Breast cancer survivors with pain: an examination of the relationships between body mass index, physical activity, and symptom burden.

PURPOSE: Overweight and obesity are common for breast cancer survivors and associated with high symptom burden (i.e., pain, fatigue, depressive symptoms). Physical activity may protect breast cancer survivors with higher body mass indexes (BMI) from increased symptoms. However, the role of physical activity in buffering the relationship between higher BMI and greater symptoms is unclear. METHODS: Baseline data from a randomized trial investigating Pain Coping Skills Training among breast cancer survivors (N = 327) with pain were used to examine the relationship between self-reported BMI (kg/m2) and physical activity level (Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity; suboptimal vs. optimal) with pain (Brief Pain Inventory; severity and interference), fatigue (PROMIS-Fatigue short form), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale). Analyses were conducted in SPSS. Hayes PROCESS macro (Model 1) assessed whether physical activity moderated the relationship between BMI and symptoms. RESULTS: Lower BMI (B = .06, p < .01) and optimal physical activity (B = - .69, p < .01) were independently associated with lower pain interference. Lower BMI was also associated with lower pain severity (B = .04, p < .001). Neither BMI nor physical activity was associated with fatigue or depressive symptoms. Physical activity did not moderate the relationship between BMI and symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Among breast cancer survivors experiencing pain, higher BMI and being less physically active were related to greater pain (i.e., severity and/or interference). Physical activity did not buffer the relationships between BMI and pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms, suggesting that physical activity alone may not be sufficient to influence the strength of the relationships between BMI and symptoms.

Effects of a Weight and Pain Management Program in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with poor outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Effective weight management is imperative. Although traditional lifestyle behavioral weight loss programs have demonstrated efficacy for reducing weight, these interventions do not meet the pain-related weight loss challenges of RA patients with obesity. OBJECTIVE: A 12-session group program (90 minutes per session) was developed integrating pain coping skills training into a lifestyle behavioral weight loss intervention. In addition to the weekly group sessions, participants engaged in supervised exercise sessions 3 times per week. METHODS: Through a small, pilot randomized trial, 50 participants were randomized to receive the intervention (n = 29) or standard care of RA (n = 21). Feasibility data (i.e., accrual, attrition, adherence) was examined using descriptive statistics (e.g., percent). We examined patterns of change in study outcomes from baseline to follow-up separately for the intervention and standard care arms using descriptive statistics and paired t tests. Effect sizes are also presented. RESULTS: Of those randomized to the intervention group,79.3% initiated treatment, with participants attending 74.3% of group skills sessions and 64.2% of exercise sessions. Intervention participants evidenced reductions in weight (mean, -2.28 kg) and waist circumference (mean, -4.76 cm) and improvements in physical functioning, eating behaviors, pain, and self-efficacy for weight control. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that incorporating a combined pain coping skills training and behavioral weight loss intervention into medical management of RA may improve outcomes. Study accrual and attrition, as well as intervention adherence, will inform future, larger randomized efficacy trials of the intervention.Retrospectively registered: January 29, 2020, NCT04246827.

Achieving oncology mental health providers' usage of an empirically supported treatment: Lessons learned.

OBJECTIVE: There is a need for oncology mental health providers to receive training to use empirically supported psychological treatments (ESTs) with their patients. The purpose of this editorial is to describe "lessons learned" from disseminating-conducting EST trainings-and supporting providers' capacity and confidence to use the EST. METHOD: Processes and outcomes from conducting six, 3-days (18 h) EST training institutes from 2012-2016 are discussed. Institutes trained 166 full time oncology mental health providers from more than 100 different settings. The dissemination was intentionally designed to achieve EST implementation, i.e., therapists' sustained usage of the EST for at least 12 months post training. RESULTS: Previously published discussion and findings show the effort was successful in achieving positive EST dissemination outcomes and sustained EST implementation by providers. Thus, "lessons learned" include discussions of (1) orientation to design education/training to achieve EST usage using theory based aims and outcomes of training efficacy; (2) multimodal, educational strategies used to achieve therapists' positive attitudes toward and self-efficacy to implement the EST; (3) guidance to therapists for adapting the EST to their practice settings while maintaining fidelity; (4) assistance to therapists to identify and problem solve implementation challenges; and (5) using patient reported outcome measures to determine clinical change. CONCLUSION: Our discussion of the plan, methods, and goals of EST training contributes to the science of dissemination/implementation by providing support for (1) theory-informed EST dissemination, and (2) mechanisms of EST implementation. For researchers, our experience may guide future EST dissemination/implementation efforts in psycho-oncology. For therapists, lessons learned provide criteria for evaluating future continuing education options.

