Associations of individual characteristics and socioeconomic status with heated tobacco product harmfulness perceptions in Japan: A nationwide cross-sectional study (INFORM Study 2020).

IntroductionIn Japan, heated tobacco products (HTPs) are promoted by the tobacco industry as reduced-risk tobacco products despite the lack of evidence for this claim. This study determined the distribution of HTP-harmfulness perception and identify the explanatory factors associated with the perception of HTP as less harmful than conventional cigarettes.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted with Japanese people aged 20 years or older (INFORM Study 2020) using a self-administered questionnaire. We performed descriptive analysis and weighted logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between explanatory factors (e.g., individual characteristics, socioeconomic status, and trusted sources of cancer information) and the perception of HTPs as less harmful.ResultsAmong 3,420 participants (response rate: 35.2%), the proportions of those who perceived HTPs as less harmful were 40.3% and 18.3% for users and non-users of tobacco, respectively. For participants aged 20-39 years, the proportion were 49.9% and 30.4%, respectively. Among 1,160 non-tobacco users who were familiar with HTPs, male, aged under 39 years, and had lower education were associated with the perception of HTPs as less harmful. Trusted sources of cancer information were not associated with the perception of HTPs as less harmful.ConclusionsThis study showed that, among non-tobacco users, being male, aged under 39 years, and lower education were associated with a perception of HTPs as less harmful. Public health stakeholders should provide the latest evidence about HTP harmfulness in their daily practice, and strengthen the regulations on HTP marketing directed at both tobacco- and non-tobacco users.

Trust in Mass Media as Sources of Cancer Information: Findings from a Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan.

Trust is a major factor in effective public dissemination and use of relevant health information to guide important health decisions. To examine mass media as a communication channel for delivering cancer information among Japanese adults, we identified the level of trust in various types of mass media as sources of cancer information, and examined factors associated with trust, including exposure to mass media, sociodemographic factors, and cancer history. Data were analyzed for 3,109 Japanese adults who responded to a nationally representative cross-sectional mail survey. Data included trust in cancer information sources, sociodemographic variables, cancer history, and exposure to mass media. Logistic regression analysis was used. The prevalence of high trust in cancer information sources was highest for physicians (94.7%). Among mass media, Internet (47.2%) was the most trusted source of cancer-related information, followed by television (44.3%), newspapers/magazines (42.7%), and radio (32.7%). The high-exposure group for newspapers (AOR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.07-1.54) was more likely to trust newspapers. Similarly, high-exposure groups for radio (1.22, 1.02-1.45), Internet (1.21, 1.01-1.45), and television (1.30, 1.10-1.53) were positively associated with trust in each media type. Although trust in mass media was lower than trust in physicians, the study found that a large group of respondents had high levels of trust in mass media sources. Trust in cancer information from each mass media type was mainly related to the level of exposure to each mass media type. Developing health communication strategies using mass media may be effective for disseminating relevant cancer information in Japan.

Epidemiology of skin cancer based on Japan's National Cancer Registry 2016-2017.

Skin cancer is most frequently diagnosed in the White population. However, its subtypes and epidemiology in Japan are understudied. We aimed to elucidate skin cancer incidence in Japan based on the National Cancer Registry, a new nationwide integrated population-based registry. Data from patients diagnosed with skin cancer in 2016 and 2017 were extracted and classified by cancer subtypes. Data were analyzed using the World Health Organization and General Rules tumor classifications. Tumor incidence was calculated as the number of new cases divided by the corresponding total person-years. Overall, 67,867 patients with skin cancer were included. The percentage of each subtype was as follows: basal cell carcinoma, 37.2%; squamous cell carcinoma, 43.9% (18.3% of which, in situ); malignant melanoma, 7.2% (22.1% of which, in situ); extramammary Paget's disease, 3.1% (24.9% of which, in situ); adnexal carcinoma, 2.9%; dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, 0.9%; Merkel cell carcinoma, 0.6%; angiosarcoma, 0.5%; and hematologic malignancies, 3.8%. The overall age-adjusted incidence of skin cancer was 27.89 for the Japanese population model and 9.28 for the World Health Organization (WHO) model. The incidences of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were the highest (3.63 and 3.40 per 100,000 persons, respectively, in the WHO model) among skin cancers, whereas the incidences of angiosarcoma and Merkel cell carcinoma were the lowest (0.026 and 0.038 per 100,000 persons, respectively, in the WHO model). This is the first report to provide comprehensive information on the epidemiological status of skin cancers in Japan using population-based NCR data.

