Effects of trauma history on cancer-related screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Trauma has substantial effects on human health and is recognised as a potential barrier to seeking or receiving cancer care. The evidence that exists regarding the effect of trauma on seeking cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment and the gaps therein can define this emerging research area and guide the development of interventions intended to improve the cancer care continuum for trauma survivors. This Review summarises current literature on the effects of trauma history on screening, diagnosis, and treatment among adult patients at risk for or diagnosed with cancer. We discuss a complex relationship between trauma history and seeking cancer-related services, the nature of which is influenced by the necessity of care, perceived or measured health status, and potential triggers associated with the similarity of cancer care to the original trauma. Collaborative scientific investigations by multidisciplinary teams are needed to generate further clinical evidence and develop mitigation strategies to provide trauma-informed cancer care for this patient population.

Pilot randomized controlled trial of a hypnosis intervention for women with bladder pain syndrome.

AIMS: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a randomized controlled trial of a hypnosis intervention for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) in women. METHODS: We conducted a parallel arm, non-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial of standardized hypnosis sessions including a hypnosis web tool versus usual care in adult women with BPS/IC. Pilot study outcomes included feasibility domains: process, resources and management, safety, and acceptability. Clinical outcomes of lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life were measured using validated questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention. RESULTS: We randomized 29 out of 30 (96.7%) eligible women. In the hypnosis group, 12 of 15 (80.0%) subjects completed the 4-week intervention and follow up, and 13 of 14 (92.9%) in the usual care group. In the hypnosis group, adherence to the standardized sessions was 80% and participants used the web-based tool for an average of 5.6 ± 2.7 times per week. Scores for emotional distress, relaxation, pain severity and expected bladder symptoms significantly improved during the first two of three planned hypnosis sessions (all p < 0.05). Improvement in quality of life scores was greater in the hypnosis group than the usual care group (-2.6 ± 2.3 vs. -0.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.04). There were no significant between-group differences in urinary symptoms or bladder pain. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: A hypnosis intervention for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis is feasible, acceptable, safe, and may improve quality of life.

Evaluating the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scales in acute intermittent porphyria.

PURPOSE: Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare inborn error of heme biosynthesis characterized by life-threatening acute attacks. Few studies have assessed quality of life (QoL) in AIP and those that have had small sample sizes and used tools that may not have captured important domains. METHODS: Baseline data from the Porphyrias Consortium's Longitudinal Study were obtained for 259 patients, including detailed disease and medical history data, and the following Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scales: anxiety, depression, pain interference, fatigue, sleep disturbance, physical function, and satisfaction with social roles. Relationships between PROMIS scores and clinical and biochemical AIP features were explored. RESULTS: PROMIS scores were significantly worse than the general population across all domains, except depression. Each domain discriminated well between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with symptomatic patients having worse scores. Many important clinical variables like symptom frequency were significantly associated with domain scores in univariate analyses, showing responsiveness of the scales, specifically pain interference and fatigue. However, most regression models only explained ~20% of the variability observed in domain scores. CONCLUSION: Pain interference and fatigue were the most responsive scales in measuring QoL in this AIP cohort. Future studies should assess whether these scales capture longitudinal disease progression and treatment response.

Hypnosis for cancer care: over 200 years young.

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Hypnosis has been used to provide psychological and physical comfort to individuals diagnosed with cancer for nearly 200 years. The goals of this review are: 1) to describe hypnosis and its components and to dispel misconceptions; 2) to provide an overview of hypnosis as a cancer prevention and control technique (covering its use in weight management, smoking cessation, as an adjunct to diagnostic and treatment procedures, survivorship, and metastatic disease); and 3) to discuss future research directions. Overall, the literature supports the benefits of hypnosis for improving quality of life during the course of cancer and its treatment. However, a great deal more work needs to be done to explore the use of hypnosis in survivorship, to understand the mediators and moderators of hypnosis interventions, and to develop effective dissemination strategies.

Cancer treatment experiences among survivors of childhood sexual abuse: A qualitative investigation of triggers and reactions to cumulative trauma.