A behavioral cancer pain intervention: A randomized noninferiority trial comparing in-person with videoconference delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Behavioral cancer pain interventions are efficacious for improving important pain outcomes; yet, traditional in-person delivery limits patient access. This study compared videoconference-delivered mobile health pain coping skills training (mPCST) to in-person pain coping skills training (PCST-traditional). METHODS: This study was a randomized, noninferiority trial with cancer patients. Participants (N = 178) were randomly assigned to four, 45-minute sessions of mPCST or PCST-traditional. Session content focused on evidence-based cognitive and behavioral pain management skills. Assessments were completed at baseline, posttreatment, and 3-month posttreatment, and included measures of primary intervention outcomes (ie, pain severity and pain interference) and secondary intervention outcomes (ie, physical symptoms, psychological distress, physical well-being, and self-efficacy). The main study aim tested whether mPCST was more accessible (defined as feasibility, acceptability, patient burden, and engagement) than PCST-traditional. The second aim tested whether mPCST was noninferior to PCST-traditional. RESULTS: mPCST demonstrated significantly greater feasibility (ie, attrition, adherence, and time to completion) than PCST-traditional. Both groups reported similar patient burden and engagement as well as a high degree of acceptability. All intervention outcomes demonstrated noninferiority at posttreatment and, with the exception of physical symptoms, 3-month posttreatment. Concerning the primary intervention outcomes, 95% CIs for the mean differences (d) were below the noninferiority margin of 1 for pain severity (posttreatment d = 0.09, 95% CI, -0.63-0.81; 3 months d = -0.43 95% CI, -1.22-0.36) and pain interference (posttreatment d = -0.11, 95% CI, -0.99-0.76; 3 months d = -0.26 95% CI, -1.14-0.62). CONCLUSION: mPCST is highly accessible and noninferior to PCST-traditional.

Development and pilot testing of an mHealth behavioral cancer pain protocol for medically underserved communities.

The purpose of this study was to refine and test a mobile-health behavioral cancer pain coping skills training protocol for women with breast cancer and pain from medically underserved areas. Three focus groups (Phase 1) were used to refine the initial protocol. A single-arm pilot trial (Phase 2) was conducted to assess feasibility, acceptability, and changes in outcomes. The intervention was delivered at a community-based clinic via videoconferencing technology. Participants were women (N = 19 for Phase 1 and N = 20 for Phase 2) with breast cancer and pain in medically underserved areas. Major themes from focus groups were used to refine the intervention. The refined intervention demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. Participants reported significant improvement in pain severity, pain interference, and self-efficacy for pain management. Our intervention is feasible, acceptable, and likely to lead to improvement in pain-related outcomes for breast cancer patients in medically underserved areas. Implications for Psychosocial Oncology Practice Breast cancer patients being treated in medically underserved areas have a dearth of exposure to behavioral interventions that may improve their ability to manage pain. Evidence from this single-arm pilot trial suggests that our mobile-health behavioral cancer pain coping skills training protocol is acceptable and feasible in this vulnerable population. Appropriately adapted mobile-health technologies may provide an avenue to reach underserved patients and implement behavioral interventions to improve pain management.