Perceptions toward issues in cancer care for people with mental illness among psychiatric care providers: A questionnaire study.

OBJECTIVES: To reduce cancer care disparities in people with mental illness, this study aimed to quantify psychiatric care providers' perceptions regarding issues that are insufficiently addressed or difficult to address. METHODS: Psychiatric care providers at 23 psychiatric hospitals in Japan were surveyed using mail questionnaires. Respondents were asked to rate 15 items with four categories related to insufficiencies/difficulties in cancer care for patients with mental illness on a five-point Likert scale. We analyzed the proportion of respondents who answered "insufficient/difficult" for each item. RESULTS: A total of 255 (76.3%) psychiatric care providers responded. For questions related to the skills and attitudes of psychiatric professionals, 48.3%-58.4% of respondents perceived that efforts for supporting cancer screening and treatment were insufficient. For the questions related to collaborations between cancer and psychiatric care providers, 75.3% of respondents perceived that inpatient visits between psychiatric and cancer hospitals were insufficient. For the questions related to in-psychiatric-hospital medical systems, 50.2%-87.2% of respondents perceived that support for screening, diagnosis/treatment, and palliative care for psychiatric inpatients were insufficient/difficult. 41.9%-57.4% of respondents perceived that social services in the community were insufficient. CONCLUSIONS: This study clarified the level of insufficiency/difficulty perceived by psychiatric care providers regarding issues related to cancer care for people with mental illness. Psychiatric care providers are required to have knowledge and skills in cancer screening and treatment. To improve access to cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative care, it may be helpful to establish systems to promote coordination between cancer hospitals and psychiatric hospitals.

Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a psychosocial support program for adolescent and young adult cancer patients in clinical practice: a retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Adolescent and young adult cancer patients (AYAs) often experience profound psychological distress, with various unmet supportive care needs that can be alleviated with appropriate screening and attention by healthcare workers. The Distress Thermometer and Problem List-Japanese version (DTPL-J) is our previously developed screening tool to facilitate individual support of AYAs. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a psychosocial support program based on the DTPL-J for AYAs in clinical practice. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective, observational study included 19 of 126 wards and 9 of 75 outpatient clinics at 8 institutions in Japan. Over 200 patients were expected to participate during the eligibility period. Patients participated in a support program at least once, and approximately once a month based on the DTPL-J results. The program was evaluated using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) implementation framework. RESULTS: The screening rate of the 361 participants was 90.3%, suggesting high feasibility. Distress Thermometer scores, the number of supportive care needs, and the rates of AYAs with high distress were significantly reduced 1 month after screening (p < 0.05), suggesting the preliminary effectiveness of the program. The program was continued at the 8 institutions as part of routine care after the study. CONCLUSION: Analysis using the RE-AIM suggested the sufficient feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a psychosocial support program based on the DTPL-J for AYAs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000042857. Registered 25 December 2020-Retrospectively registered.

Effect modification by geographic area on the association between health literacy and self-rated health: a nationwide cross-sectional study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Health literacy (HL) has gained increasing attention as a factor related to health behaviors and outcomes. This study aimed to investigate geographic differences in HL levels and effect modification by geographic area on their relationship with self-rated health in the Japanese population using a nationwide sample. METHODS: Data for this study were derived from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey on health information access for consumers in Japan using a mailed self-administered questionnaire in 2020 (INFORM Study 2020). Valid responses from 3,511 survey participants, selected using two-stage stratified random sampling, were analyzed in this study. HL was measured using the Communicative and Critical Health Literacy Scale (CCHL). Multiple regression and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between geographic characteristics and HL and effect modification on the association between HL and self-rated health by geographic area, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The mean HL score was 3.45 (SD = 0.78), somewhat lower compared with previous studies on the Japanese general population. HL was higher in Kanto area than in Chubu area, after controlling for sociodemographic factors and municipality size. Furthermore, HL was positively associated with self-rated health after controlling for sociodemographic and geographic factors; however, this association was more evident in eastern areas than in western areas. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate geographic differences in HL levels and effect modification by geographic area on the relationship between HL and self-rated health in the general Japanese population. HL was more strongly associated with self-rated health in eastern areas than in western areas. Further investigation is needed to explore the moderating effects of areal features, including the distribution of primary care physicians and social capital, when formulating strategies to improve HL in different contexts.