ABSTRACTObjective:Some 25% of women and 8% of men in the United States have experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA) before the age of 18. For these individuals, healthcare visits and interactions can be retraumatizing due to perceived similarities to past abuse (e.g., pain, undressing, lack of control). However, no prior studies have provided formal qualitative analyses regarding CSA survivors' reactions to cancer treatment. Therefore, our study's objective was to identify key themes pertaining to CSA survivors' cancer treatment experiences. METHOD: Male and female members of the Amazon Mechanical Turk (N = 159, mean age = 44.27 years, SD = 10.02) participated in an anonymous online survey study. The inclusion criteria included reporting: history of CSA; a diagnosis of colorectal, gynecological, breast, or skin cancer; and experience of triggers and/or difficulties during cancer treatment. Participants' responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: We identified two primary themes describing CSA survivors' experiences: Theme 1: treatment-related triggers (key subthemes: procedure-related, provider-related, and emotional triggers); and Theme 2: questioning the meaning of cumulative trauma (e.g., "Why me again?"). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: For CSA survivors, cancer and its treatment can trigger thoughts and emotions associated with the original abuse as well as negative evaluations of themselves, the world, and their future. Our findings are consistent with past research on CSA survivors' experiences in non-cancer healthcare settings and add to the literature by highlighting their struggles during cancer treatment. The present results can inform further research on trauma survivors' reactions to cancer treatment and give cancer care providers the context they need to understand and sensitively serve a substantial yet often overlooked patient group.

Pre-biopsy psychological factors predict patient biopsy experience.

BACKGROUND: Excisional/surgical breast biopsy has been related to anticipatory emotional distress, and anticipatory distress has been associated with worse biopsy-related outcomes (e.g., pain, physical discomfort). PURPOSE: The present study was designed to investigate (a) whether anticipatory distress before an image-guided breast biopsy would correlate with biopsy-related outcomes (pain and physical discomfort during the biopsy) and (b) whether type of distress (i.e., general anxiety, worry about the procedure, worry about biopsy results) would differentially relate to biopsy-related outcomes. METHODS: Fifty image-guided breast biopsy patients (mean age = 44.4 years) were administered questionnaires pre- and post-biopsy. Pre-biopsy, patients completed the Profile of Mood States-tension/anxiety subscale and two visual analog scale items (worry about the biopsy procedure, worry about the biopsy results). Post-biopsy, patients completed two visual analog scale items (pain and physical discomfort at their worst during the procedure). RESULTS: The following results were gathered: (1) Pre-biopsy worry about the procedure was significantly related to both pain (r = 0.38, p = 0.006) and physical discomfort (r = 0.31, p = 0.026); (2) pre-biopsy general anxiety was significantly related to pain (r = 0.36, p = 0.009), but not to physical discomfort; and (3) Pre-biopsy worry about the biopsy results did not significantly relate to pain or physical discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Worry about the procedure was the only variable found to be significantly correlated with both biopsy-related outcomes (pain and physical discomfort). From a clinical perspective, this item could be used as a brief screening tool to identify patients who might be at risk for poorer biopsy experiences and who might benefit from brief interventions to reduce pre-biopsy worry.

The relationship between body image, age, and distress in women facing breast cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Research suggests that the strength of the relationship between body image and emotional distress decreases with age. Past research has focused on expected aging-related body changes, and has not yet examined unexpected body changes (e.g., breast cancer surgery). The present post-hoc study assessed relationships between age, body image, and emotional distress in women facing breast cancer surgery. METHODS: Older (≥ 65 years, n = 40) and younger (<65 years, n = 40) women were matched on race/ethnicity, marital status, and surgery type. Within one week prior to surgery, participants completed measures of demographics, aspects of body image, and emotional distress (general and surgery-specific). RESULTS: Results indicated that: (1) body image did not differ by age (p > 0.999); (2) older women reported less pre-surgical emotional distress than younger women (p's < 0.01); and, (3) age moderated the relationship between body image and emotional distress (p's < 0.06). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The results suggest that younger women, particularly those with poor body image, are at an increased risk for pre-surgical emotional distress. These women may benefit from pre-surgical interventions designed to improve body image or to reduce pre-surgical emotional distress.