The effect of pre-transplant pain and chronic disease self-efficacy on quality of life domains in the year following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PURPOSE: Pain is common for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients and may be experienced pre-transplant, acutely post-transplant, and for months or years following transplant. HSCT patients with persistent pain may be at risk for poor quality of life following transplant; however, the impact of pre-transplant pain on quality of life post-transplant is not well understood. Self-efficacy for chronic disease management is associated with quality of life among cancer patients and may impact quality of life for HSCT patients. The primary aim was to examine the effect of pre-transplant pain and self-efficacy on quality of life domains in the year following transplant. METHODS: One hundred sixty-six HSCT patients completed questionnaires providing information on pain, self-efficacy, and quality of life prior to transplant, at discharge, and 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-transplant as part of a longitudinal, observational study. Linear mixed modeling examined the trajectories of these variables and the effect of pre-transplant pain and self-efficacy on post-transplant quality of life. RESULTS: Pain and social and emotional quality of life remained stable in the year following transplant while self-efficacy and physical and functional quality of life improved. Pre-transplant pain was significantly related to lower physical well-being post-transplant. Lower pre-transplant self-efficacy was related to lower quality of life across all domains post-transplant. CONCLUSION: Above and beyond the effect of pre-transplant pain, self-efficacy for managing chronic disease is important in understanding quality of life following transplant. Identifying patients with pain and/or low self-efficacy pre-transplant may allow for early intervention with self-management strategies.

The relationship between holding back from communicating about breast concerns and anxiety in the year following breast biopsy.

PURPOSE: Evidence suggests open communication about breast cancer concerns promotes psychological adjustment, while holding back can lead to negative outcomes. Little is known about the relationship between communication and distress following breast biopsy. Design/ Sample: Women (N = 128) were assessed at the time of breast biopsy and again one week and three, six, and 12 months post-result. METHODS: Linear mixed modeling examined relationships between holding back and anxiety for women with benign results (n = 94) or DCIS/invasive disease (n = 34) following breast biopsy. FINDINGS: Anxiety increased among women with a benign result engaging in high but not low or average levels of holding back. Holding back was positively associated with anxiety post-result in breast cancer survivors, with anxiety decreasing over time. Conclusions/ Implications: Interventions to enhance communication are warranted, and knowledge of the differences among women with benign results and/or DCIS/invasive disease may allow for the development of tailored interventions.

Positive and negative mood following imaging-guided core needle breast biopsy and receipt of biopsy results.

Positive and negative mood are independent psychological responses to stressful events. Negative mood negatively impacts well-being and co-occurring positive mood leads to improved adjustment. Women undergoing core needle breast biopsies (CNB) experience distress during CNB and awaiting results; however, influences of mood are not well known. This longitudinal study examines psychosocial and biopsy- and spirituality-related factors associated with mood in patients day of CNB and one week after receiving results. Ninety women undergoing CNB completed questionnaires on psychosocial factors (chronic stress, social support), biopsy experiences (pain, radiologist communication), and spirituality (peace, meaning, faith) day of CNB. Measures of positive and negative mood were completed day of CNB and one week after receiving results (benign n = 50; abnormal n = 25). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Greater positive mood correlated with greater peace (ß = .25, p = .02) day of CNB. Lower negative mood correlated with greater peace (ß = -.29, p = .004) and there was a trend for a relationship with less pain during CNB (ß = .19, p = .07). For patients with benign results, day of CNB positive mood predicted positive mood post-results (ß = .31, p = .03) and only chronic stress predicted negative mood (ß = .33, p = .03). For women with abnormal results, greater meaning day of CNB predicted lower negative mood post-results (ß = -.45, p = .03). Meaning and peace may be important for women undergoing CNB and receiving abnormal results.

Evidence-based psychosocial treatment in the community: considerations for dissemination and implementation.