Chronic Diseases and Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated With Online Health Information Seeking and Using Social Networking Sites: Nationally Representative Cross-sectional Survey in Japan.

BACKGROUND: In an aging society, worsening chronic diseases increase the burden on patients and the health care system. Using online health information including health information via social networking sites (SNSs), such as Facebook and YouTube, may play an important role in the self-management of chronic diseases and health promotion for internet users. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to improve strategies for promoting access to reliable information for the self-management of chronic diseases via the internet, and to identify populations facing barriers to using the internet for health, we examined chronic diseases and characteristics associated with online health information seeking and the use of SNSs. METHODS: This study used data from the INFORM Study 2020, which was a nationally representative cross-sectional postal mail survey conducted using a self-administered questionnaire in 2020. The dependent variables were online health information seeking and SNS use. Online health information seeking was assessed using 1 question about whether respondents used the internet to find health or medical information. SNS use was assessed by inquiring about the following 4 aspects: visiting SNSs, sharing health information on SNSs, writing in an online diary or blog, and watching a health-related video on YouTube. The independent variables were 8 chronic diseases. Other independent variables were sex, age, education status, work, marital status, household income, health literacy, and self-reported health status. We conducted a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for all independent variables to examine the associations of chronic diseases and other variables with online health information seeking and SNS use. RESULTS: The final sample for analysis comprised 2481 internet users. Hypertension or high blood pressure, chronic lung diseases, depression or anxiety disorder, and cancer were reported by 24.5%, 10.1%, 7.7%, and 7.2% of respondents, respectively. The odds ratio of online health information seeking among respondents with cancer was 2.19 (95% CI 1.47-3.27) compared with that among those without cancer, and the odds ratio among those with depression or anxiety disorder was 2.27 (95% CI 1.46-3.53) compared with that among those without. Further, the odds ratio for watching a health-related YouTube video among those with chronic lung diseases was 1.42 (95% CI 1.05-1.93) compared with that among those without these diseases. Women, younger age, higher level of education, and high health literacy were positively associated with online health information seeking and SNS use. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with cancer, strategies for promoting access to websites with reliable cancer-related information as well as access among patients with chronic lung diseases to YouTube videos providing reliable information may be beneficial for the management of these diseases. Moreover, it is important to improve the online environment to encourage men, older adults, internet users with lower education levels, and those with low health literacy to access online health information.

Prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among young adult cancer patients in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients may be at high risk of experiencing psychological distress because their diagnosis came during a key time of consolidation of identity and social growth. This study aimed (1) to examine the prevalence of psychological distress among AYA cancer patients within a year of diagnosis to long-term survivors and (2) to describe socio-demographic and cancer-related characteristics associated with psychological distress. METHODS: In a cross-sectional web-based survey, patients who scored 5 or more on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were assessed for significant psychological distress. Logistic regression examined whether demographics, clinical variables, and social support were associated with psychological distress. RESULTS: A total of 206 young adult cancer patients participated. The median age at the survey was 34.5 years (range: 22-39 years), and 87.4% were female. The prevalence of psychological distress was 55.3%. Psychological distress among patients diagnosed within a year and long-term survivors (≥10 years since diagnosis) was significantly higher than patients 1-4 years since diagnosis. Pain, decrease in income after a cancer diagnosis, experience of negative change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with psychological distress. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Over half of young adult patients had significant psychological distress in Japan. Our findings potentially contribute to the intervention components for distress management among AYA cancer survivors.