Psychosocial interventions to improve sexual functioning in women with cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Many women with cancer struggle with sexual side effects during and after treatment. Although preliminary evidence indicates that psychosocial interventions may be efficacious in improving sexual functioning for women with cancer, no systematic review has summarized the state of the science in this area. OBJECTIVES: The primary goal of this review was to narratively synthesize the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the efficacy of psychosocial interventions to address sexual dysfunction in women with cancer. A secondary goal was to describe the diversity of the included samples (ie, racial/ethnic and sexual minority). METHODS: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted examining RCTs of psychosocial interventions to improve sexual functioning for women with cancer. Articles were identified using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Two reviewers independently assessed each article for inclusion, with a third to resolve discrepancies. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in the review, 12 of which provided sufficient information to calculate effect sizes. Ten of the 12 studies primarily aimed to improve sexual functioning, all of which demonstrated positive effects on at least 1 outcome of sexual functioning. In the 2 RCTs of psychosocial interventions in which sexual function was a secondary aim, effects were negligible (ds = -0.04 and -0.15). Commonalities among the studies with large effect sizes were that they included education, mindfulness/acceptance, and communication/relationship skills as intervention components. Of note, there was an overall lack of sample diversity across studies, and most studies failed to report the race/ethnicity or sexual orientation of the participants. CONCLUSION: Results support interventions targeting sexual functioning outcomes for women with cancer and suggest that multimodal interventions including education, mindfulness/acceptance, and communication/relationship skills may be most effective. Future research should also focus on examining the efficacy and potential adaptations of extant sexual functioning interventions for underrepresented groups.

Key constructs in "classical" and "new wave" cognitive behavioral psychotherapies: relationships among each other and with emotional distress.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to relate key constructs from three forms of cognitive behavioral therapy that are often placed in competition: rational emotive behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. The key constructs of the underlying theories (i.e., irrational beliefs/unconditional self-acceptance, dysfunctional cognitions, experiential avoidance/psychological inflexibility) of these therapies have not been explicitly studied in their relationships to each other and with emotional distress. METHOD: We used a cross-sectional design. The variables were selected to indicate key constructs of the three major forms of therapy considered. Study 1 used a sample of 152 students, who were assessed during a stressful period of their semester (mean age = 21.71; 118 females), while Study 2 used a clinical sample of 28 patients with generalized anxiety disorder (mean age = 26.67; 26 females). RESULTS: Results showed that these constructs, central in the therapies considered, had medium to high associations to each other and to distress. Experiential avoidance was found to mediate the relationship between the other, schema-type cognitive constructs and emotional distress. Moreover, multiple mediation analysis in Study 2 seemed to indicate that the influence of the more general constructs on distress was mediated by experiential avoidance, whose effect seemed to be carried on further by automatic thoughts that were the most proximal to distress. CONCLUSIONS: Although each of the cognitive constructs considered comes with its underlying theory, the relationships between them can no longer be ignored and cognitive behavioral therapy theoretical models reliably accounting for these relationships should be proposed and tested.

Cancer Drug Safety Training: Comparing Distance and In-Person Simulations for Interprofessional Education.

The Multi-Professional Oncology Safety and Simulation Training (MOSST) program, supported by the National Cancer Institute was launched in Fall 2018. The original workshop was conducted in person. As the COVID pandemic hit the program was transitioned to an online/distance simulation program using best practices in healthcare simulation design and implementation. The full day workshop was moved to an online platform using Zoom and the in-person simulations were re-developed as video branching case simulations. Learner outcomes that were identical in each modality were evaluated using the evaluation metrics from the original workshop. The use of a distance simulation modality to deliver the MOSST workshop resulted in a high-quality educational experience for the learners and the educational outcomes were comparable to the in-person version. Distance simulation using virtual unfolding case studies and didactic content showed comparable subjective and objective outcomes from participating learners. This work adds to the developing body of research on distance simulation.

Cue-induced cigarette cravings and smoking cessation: the role of expectancies.