BACKGROUND: In psycho-oncology care, steps toward dissemination and implementation of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) have not been made. For this to change, factors associated with real-world dissemination and implementation must be identified. In the community, providers, their organizations, and patients are key stakeholders. METHOD: A focused review of literatures in continuing education, dissemination, and implementation of mental health services is provided. RESULTS: Early-career providers are most ready to implement as they have greater openness and more positive attitudes toward EBTs. Current continuing education practices to teach EBTs have limited effectiveness. Instruction using interactive strategies tailored to therapists' clinical needs and the provision of post-education consultation is needed. There is tension between EBT delivery with fidelity and the necessity for adaptation. EBT service provision is the key outcome of implementation, and documenting such is important to patients, providers, and organizations. CONCLUSION: A multilevel conceptual framework, Setting, Therapist, Education, imPlementation, and Sustainability, is offered and provides directions for dissemination and sustainable implementation. Guidelines from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Clinical Oncology underscore the timeliness of the proposed framework to move EBTs from the research settings where they were developed to the practice settings where they are needed.

Emotions and social relationships for breast and gynecologic patients: a qualitative study of coping with recurrence.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to the large literature on patients' coping with an initial diagnosis of cancer, there have been few quantitative or qualitative studies of patients coping with recurrence. A qualitative study was undertaken to aid in the development of a tailored intervention for these patients. METHODS: Individuals (N=35) receiving follow-up care for recurrent breast or gynecologic cancer at a university-affiliated cancer center participated in an individual or a group interview. Transcripts of interviews were analyzed using a coding format with two areas of emphasis. First, we focused on patients' emotions, as there is specificity between emotions and the corresponding ways in which individuals choose to manage them. Secondly, we considered the patients' social environments and relationships, as they too appear key in the adjustment to, and survival from, cancer. RESULTS: Patients identified notable differences in their responses to an initial diagnosis of cancer and their current ones to recurrence, including the following: (i) depressive symptoms being problematic; (ii) with the passing years and the women's own aging, there is shrinkage in the size of social networks; and (iii) additional losses come from social support erosion, arising from a) intentional distancing by social contacts, b) friends and family not understanding that cancer recurrence is a chronic illness, and/or c) patients stemming their support requests across time. CONCLUSION: The contribution of these findings to the selection of intervention strategies is discussed.

Health Care Access Barriers and Self-Reported Health Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors.

Purpose: Adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors (15-39 years at diagnosis) are at risk for treatment-related late effects but face barriers in accessing survivorship care. We examined the prevalence of five health care access (HCA) barriers: affordability, accessibility, availability, accommodation, and acceptability. Methods: We identified AYA survivors from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Cancer Survivorship Cohort who completed a baseline questionnaire in 2010-2016. Participants had a history of cancer, were ≥18 years of age, and receiving care at a UNC oncology clinic. The sample was restricted to AYA survivors who were interviewed ≥1 year postdiagnosis. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) for the association between HCA barriers and self-reported fair or poor health, adjusted for sociodemographic and cancer characteristics. Results: The sample included 146 AYA survivors who were a median age of 39 at the time of the survey. The majority (71%)-and 92% of non-Hispanic Black survivors-reported at least one HCA barrier, including acceptability (40%), accommodation (38%), or affordability (31%). More than one-quarter of survivors (28%) reported fair or poor health. Affordability barriers (PR: 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-3.18) and acceptability barriers (PR: 1.60, 95% CI: 0.96-2.66) were associated with a higher prevalence of fair/poor health, as were the cumulative effects of multiple HCA dimensions reported as barriers. Conclusions: Barriers across multiple HCA dimensions were prevalent and associated with worse health in AYA survivors. Findings highlight the need to better understand and target specific barriers to care for diverse AYA survivors to improve their long-term health.

Impact of Financial Costs on Patients' Fertility Preservation Decisions: An Examination of Qualitative Data from Female Young Adults with Cancer and Oncology Providers.