Development and evaluation of the feasibility, validity, and reliability of a screening tool for determining distress and supportive care needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to (i) develop a screening tool for determining distress and supportive care needs of adolescent and young adult cancer patients (AYAs) based on the NCCN's Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DTPL), (ii) evaluate its feasibility, discriminant validity, and test-retest reliability in clinical settings, and (iii) report prevalence of distress and unmet needs. METHOD: In the development phase, after translation of the Japanese version of the DTPL (DTPL-J) from English into Japanese and back translation, cognitive debriefing was performed. Items in the problem list were modified to better reflect AYAs' concerns after interviews. The modified items were reviewed and accepted unanimously by healthcare professionals. In the feasibility phase, the DTPL-J for AYAs was used in a clinical setting for 3 months. Descriptive statistics of participants' demographics, selected items, and DT scores were calculated to report prevalence of distress and unmet needs. Response and referral rates to experts were assessed to evaluate feasibility. Some items were compared with patient demographics to assess discriminant validity. Among the patients who responded at least twice, correlations between two consecutive screenings were assessed to evaluate test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The DTPL-J consisted of 49 items in five categories. Of 251 patients, 232 (92.4%) were provided the DTPL-J and 230 (91.6%) responded. Based on the DT cutoff of ≥4, 69 of 230 patients (30%) had high distress. Anxiety (n = 85, 36.6%) was the most commonly selected item. Primary nurses referred 45 (21.7%) patients to an attending physician or another expert. Referral rates after DTPL-J use were higher than rates before use, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.06). The items compared were consistent with their social background. A positive correlation was observed between two responses for some items. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The feasibility, discriminant validity, and test-retest reliability of the tool were suggested.

Validation of the Japanese version of the full and short form Trust in Oncologist Scale.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to validate the Japanese versions of the Trust in Oncologist Scale (TiOS-J) and the TiOS-Short Form (TiOS-SF-J). METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among cancer patients in Japan. The forward-backward translation method was used to develop the TiOS-J. The web-based survey was mailed to 633 people, of whom 309 responded. After 2 weeks, 103 among the 156 first-time respondents completed the second survey to verify the reliability of the retest method. The validity was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Spearman's correlation coefficients between the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-Japanese, willingness to recommend the oncologist, trust in health care, and number of oncological consultations. To evaluate reliability, Cronbach's α and test-retest correlation were calculated. RESULTS: The theoretically driven four-factor model and the EFA-driven one-factor model of the full-form TiOS-J (18 items) did not result in an acceptable fit; however, CFA supported the one-dimensionality of the 5 items from the TiOS-SF-J (χ2 (5) = 12.36, p = 0.03, goodness-of-fit index = 0.984, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.952, comparative fit index = 0.991, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.069). With regard to the reliability of TiOS-J and TiOS-SF-J, the Cronbach's alpha values were 0.94 and 0.89, respectively; the test-retest values were 0.82 and 0.78. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This study indicated that the TiOS-J and TiOS-SF-J are valid and reliable instruments for measuring patients' trust in their oncologists and can be used to assess trust in oncologists for both clinical and research purposes.

Issues of cancer care in people with mental disorders as perceived by cancer care providers: A quantitative questionnaire survey.

OBJECTIVES: To reduce cancer care disparities, this study aimed to clarify the difficulties in cancer care for people with mental disorders as perceived by cancer care providers. METHODS: Cancer care providers at 17 designated cancer hospitals in Japan were surveyed using mail questionnaires. Respondents were asked to rate 29 items related to difficulties or insufficiencies in cancer care for patients with mental disorders on a five-point Likert scale. We analyzed the proportion of respondents who answered "difficult/insufficient" in each item. We also calculated the proportions of responders stratified according to the presence of psychiatric support systems within their hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 388 (58.4%) cancer care providers responded. Among the issues related to "difficulties in diagnosing and treating cancer," support for decision-making, assessment of treatment adherence, and assessment of physical symptoms were perceived as most difficult (73.5%-81.5% of respondents). Among the issues related to 'difficulties or insufficiencies in collaboration among multidisciplinary health care providers,' the issue of advance consultation and sharing information with the patient's primary psychiatric care provider was perceived as most difficult (52.2%). Among the issues related to "insufficiencies of in-hospital and community medical systems," education to provide reasonable accommodation was perceived as most insufficient (47.4%). The perceived difficulties of over half of the issues varied significantly between hospitals depending on the level of psychiatric support systems. CONCLUSIONS: This study clarified the difficulties of cancer care in patients with mental disorders as perceived by cancer care providers. Some issues may be resolved by psychiatric liaison teams.

