cross-sectional study of Italian couples expecting their first child.

Although the transition to parenthood is currently defined as a normative event, it can be potentially stressful for the couple relationship as it may contribute to psychological distress and reduced marital satisfaction. Using the systemic-transactional conceptualisation of stress and coping as a theoretical framework, we claimed that the ability of the parents-to-be to adjust to their new roles and identity is influenced by dyadic coping strategies. This study examined the effects of dyadic coping on marital adjustment in a sample of 78 primiparous couples. Women and partners completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Dyadic Coping Questionnaire during late pregnancy. Data were analysed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Results revealed that both women and partners' scores on positive dyadic coping behaviours contributed to higher marital adjustment, suggesting that risks for marital dissatisfaction may exist for couples not able to implement adaptive dyadic coping strategies, or for those unsatisfied with the implemented coping behaviours.

Sexual functioning among young adult cancer patients: A 2-year longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related sexual dysfunction has been reported among adolescents and young adults (AYAs); however, its prevalence over time has not been examined. This longitudinal study investigated sexual dysfunction in AYAs over the course of 2 years after the initial diagnosis. METHODS: Young adult patients (18-39 years old) completed the Medical Outcomes Study Sexual Functioning Scale within the first 4 months of their diagnosis (n = 123) and again 6 (n = 107) and 24 months later (n = 95). An ordered multinomial response model analyzed changes in the probability of reporting sexual dysfunction over time and the independent effects of demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables. RESULTS: More than half of the participants reported sexual functioning to be problematic at each assessment. The probability of reporting sexual dysfunction increased over time (P < .01) and was greater for cancer patients who were female (P < .001), older (P < .01), married or in a committed relationship (P < .001), treated with chemotherapy (P < .05), and reporting comorbid psychological distress (P < .001) and lower social support (P < .05). For women, being in a relationship increased the likelihood of reporting sexual problems over time; for men, the likelihood of reporting sexual problems increased regardless of their relationship status. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of young adults report ongoing problems with sexual functioning in the first 2 years after their cancer diagnosis. These findings justify the need to evaluate and monitor sexual functioning throughout a continuum of care. Cancer 2018;124:398-405. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

A systematic review of dyadic studies examining relationship quality in couples facing colorectal cancer together.

BACKGROUND: Despite the adverse effects that treatment for colorectal cancer can have on patients' quality of life and, in particular, their intimate relationships, very little research has been conducted on the psychosocial adjustment for both patients and their partners/spouses. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to examine dyadic studies of adjustment in couples in which one partner has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Pub Med, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Social Sciences Abstracts (EBSCO), and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies reporting quality of life outcomes for colorectal cancer patients and their partners/spouses. Only studies that included dyads in the sample were eligible for inclusion. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was used to evaluate each study. RESULTS: A total of 277 studies were identified, of which 9 studies met the inclusion criteria (N = 388 couples). The methodological quality of the studies was high in that they used standardized instruments validated with their samples, conducted dyadic data analyses (when appropriate), and used longitudinal designs. A synthesis of the studies revealed that (1) relationship factors (eg, support, communication, dyadic coping, and relationship satisfaction) affect adjustment to cancer; (2) cancer-related distress impacts each partner's adjustment or the relationship; and (3) gender, role (patient/caregiver), and clinical characteristics (treatment, mental health) can mediate adjustment to cancer. CONCLUSION: The quality of the relationship can influence patients' and their partners' adjustment to colorectal cancer. Psychosocial interventions that address relationship issues may be beneficial to couples facing the challenges of colorectal cancer.

Predictors of psychological distress among cancer patients receiving care at a safety-net institution: the role of younger age and psychosocial problems.

PURPOSE: The present study examined prevalence and predictors of psychological distress among cancer patients receiving care at a safety-net institution during the first year of implementation of a distress screening protocol. Differences between screened and unscreened patients were also analyzed. METHODS: Data on 182 breast and lung cancer patients who were treated at a NCI-designated Academic Comprehensive Cancer Center (ACAD) were abstracted from the patients' medical charts for a period of 1 year. RESULTS: Among the patients screened for distress, 66.2% reported a score higher than 4 (the established cut-off for distress) on the Distress Thermometer. Results from multiple regression analysis indicated that younger age, practical, and emotional problems were significant predictors of higher self-reported scores of psychological distress. There were no significant differences on socio-demographic and clinical variables between patients screened and those who were not screened. However, patients who were receiving more than one treatment modality were more likely to be screened. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of psychological distress in this setting was higher than the percentages reported in other similar studies. Furthermore, younger cancer patients and those presenting psychosocial problems were at risk for higher distress, which requires referral to psychosocial providers and the implementation of services able to meet these areas of need.