Purpose: To examine the impact of financial costs on fertility preservation decisions among female young adults (YAs) with cancer. Methods: Female YAs (N = 18; aged 21-36) with a history of cancer and oncology providers (N = 12) were recruited from an National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in a state without insurance coverage for fertility preservation. YAs and providers completed individual interviews and a brief online assessment. Qualitative description using thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and report common themes. Descriptive statistics was used to characterize the sample. Results: Female YAs and oncology providers highlighted the critical role that high out-of-pocket costs play in YAs' fertility preservation decisions along with the value that enhanced insurance coverage for fertility preservation would have for increasing female YAs' access to and utilization of fertility preservation. Although providers were concerned about preservation costs for their patients, they reported that their concerns did not impact whether they referred interested female YAs to reproductive specialists. Oncology providers expressed concern about inequities in utilization of fertility preservation for female and racially/ethnically minoritized YAs that were exacerbated by the high out-of-pocket fertility preservation costs. Conclusion: Cost is a significant barrier to fertility preservation for female YA cancer patients. Female YAs of reproductive age may benefit from decision support tools to assist with balancing the cost of fertility preservation with their values and family building goals. Policy-relevant interventions may mitigate cost barriers and improve access to care.

Adoption as an Alternative Family-Building Strategy: Perceptions of Female, Young Adult Cancer Survivors Receiving Gonadotoxic Treatments.

Female survivors of young adult (YA) cancers are at risk of fertility impacts following cancer treatment. For these women, fertility-related distress is both prevalent and persistent. Yet there is little research regarding survivors' perspectives on alternative family-building options, particularly adoption. This exploratory secondary data analysis analyzed semistructured interviews and explored survivors' views of adoption. Overall, female YA survivors reported openness to adoption as a possible substitute for biological conception and an alternative to fertility preservation. It is imperative that this population receives support in decision-making around and consideration of the unique barriers to adoption for cancer survivors.

Improving symptom management for survivors of young adult cancer: rationale and study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Young adult (YA) cancer survivors are a growing, yet underserved population who often face significant and long-lasting cancer-related physical (e.g., pain, fatigue) and emotional (e.g., psychological distress) symptoms. Post-treatment symptoms can persist, disrupting YA's abilities to complete goals consistent with their developmental stage (e.g., completing their education, achieving autonomy and independence, building their careers, establishing peer and romantic relationships, building their families). While symptom management has been identified as a significant issue in YA's transitions to survivorship, the symptom management needs of this population largely go unmet. METHODS: We developed an eight-session, group-based behavioral intervention that is delivered using videoconferencing to address the unique symptom management needs of YA cancer survivors. The intervention was developed in conjunction with YA survivors, leading to the novel combination of traditional behavioral symptom coping strategies, home-based physical activity, strategies from contemporary cognitive-behavioral approaches (e.g., those derived from acceptance and commitment therapy, strategies to foster self-compassion), concepts from meaning centered psychotherapy, and behavioral strategies to improve communication and health care engagement. Participants receive printed intervention materials and access to a study-specific mobile application, both of which are used throughout the program. Herein, we report on a pilot study that is in progress. Recruitment has been completed. YA cancer survivors were recruited in cohorts of n = 10 or n = 11 (n = 61) and randomized to the intervention or waitlist control arms. All participants completed a baseline assessment and four additional assessments over 1 year, with each involving a battery of self-report measures. DISCUSSION: The primary objective is to evaluate intervention feasibility and acceptability. As a secondary objective, we will examine patterns of change in intervention targets (i.e., pain, fatigue, emotional distress, symptom interference). Changes from baseline among intervention targets will be estimated for each patient and compared between arms using unadjusted statistical testing. Unadjusted and adjusted multilevel modeling will be used to estimate the effect of the intervention on changes in intervention targets. Interaction models will be used to compare the trajectory of change over time between arms. We expect that this pilot trial will inform our future approach to identify, recruit, and retain participants and provide preliminary data to support a larger, fully powered randomized controlled trial evaluating the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04035447 at clinicaltrials.gov; registered July 29, 2019.

Improving Symptom Management for Survivors of Young Adult Cancer: Development of a Novel Intervention.