Clinical practice guidelines for the care of psychologically distressed bereaved families who have lost members to physical illness including cancer.

The Japanese Psycho-Oncology Society and the Japanese Association of Supportive Care in Cancer developed evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the care of psychologically distressed bereaved families who have lost members to physical illness including cancer. The guideline development group formulated two clinical questions. A systematic literature review was conducted. The level of evidence and the strength of the recommendations were graded and recommendation statements validated using the modified Delphi method. The recommendations were as follows: non-pharmacological interventions were indicated for serious psychological distress (depression and grief); antidepressants were indicated for depression; however, psychotropic medications including antidepressants were not recommended for 'complicated' grief. These guidelines will facilitate the provision of appropriate care to distressed bereaved family members and highlight areas where further research is needed.

Improving transitional care through online communication skills training.

BACKGROUND: As the aging population is increasing significantly, the communication skills training (CST) on transitional care (TC) is insufficient. AIMS: This study aimed to test the effectiveness of an intervention (the online TC CST [OTCCST] and TC) through the perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs), older patients, and family members. METHODS: A total of 38 HCPs caring for older patients were randomized to the experimental (n = 18) or control groups (n = 20), and 84 pairs of patients and family members were enrolled (experimental: n = 42 vs. control: n = 42). The primary outcome was HCP communication confidence; while secondary outcomes included patient quality of life (QoL), activities of daily living (ADL), rehospitalization counts, and family caregiving burden. Data were collected from HCPs using a scale measuring confidence in communicating with patients. Patient outcomes were assessed using the McGill QoL Questionnaire-Revised and Barthel Index. Family members were assessed with the Caregiver Burden Inventory. Rehospitalization counts were tracked for 3 months post-discharge. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Experimental group HCPs showed a significant improvement in communication confidence over the control group (p = 0.0006). Furthermore, experimental group patients had significantly fewer rehospitalization counts within 3-month post-discharge (p < 0.05). However, no significant group differences were found in patient QoL and ADL nor in family caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: The OTCCST can effectively improve HCP communication confidence, and the combination of OTCCST and TC can reduce rehospitalization counts for older patients. The OTCCST allows HCPs to learn asynchronously at their convenience, ideal for continuing education, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Peace, Equanimity, and Acceptance in the Cancer Experience (PEACE) questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Peace, Equanimity, and Acceptance in the Cancer Experience questionnaire (PEACE-J) and to evaluate the association between the PEACE subscales and Japanese patient characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among 412 patients with cancer. This survey assessed medical and demographic factors, such as the PEACE, the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp). The forward-backward translation method was used to develop the PEACE-J. The validity of PEACE-J was evaluated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation analysis between each subscale of PEACE and FACIT-Sp and CISS. The Cronbach's α and the item-total correlation of each subscale of the PEACE questionnaire were calculated to assess internal consistency reliability. RESULTS: The factor analysis yielded two subscales corresponding to the original version: Cronbach's α coefficients were 0.84 and 0.86 for the Peaceful Acceptance of Illness subscale and the Struggle with Illness subscale, respectively. The PEACE subscales and the FACIT-Sp subscales and the CISS subscales were moderately associated with each other, including the Peaceful Acceptance to each subscale of FACIT (r = 0.22-0.55, p < 0.01); and the Peaceful Acceptance and the Struggle with Illness to CISS emotion-oriented coping (r = -0.36 and r = 0.45, p < 0.01, respectively). Married patients showed higher levels of peaceful acceptance than unmarried patients (p < 0.001). Poorer performance status, chemotherapy use, and recurrence or metastasis were significantly associated with higher levels of struggle with illness (p < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This study indicated that the PEACE-J is a valid and reliable measure of the patient's sense of acceptance, calmness or equanimity, and peace, as well as their sense of struggle or desperation concerning their illness.

Assessing the need for a question prompt list that encourages end-of-life discussions between patients with advanced cancer and their physicians: A focus group interview study.