Development and evaluation of the Cancer Dyads Group Intervention: preliminary findings.

Despite the fact that importance of primary relationships for cancer patients and their caregivers' adaptation to illness is well recognized, only a paucity of studies report about clinical interventions for the patient-caregiver dyad. The article presents the Cancer Dyads Group Intervention (CDGI), a supportive group intervention for breast cancer patients and caregivers, and preliminary findings about its effectiveness. A correspondence analysis of the verbatim transcripts of the first three groups was conducted. Findings highlight the evolution of participants during the intervention and confirm the congruence between goals and the participants' experience. Further investigation of the CDGI effectiveness is necessary.

Negotiating cancer alone: A qualitative study exploring care experiences of racially and ethnically diverse women diagnosed with breast cancer during COVID-19.

COVID-19 has critically impacted cancer care services including reduced screenings, diagnoses, and surgeries; particularly among Black and Latina/x women who already suffer worse outcomes. This qualitative study explored the care experiences of a diverse sample of breast cancer survivors (N = 21; 7 Black, 4 Hispanic, 10 White) undergoing treatment during the pandemic via online semi-structured interviews. Grounded theory analysis yielded the core category "negotiating cancer alone," that included: (1) psychological distress, negotiating the cancer trajectory in isolation; (2) provider/healthcare system diagnostic and treatment delays; (3) heightened anxiety about treatment delays causing cancer progression; (4) supportive care limitations; and (5) disparate experiences of cancer care disruptions. Black and Latina/x women described greater delays in care, financial challenges, treatment complications, and insurance limitations than White women. The study identifies cancer patients' pandemic-related psychological, healthcare system, and health equity challenges and suggests recommendations to support their increased psychological needs during oncologic care disruptions.

Social Wellbeing in Cancer Survivorship: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Self-Reported Relationship Closeness and Ambivalence from a Community Sample.

Improvements in early screening and treatment have contributed to the growth of the number of cancer survivors. Understanding and mitigating the adverse psychosocial, functional, and economic outcomes they experience is critical. Social wellbeing refers to the quality of the relationship with partners/spouses, children, or significant others. Close relationships contribute to quality of life and self-management; however, limited literature exists about social wellbeing during survivorship. This study examined positive and negative self-reported changes in a community sample of 505 cancer survivors. Fourteen items assessed changes in communication, closeness with partner/children, stability of the relationship, and caregiving burden. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted using a robust weighted least square procedure. Differences by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were investigated. Respondents were mostly male, non-Hispanic white, and ≥4 years since diagnosis. Two factors, labeled Relationship Closeness and Ambivalence, emerged from the analysis. Women, younger survivors, individuals from minority groups, and those with lower income experienced greater negative changes in social wellbeing. Variations by treatment status, time since diagnosis, and institution were also reported. This contribution identifies groups of cancer survivors experiencing affected social wellbeing. Results emphasize the need to develop interventions sustaining the quality of interpersonal relationships to promote long-term outcomes.

Implementing the framed portrait experience with Italian breast cancer survivors: a pilot study assessing short term effects of an existential approach to body image, coping skills, and self-efficacy.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer (BC) and its treatments significantly impact the psychological wellbeing of women. Interventions offered during cancer survivorship have documented positive consequences for quality of life. However, limited evidence is available regarding the implementation of therapeutic photography. This study investigated the efficacy of the framed portrait experience (FPE) when implemented to BC survivors. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted. Participants were enrolled in a non-randomized pre-post intervention with a comparison group. Forty BC survivors were recruited using a convenience sampling approach; of these, 20 were subsequently allocated to the intervention (FPE group) and 20 to the comparison group. Participants were assessed at pretest and posttest (3 weeks later) using self-reported measures of body image, coping, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Independent samples t-tests compared group composition at pretest. Mixed between-within 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVAs examined pretest-posttest changes in the variables of interest. RESULTS: No differences were detected between groups at pretest. A significant interaction effect on body image, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and in self-efficacy competence subscale (p < 0.05) was identified. Post hoc pairwise comparisons with the Bonferroni correction indicated improvement on these domains in the FPE group vs. comparison group. Additionally, significant main effects of time on self-efficacy total score and magnitude subscale (p < 0.05) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results support the efficacy of FPE, but further research is needed. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Existential approaches inclusive of self-portraits and illness narratives can be utilized to support BC survivors in the management of the psychological consequences of the illness.

Breast Cancer Beliefs and Screening Practices among Syrian Refugee Women and Jordanian Women.