Purpose: Improved symptom management is a critical although unmet post-treatment need for young adult (YA) cancer survivors (aged 18-39 at diagnosis). This study aimed to develop and refine a behavioral symptom management intervention for YA survivors. Methods: Phase I: YA survivors (N = 21) and oncology providers (N = 11) completed individual interviews and an online, self-report assessment to examine symptom experiences, the need for a behavioral symptom management intervention for YAs, and perceptions about potential intervention components, structure, and format. Phase II: YA survivors (N = 10) completed user testing sessions, providing feedback on the prototype intervention materials (paper manual and mobile application), and completed an online assessment. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics. Rapid qualitative analysis, a methodologically rigorous standardized approach, was used. Results: Pain, fatigue, and distress were ranked as top concerns by most YAs and providers. Phase I interviews underscored the need for a symptom management intervention for YAs. YAs and providers highlighted potential coping strategies and program format/structure suggestions (e.g., small group format) to best meet YAs' needs. A prototype intervention was developed combining the following: traditional behavioral symptom coping skills; home-based physical activity; strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy; and strategies to foster self-compassion. Phase II user testing sessions highlighted strengths and suggestions for refining the prototype materials. Conclusion: Post-treatment symptoms are common for YAs. A tailored behavioral symptom management program was developed and refined with input from YAs and providers and will be examined for feasibility and acceptability in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04035447.

Relationships Between Burnout and Resilience: Experiences of Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Research on burnout among physical therapists and occupational therapists in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is limited. Resilience may be important for reducing burnout and promoting well-being among rehabilitation specialists, especially during periods of elevated occupational demand and stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate experiences of burnout, COVID-19 pandemic-related distress, and resilience among physical therapists and occupational therapists during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Physical therapists and occupational therapists working in a university-affiliated health system were invited to complete an online survey assessing burnout, COVID-19 pandemic-related distress, state- and trait-like resilience, physical activity, sleep disturbance, and financial concerns. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine variables associated with burnout as well as the contribution of specific aspects of resilience to burnout. RESULTS: Greater COVID-19 pandemic-related distress was associated with greater emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, whereas state-like resilience at work was associated with lower emotional exhaustion, greater personal accomplishment, and lower depersonalization. Analyses examining the impact of specific components of resilience at work suggested that several components are associated with less burnout, with finding one's calling being particularly relevant for all 3 domains of burnout. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of burnout were reported by many physical therapists and occupational therapists. COVID-19-related distress and state-like resilience at work, particularly the perception of finding one's calling, emerged as consistently being associated with burnout in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. IMPACT: These findings can inform the development of interventions to reduce burnout among physical therapists and occupational therapists amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

mHealth Coping Skills Training for Symptom Management (mCOPE) for colorectal cancer patients in early to mid-adulthood: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in early to mid-adulthood (≤50 years) are challenged by high symptom burden (i.e., pain, fatigue, distress) and age-related stressors (e.g., managing family, work). Cognitive behavioral theory (CBT)-based coping skills training interventions reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in cancer patients. However, traditional CBT-based interventions are not accessible to these patients (e.g., in-person sessions, during work day), nor designed to address symptoms within the context of this stage of life. We developed a mobile health (mHealth) coping skills training program for pain, fatigue and distress (mCOPE) for CRC patients in early to mid-adulthood. We utilize a randomized controlled trial to test the extent to which mCOPE reduces pain, fatigue and distress (multiple primary outcomes) and improves quality of life and symptom self-efficacy (secondary outcomes). Methods/Design: Patients (N = 160) ≤50 years with CRC endorsing pain, fatigue and/or distress are randomized 1:1 to mCOPE or standard care. mCOPE is a five-session CBT-based coping skills training program (e.g., relaxation, activity pacing, cognitive restructuring) that was adapted for CRC patients in early to mid-adulthood. mCOPE utilizes mHealth technology (e.g., videoconference, mobile app) to deliver coping skills training, capture symptom and skills use data, and provide personalized support and feedback. Self-report assessments are completed at baseline, post-treatment (5-8 weeks post-baseline; primary endpoint), and 3- and 6-months later. Conclusions: mCOPE is innovative and potentially impactful for CRC patients in early to mid-adulthood. Hypothesis confirmation would demonstrate initial efficacy of a mHealth cognitive behavioral intervention to reduce symptom burden in younger CRC patients.