OBJECTIVE: Early integration of palliative and cancer care improves the quality of life and is facilitated by discussions about the end of life after cessation of active cancer treatment between patients with advanced cancer and their physicians. However, both patients and physicians find end-of-life discussions challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the need for a question prompt list (QPL) that encourages end-of-life discussions between patients with advanced cancer and their physicians. METHODS: Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted with 18 participants comprising 5 pancreatic cancer patients, 3 family caregivers, 4 bereaved family members, and 6 physicians. Three themes were discussed: question items that should be included in the QPL that encourages end-of-life discussions with patients, family caregivers, and physicians after cessation of active cancer treatment; when the QPL should be provided; and who should provide the QPL. Each interview was audio-recorded, and content analysis was performed. RESULTS: The following 9 categories, with 57 question items, emerged from the FGIs: (1) preparing for the end of life, (2) treatment decision-making, (3) current and future quality of life, (4) current and future symptom management, (5) information on the transition to palliative care services, (6) coping with cancer, (7) caregivers' role, (8) psychological care, and (9) continuity of cancer care. Participants felt that the physician in charge of the patient's care and other medical staff should provide the QPL early during active cancer treatment. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Data were collected to develop a QPL that encourages end-of-life discussions between patients with advanced cancer and their physicians.

Unmet supportive care needs and associated factors among young adult cancer patients in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Young adult cancer patients often face unique challenges and have potential unmet needs. This study aimed (1) to describe unmet supportive care needs among young adults with cancer in Japan, and (2) to identify its associated factors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional web-based survey, 206 young adults with cancer were assessed for supportive care needs. Multiple regression analysis examined whether demographics, clinical variables and social support were associated with unmet supportive care needs. RESULTS: A total of 206 patients (180 female) with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD = 4.3, range: 22-39) participated. One hundred and fifty-eight participants (76.7%) reported at least one unmet supportive care needs. The top 20 unmet needs included 9 of the 10 psychological needs, 3 of the 5 physical and daily living needs, 8 of the 11 health system and information needs and 1 of the 5 sexuality needs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived poorer PS, experience of change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with higher supportive care needs. The total score of supportive care needs was significantly associated with both psychological distress and QOL. CONCLUSIONS: More than 70% of young adult cancer patients reported unmet supportive care needs and most of those were psychological needs. The findings suggest potential opportunities for intervention in addressing psychological needs rather than physical and information needs.

Effectiveness of communication skill training on cancer truth-telling for advanced practice nurses in Taiwan: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Advanced practice nurses (APNs) can best support physicians in improving the quality of truth-telling. However, the effectiveness of communication skill training (CST), based on the Japanese SHARE model exclusive to APNs, has not been tested from APNs' and recipients' viewpoints, motivating the author to conduct the present study. METHODS: A two-group before-after model design was adopted, and 61 APNs from two hospitals were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG; N = 28) or an control group (CG; N = 33). APNs in the EG received 6 h of CST under the guidance of qualified facilitators and simulated patients. This study used APNs' subjective assessment (N = 61) (self-confidence and perceptions on truth-telling) and recipients' opinions (N = 480) (cancer patients' and their caregivers' satisfaction with truth-telling and emotional status) to assess the effectiveness of the SHARE CST. Data were collected before CST (baseline, T0), immediately after (T1), and 2 weeks after (T2). RESULTS: APNs in the EG had more confidence (p < 0.05) and better perceptions of cancer truth-telling (p < 0.01) than APNs in the CG at both T1 and T2. No group differences were found in patients' or their caregivers' satisfaction with truth-telling, emotional distress, and anxiety (p > 0.05). In addition, patients in the EG had higher depression than patients in the CG (ß = 1.65, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: SHARE CST can improve APNs' confidence and perceptions of cancer truth-telling. However, more rigorous studies are required to test the effectiveness of CST from recipients' viewpoint.