INTRODUCTION: Cue-induced cigarette cravings have been oft studied as potentially important predictors of smoking cessation outcomes. The literature on the relationship between cue-induced cravings and cessation, however, remains mixed. One possible explanation for the discrepant results in the literature may be the as-yet untested variability in expectancies of craving. Indeed, as with many interoceptive responses, cravings and their downstream consequences may be influenced by expectancies. To date, no study has examined the influence of expected cravings following smoking cue exposures on actual craving experiences and cessation outcomes. The objective of this study, therefore, was to test the possibility that smokers' expected craving levels in response to smoking cues would be related to actual cravings following cue exposure and that expected cravings would be related to cessation outcomes. METHODS: Nicotine-dependent adult smokers (n = 153) were exposed to sets of neutral and smoking cues and completed questionnaires assessing (a) prior to the exposures, the cigarette craving levels they expected to experience following the cue exposures and (b) following the exposures, their actual craving levels. Participants also reported the duration of their most recent quit attempt and their perceived future quit difficulty. RESULTS: Findings indicated that expected cravings assessed prior to the cue exposures were significantly related to actual cravings following the exposures. In addition, both expected cravings and actual cravings were related to shorter previous quit duration and higher perceived quit difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: Study results highlight the importance of considering both expected and actual cravings in cue-induced craving paradigms.

Acute skin toxicity-related, out-of-pocket expenses in patients with breast cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy: a descriptive, exploratory study.

PURPOSE: Acute skin toxicity is one of the most common side effects of breast cancer radiotherapy. To date, no one has estimated the nonmedical out-of-pocket expenses associated with this side effect. The primary aim of the present descriptive, exploratory study was to assess the feasibility of a newly developed skin toxicity costs questionnaire. The secondary aims were to: (1) estimate nonmedical out-of-pocket costs, (2) examine the nature of the costs, (3) explore potential background predictors of costs, and (4) explore the relationship between patient-reported dermatologic quality of life and expenditures. METHODS: A total of 50 patients (mean age = 54.88, Stage 0-III) undergoing external beam radiotherapy completed a demographics/medical history questionnaire as well as a seven-item Skin Toxicity Costs (STC) questionnaire and the Skindex-16 in week 5 of treatment. RESULTS: Mean skin toxicity costs were $131.64 (standard error [SE] = $23.68). Most frequently incurred expenditures were new undergarments and products to manage toxicity. Education was a significant unique predictor of spending, with more educated women spending more money. Greater functioning impairment was associated with greater costs. The STC proved to be a practical, brief measure which successfully indicated specific areas of patient expenditures and need. CONCLUSIONS: Results reveal the nonmedical, out-of-pocket costs associated with acute skin toxicity in the context of breast cancer radiotherapy. To our knowledge, this study is the first to quantify individual costs associated with this treatment side effect, as well as the first to present a scale specifically designed to assess such costs. RELEVANCE: In future research, the STC could be used as an outcome variable in skin toxicity prevention and control research, as a behavioral indicator of symptom burden, or as part of a needs assessment.

The therapeutic relationship in e-therapy for mental health: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: E-therapy is defined as a licensed mental health care professional providing mental health services via e-mail, video conferencing, virtual reality technology, chat technology, or any combination of these. The use of e-therapy has been rapidly expanding in the last two decades, with growing evidence suggesting that the provision of mental health services over the Internet is both clinically efficacious and cost effective. Yet there are still unanswered concerns about e-therapy, including whether it is possible to develop a successful therapeutic relationship over the Internet in the absence of nonverbal cues. OBJECTIVE: Our objective in this study was to systematically review the therapeutic relationship in e-therapy. METHODS: We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL through August 2011. Information on study methods and results was abstracted independently by the authors using a standardized form. RESULTS: From the 840 reviewed studies, only 11 (1.3%) investigated the therapeutic relationship. The majority of the reviewed studies were focused on the therapeutic alliance-a central element of the therapeutic relationship. Although the results do not allow firm conclusions, they indicate that e-therapy seems to be at least equivalent to face-to-face therapy in terms of therapeutic alliance, and that there is a relationship between the therapeutic alliance and e-therapy outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the current literature on the role of therapeutic relationship in e-therapy is scant, and much more research is needed to understand the therapeutic relationship in online environments.

E-counseling in psychosocial cancer care: a survey of practice, attitudes, and training among providers.