Despite significant declines in breast cancer (BC) incidence in the West, this disease is widespread in Jordan, where cancer detection occurs at much advanced stages. This is particularly concerning for Syrian refugee women resettled in Jordan, who are less likely to undergo cancer preventative procedures because of poor health literacy and lack of health services access. The present work assesses and compares breast cancer awareness and breast cancer screening behaviors among Syrian refugee women and Jordanian women residing close to the Syrian-Jordanian border city of Ar-Ramtha. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a validated Arabic version of the Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire (BCSBQ). A total of 138 Syrian refugee women and 160 Jordanian women participated in the study. Results indicate that 93.6% of Syrian refugee women and Jordanian women ≥ 40 years of age reported never having undergone a mammogram. Syrian refugee women and Jordanian women reported low attitudes toward general health checkup (mean score for Syrian refugees 45.6 vs. 42.04 among Jordan women; p = 0.150). Barriers for BC screening were higher among Syrian refugees (mean score = 56.43) than Jordanian women (mean score = 61.99, p = 0.006). Women with higher education were more likely to report fewer barriers to screening (p = 0.027). The study documents a significant lack of BC screening awareness among Syrian refugee women and Jordanian women, indicating that future work is needed to alter current attitudes towards mammograms and early detection measures especially for Syrian refugee women and Jordanian women residing in rural areas of Jordan.

Sexual Health Outcomes of Adolescent and Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Survivors and Their Partners: Protocol of a Dyadic Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction represents a critical aspect of quality of life for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Studies have consistently documented that adolescents and young adults report greater psychological and physical morbidity than older survivors and healthy peers, including elevated rates of sexual dysfunction, often accompanied by lower satisfaction with sex life and delays in meeting sexual milestones. Moreover, sexual dysfunction, body image concerns, and fertility status affect their confidence in being both physically and emotionally intimate. Despite this evidence, limited research has investigated the influence of psychosocial and interpersonal factors on sexual health outcomes reported by this group. This constitutes a significant gap in the provision of comprehensive sexual health care for adolescent- and young adult-onset cancer survivors, especially since greater emphasis has been recently placed on the biopsychosocial model of sexuality and dyadic approaches to intervention and treatment. In comparison to other cancer types, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing at an alarming rate for the adolescent and young adult group. Patients with early-onset CRC experience elevated rates of sexual dysfunction, psychological distress, and social and physical burden, often resulting from issues with bowel control, incontinence, and body image. OBJECTIVE: This study uses an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach to (1) characterize sexual function, sexual distress, dyadic coping, infertility-related distress, relationship and mental health outcomes of adolescent and young adult CRC survivors within the first 5 years post diagnosis and their partners; (2) examine the reciprocal influence of sexual function and dyadic coping behaviors on sexual distress; and (3) identify interpersonal or couple characteristics associated with coping with sexual dysfunction and its associated distress. METHODS: Participating couples (n=60) will complete a quantitative web-based survey investigating sexual function, sexual distress, dyadic coping, infertility-related distress, emotional functioning, relationship satisfaction, and body image (cancer survivors only). A subset of 20 couples will participate in an in-depth dyadic interview with 2 members of the research team to further explore couple-based strategies implemented to cope with cancer-related sexual dysfunction and distress. RESULTS: The study received institutional review board approval. Recruitment and enrollment of couples began in July 2022. CONCLUSIONS: Results will provide a deeper understanding of the challenges couples experience as they navigate sexual intimacy after CRC treatment by highlighting the role of interpersonal processes. These findings will inform a dyadic intervention for young couples at risk of greater sexual distress in the aftermath of CRC. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/41831.

Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, and Recommendations for Care Delivery among Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study.

For women diagnosed with breast cancer, partners are consistently identified as the primary support person. Despite growing consensus about the psychosocial experience and unmet needs of cancer caregivers, limited evidence exists about strategies to offer partner-centered care across the cancer continuum. This study describes challenges endured by partners of breast cancer survivors (BCS), strategies implemented to manage these experiences, and recommendations for healthcare providers to inform targeted psychosocial care. Using convenience sampling, 22 partners of female BCS were recruited and completed semi-structured interviews. Conventional content analysis was used to code and synthesize findings. Participants described undergoing five experiences in their role as romantic partners: (a) assuming the role of caregiver, (b) becoming healthcare advocates for BCS, (c) connecting emotionally with the partner, (d) managing their own painful emotions, and (e) connecting with others for support. Experience-specific coping strategies and recommendations were identified. Romantic partners face multiple transitions across the cancer care continuum, which warrant investigation to sustain their well-being and active participation in illness management. Psychosocial interventions for this group will benefit from flexible implementation and attention to care delivery, mental health, and supportive/social needs.