Cancer care for people with mental disorders: A qualitative survey among cancer care and psychiatric care professionals in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: It is widely assumed that there are multiple levels (from individual to policy level) of problems involving disparities in cancer care for people with mental disorders. However, few studies have comprehensively investigated issues as perceived by medical professionals. The purpose of the present study was to identify a wide range of issues in cancer care for people with mental disorders and offer corresponding solutions for both cancer care professionals and psychiatric care professionals. METHODS: We distributed open-ended questionnaires to 754 healthcare professionals in various medical facilities, including designated cancer hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and other local healthcare/welfare facilities. Participants were asked to describe issues in cancer care for people with mental disorders. RESULTS: Of the 754 recruited professionals, 439 (58.2%) responded to the questionnaire. Sixty-one issues were extracted and categorized into 10 categories: patient factors; isolation and lack of support; obstacles to transport; socioeconomic factors; attitudes of psychiatric professionals; medical system of psychiatric hospitals; attitudes of cancer care professionals; medical system of designated cancer hospitals; regional cancer medical systems; and lack of coordination among multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. Forty-eight specific solutions were summarized into 12 goals. CONCLUSIONS: The present study widely identified issues causing disparities in cancer care for patients with mental disorders. We found that the issues extended from the patient level to the public-policy level. Our findings suggest the need for a multidisciplinary approach that includes both cancer and psychiatric care professionals to address the gap in cancer care for people with mental disorders.

Encouraging participation in colorectal cancer screening for people with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the efficacy of a case management approach to improve participation in colorectal cancer screening among people with schizophrenia. METHODS: This was a randomized, parallel group trial. We recruited outpatients with schizophrenia aged 40 years or over from two psychiatric hospitals in Japan. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to treatment as usual or case management intervention plus treatment as usual using a web-based system. Attending clinicians and participants were unmasked to the allocation. Case management included education and patient navigation for colorectal cancer screening using a fecal occult blood test. Treatment as usual included direct mail government recommendations. The primary endpoint was participation in colorectal cancer screening assessed using municipal records. We also assessed the secondary endpoint of participation in other cancer screenings (lung, gastric, breast, and cervical). RESULTS: Between 3 June and 9 September 2019, 172 eligible participants were randomly assigned to the case management plus treatment as usual group (n = 86) or treatment as usual group (n = 86). One participant was ineligible and another withdrew consent; both were excluded from analysis. A significantly higher proportion of participants received colorectal cancer screening in the case management plus treatment as usual group than in the treatment as usual group (40 [47.1%] of 85 participants vs. 10 [11.8%] of 85 participants, p < 0.0001). The proportion of lung cancer screening also increased. No serious adverse events associated with the study intervention occurred. CONCLUSION: The case management intervention to encourage participation in colorectal cancer screening was effective for patients with schizophrenia.

Death by suicide, other externally caused injuries and cardiovascular diseases within 6 months of cancer diagnosis (J-SUPPORT 1902).

OBJECTIVE: To conduct the first national population-based study in Japan to characterize risks of death by suicide, other externally caused injuries and cardiovascular diseases within 6 months of cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Cancer patients diagnosed between 1 January and 30 June 2016 and registered in the National Cancer Registry in Japan were followed up until death or 6 months after diagnosis. We calculated standardized mortality ratios and excess absolute risks per 10 000 person-years for death by suicide, other externally caused injuries and cardiovascular diseases compared with the Japanese general population. RESULTS: Of 546 148 patients with cancer (249 116 person-years at risk), we observed 145 suicides, 298 deaths due to other externally caused injuries and 2366 cardiovascular deaths during the follow-up period. Standardized mortality ratios within 6 months were 2.68 for suicide (95% confidence interval, 2.26-3.16; excess absolute risk, 3.65), 1.49 for other externally caused injuries (95% confidence interval, 1.32-1.67; excess absolute risk, 3.92) and 1.38 for cardiovascular diseases (95% confidence interval, 1.33-1.44; excess absolute risk, 26.85). Risks were highest during the first month after cancer diagnosis (standardized mortality ratios: suicide, 4.06 [95% confidence interval, 2.90-5.53]; other externally caused injuries, 2.66 [95% confidence interval, 2.17-3.12] and cardiovascular diseases, 2.34 [95% confidence interval, 2.18-2.51]). CONCLUSIONS: The first 6 months, and especially the first month, after cancer diagnosis were found to be a critical period for risks of death by suicide, other externally caused injuries and cardiovascular diseases. Our findings suggest that oncologists need to evaluate suicidal and cardiovascular risks of patients immediately after cancer diagnosis and provide preventive interventions.