OBJECTIVE: In the cancer setting, e-counseling interventions may be uniquely beneficial as they spare patients the cost and burden of traveling to a hospital or clinic for psychosocial care. However, the prevalence of e-counseling among psychosocial cancer care providers is unknown, as are the training needs with regard to e-counseling among this group of professionals. Thus, our group conducted an online professional training needs assessment with psychosocial cancer care providers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participants (n=120) were recruited from the listservs of the Health Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association, the Society of Behavioral Medicine-Cancer Special Interest Group, the American Psychosocial Oncology Society, and the Association of Oncology Social Work. All completed a 14-item online survey. RESULTS: Although 84% of participants stated that e-counseling could be important to their clinical work with cancer patients and survivors, 88% reported that they did not have the skills to effectively conduct e-counseling, and 81% reported that there were no adequate e-counseling educational opportunities. When asked about future training opportunities, participants reported a preference for online training versus live training (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results highlight the need for online training programs in e-counseling for psychosocial cancer care providers. The training of psychosocial cancer care providers in e-counseling is a critical first step towards increasing implementation of e-counseling interventions and using the Internet to deliver effective interventions to cancer patients in need.

The Proposed Task Force Hypnosis Efficacy Guidelines: The Role of Moderation and Mediation in Efficacy Trials.

Hypnosis interventions have too often failed to disseminate, in part because of the relatively few high-quality, randomized clinical trials. The Task Force proposes efficacy guidelines, which are intended to improve the quality of clinical hypnosis research and thereby increase dissemination of beneficial hypnosis interventions. However, the Task Force, in muddying the focus on efficacy with opinions about moderation and mediation, proposes guidelines that are likely to: (1) weaken efficacy findings; (2) increase participant mistrust; (3) make efficacy trials more cumbersome; and, (4) treat hypnosis as though it were something other than a time-honored form of talk therapy. While applauding the Task Force's intentions, the current recommendations could be changed to better accomplish their goal of increasing hypnosis dissemination and implementation.

Affective mechanisms of stress-induced cigarette craving: Considerations of gender and race/ethnicity.

OBJECTIVE: Among the major impediments to successful smoking cessation are strong cravings, especially during times of heightened stress. Affective responses to stress (e.g., acute anxious and depressed mood) may serve as important mediators of cigarette cravings that are amenable to intervention. Experimental models have been developed to reliably induce cravings during stress under laboratory conditions, permitting a closer examination of possible changes in affect that may be driving cigarette cravings. A key limitation of the extant research is its reliance on samples of predominantly White males who smoke. Although several recent studies suggest possible gender- and race/ethnicity-based differences in affective responses to acute stress, no studies have explored how such differences may contribute to cigarette cravings. METHOD: To address this gap, we conducted an experimental study in which a diverse sample of healthy volunteer female (n = 163) and male (n = 139) nicotine-dependent individuals who smoked were exposed to a stressor (guided imagery of painful dental work). We assessed negative affect and cigarette craving immediately before and after the imaginal dental stressor. RESULTS: Path analyses revealed that the acute stressor induced increases in negative affect, which, in turn, increased cigarette craving (significant direct and indirect effects, p's < 0.05; R2indirect = 0.5). Interestingly, effects were more pronounced in women and in non-White individuals who smoked. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the important roles of stress and affect in craving, and the need to consider gender and race/ethnicity when developing interventions to manage stress-induced cigarette cravings among individuals attempting to quit.

BI-RADS-0 Screening Mammography: Risk Factors That Prevent or Delay Follow-Up Time to Diagnostic Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: BI-RADS 0 screening mammograms require follow-up diagnostic imaging, optimally within 60 days. Our study aims to identify risk factors for delayed follow-up. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of individuals who had a nondiagnostic BI-RADS 0 screening mammogram between March 19, 2018, and March 19, 2020. Sociodemographic information was collected from a self-reported questionnaire. We aimed to identify factors associated with <60-day follow-up, >60-day follow-up, or no follow-up outcomes. The χ2 test and univariate logistic regressions were performed. Significant variables were included in multinomial logistic regression. We also aimed to identify risk factors that lead to delayed follow-up times among individuals with follow-up. Spearman's correlation and Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed. RESULTS: Review returned 5,034 screening mammograms. Of 4,552 individuals included, 904 (19.9%) had no follow-up. Of the 3,648 (80.1%) with follow-up, 2,797 (76.7%) had a follow-up <60 days (median 20 days) and 851 (23.3%) had follow-up >60 days (median 176 days). Multinomial regression found that Asian (P = .022), Black (P < .0001), and individuals who identified their race as other (P < .0001) were independently more likely to have no or >60-day follow-up. Individuals who did not report their race (P = .001) or completed the questionnaire in Spanish (P = .025) were more likely to have no or >60-day follow-up. Among individuals with follow-up, Black individuals (P < .0001), those who identified their race as other (P < .0001), Hispanic individuals (P = .04), and those who completed the questionnaire in Spanish (P < .0001) had follow-up delays. BRCA-positive individuals had shorter follow-up times (P = .021). DISCUSSION: Follow-up time is affected by cancer risk factors such as BRCA status in addition to race, preferred language, and Hispanic ethnicity.