Impact of breast cancer recurrence and cancer-specific stress on spouse health and immune function.

Spouses of cancer patients are at-risk for poor psychological and physical health as they cope with the complex nature of the disease and fears of losing their partner. Moreover, spouses often serve as patients' primary informal caregivers, a group that evidences poor outcomes across a variety of domains. The present study examines the relative contributions of cancer recurrence - a cancer-specific stressful event - and the subjective experience of cancer-specific stress (IES) in a sample of male spouses of breast cancer survivors. We hypothesized that stress would contribute to poorer physical health and compromised immune function. Spouses (recurrence; n=16) of patients who were coping with their first recurrence were matched to spouses of patients with no evidence of disease (disease-free; n=16). Self-reported physical health (physical symptoms and fatigue) and immune function [T-cell blastogenic response to the mitogens Concanavalin A (ConA) and phytohemagglutanin (PHA) and T3 monoclonal antibody (T3 Mab)] were included as outcomes. Results indicated that patient recurrence status was not a significant unique predictor of physical health or immune function; rather, among all spouses, cancer-specific stress symptoms were associated with increased physical symptoms and altered T-cell blastogenesis. These data suggest that the health implications of caregiving for spouses of cancer survivors is more strongly linked to their subjective experience of cancer as stressful, rather than simply the patients' disease status.

Symptom Communication Preferences and Communication Barriers for Young Adult Cancer Survivors and Their Health Care Providers.

Purpose: Effective communication between young adult (YA; aged 18-39 years) cancer survivors and their health care providers is critical for managing post-treatment symptoms. Yet, little is known about YAs' and providers' preferences for and barriers to symptom communication, variables important for developing interventions to improve and optimize YA-provider communication. Methods: YA survivors (N = 21) and oncology providers (N = 11) rank ordered their preferred methods for symptom communication and top communication barriers. Interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data (i.e., preferred methods for, barriers, and suggestions to improve symptom communication). Interviews were transcribed, and thematic qualitative analysis was used. Results: Sixty-two percent of YAs preferred communicating using the electronic messaging system affiliated with the medical record (MyChart), whereas providers (100%) preferred communicating during in-person clinic visits. Qualitative data from YAs pointed to benefits of MyChart, including ease of use and rapid responses. Providers acknowledged that, although efficient, high message volumes and expectations for rapid responses were barriers to MyChart. Providers described benefits of in-person visits, including visually assessing patients' concerns, providing immediate support, and more safely managing symptoms. Lack of time (48%) was YAs' top communication barrier, whereas providers endorsed patients not bringing up symptoms (64%). Qualitative data reflected patient-level (e.g., embarrassment/discomfort, lack of skills) and provider-level (e.g., forgetting to ask about a symptom) barriers. YAs and providers offered strategies to improve communication. Conclusion: Survivor- and provider-level communication interventions that account for YAs' and providers' differing communication preferences and directly address communication barriers unique to survivors' developmental stage may be necessary to improve symptom communication.

Managing female sexual dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: Provide an overview of sexual dysfunction in female urologic cancer patients, approaches for assessing sexual problems, and interventions to treat sexual dysfunction in this patient population. METHODS: A review of the literature in urologic oncology was conducted. Research on other female pelvic cancers with similar treatments was also reviewed. RESULTS: Sexual health is an important element of women's quality of life that is often not discussed and problems remain unaddressed. Urologic cancer treatments commonly result in sexual dysfunction (e.g., dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, problems with orgasm) in female patients, although more research is necessary to understand the impact of non-surgical treatments (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy). As such, provider teams should complete necessary screening for sexual dysfunction during and after treatment. The 5 A's model (i.e., Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange Follow-Up) provides a helpful guide for communicating about and addressing sexual health concerns with patients during the screening process. If it is determined that referral for further assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction is needed, a number of non-pharmacologic (e.g., pelvic floor physical therapy; psychosexual counseling) and pharmacologic treatment approaches are available. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction is common in female urologic cancer survivors. Routine assessment and appropriate referral are essential for high quality patient care.