Examining gain- and loss-framed messages in a novel breast cancer screening/cardiovascular context: Does framing matter?

Objective: Digital mammography can reveal not only breast cancer but also breast arterial calcification (BAC), which can indicate potential coronary artery disease. To explore ways to inform women of their BAC status in the context of a standard mammography results letter, we conducted a preliminary study comparing gain- and loss-framed messages to encourage follow-up cardiovascular care. Methods: U.S. women over age 40 with no heart disease history (N = 227) were randomly assigned to view a mammography letter including BAC information in one of seven ways (three gain-framed messages, three loss-framed messages, one comparison message). Results: Post-test measures indicated no significant differences on BAC knowledge, recall of test results and recommendations, perceived message effectiveness, or behavioral intentions for follow-up. Conclusion: Despite showing no significant differences between message conditions, results supported the messages' ability to clearly convey BAC information and encourage intention for follow-up cardiovascular care. Innovation: This experimental study represents the first published report examining the inclusion of BAC screening results within the mammography letter. It also explored the use of message framing in a dual detection-prevention context and suggests that future work should test the effects of including both framing tactics in messages designed to target dual-focus contexts.

Breast arterial calcification rates in a diverse, urban group of screening mammography patients.

PURPOSE: Breast arterial calcifications (BAC), detected by digital mammography are a potential marker of coronary artery disease (CAD). Past BAC research has been limited by having primarily racially and ethnically homogeneous samples, samples at higher risk for CAD, and neglecting to explore the influence of women's health factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, BAC in an ethnically and racially diverse group. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review on 17,237 screening mammography patients. Mammography results and patient responses to a demographic and medical history questionnaire were abstracted. Logistic regression was used. RESULTS: BAC prevalence was 12.3%. Age was a significant risk factor, with the odds of BAC approximately doubling every decade. Age-adjusted analyses showed: 1) higher BAC prevalence among Hispanic and Black women; 2) lower BAC prevalence among Ashkenazi women, nulliparous and pre-menopausal women, those with dense breasts and breast implants, and those currently using HRT; and, 3) no association between BAC prevalence and BMI or age at menarche. CONCLUSIONS: BAC prevalence differs according to age, ethnicity, race, women's health, and breast-specific factors. Communication of BAC information in clinical settings could potentially prompt women to engage in preventive care.

Trauma-Informed Radiation Therapy: Implementation and Evaluation of a Sensitive Practice Tool for Female Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: For childhood sexual abuse survivors, cancer care can be retraumatizing because of perceived similarities to the original sexual violence. The authors' group designed and implemented a sensitive practice tool (SPT) and evaluated the feasibility of the tool in female patients receiving breast radiation. METHODS: The SPT was offered as a "universal precaution" to patients with breast cancer as part of standard clinical care. Patients were given the SPT, which included an instructional video about radiotherapy and a survey about triggers and preferences. The survey results were provided to radiation therapists and used to personalize patients' care. A retrospective chart review and quality improvement survey of therapists were performed. RESULTS: Of 739 eligible patients, 493 (66.7%) completed the SPT from November 2013 to June 2019. Among respondents, 281 (57.0%) reported potential triggers, 395 (80.1%) reported distress management preferences, and 59 (12.0%) requested psychosocial referrals. Mean patient satisfaction was high, and a majority of patients were likely to recommend the SPT to other patients (85.3%). Among radiation therapists (n = 13), 100% reported that the SPT made it easier to customize or individualize patient care. Trauma disclosure was not significantly associated with increased frequency of trigger endorsement (P = .07) but was associated with increased endorsement of distress management preferences (P = .02) and psychosocial referral requests (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The reported experience with the SPT in the breast radiotherapy setting demonstrated that potential triggers and distress management preferences among patients are common and that patient satisfaction with the SPT is high, yielding clinically meaningful and actionable sensitive practice information.