Relationship between oral health literacy and oral health-related quality of life in patients with bladder cancer.

Introduction: Bladder cancer is one of the most important diseases that threatens oral and dental health due to its nature and side effects of chemotherapy. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between oral health literacy and oral health-related quality of life in patients with bladder cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with bladder cancer in Ahvaz, 2023. Subjects were selected randomly from the patients those were registered in Cancer Registry Center in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical sciences and invited to Golestan Hospital for data collection through clinical evaluation, the Oral Health Literacy Adult Questionnaire (OHL-AQ), and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14PER) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test, and analysis of variance. Results: The number of participants was 194. The mean oral health literacy in patients with bladder cancer was 9.74 ± 2.39, indicating insufficient oral health literacy. A significant association was observed between OHL-AQ and DMFT index, but no significant association was found between OHIP-14PER and DMFT index. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between OHL-AQ and OHIP-14PER (r = -0.68) in patients with bladder cancer. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, all dimensions of oral health literacy have correlation with the oral health-related quality of life in patients with bladder cancer. Therefore, adopting oral health behaviors and increasing oral health literacy can be the best way to improve the oral health-related quality of life to among patients with bladder cancer.

Patient-centered development of a bladder cancer survivorship care plan.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a patient-centered survivorship care plan (SCP) for US military Veteran bladder cancer (BC) survivors in accordance with the National Academy of Medicine recommendation that survivors receive an SCP at treatment completion. BC, which differentially impacts older men, is a costly and highly recurrent cancer associated with invasive procedures and long-term surveillance. Veteran BC survivors may face challenges navigating the patient-to-survivor transition due to their age and comorbidities. METHODS: We conducted 20 one-on-one qualitative interviews and 2 focus groups with Veteran BC survivors to understand their preferences for information and support to inform SCP development. Data were analyzed using rapid analysis. RESULTS: Participants voiced concerns about BC's impact on their psychosocial functioning and quality of life. They suggested information on BC recurrences, recommended surveillance schedules, long-term side effects and healthy living, and how and when to seek help if a medical problem arises should be included on the SCP to help manage expectations and access key resources during survivorship. Although participants had varying needs, many recommended including information on supportive resources (e.g., support groups, peer support programs) to manage cancer-related anxiety. Participants also suggested including Veteran-centered information (e.g., Veterans' BC risk factors). CONCLUSION: We developed an SCP to help Veteran BC survivors navigate the transition from patient to survivor. Adapting an SCP to address specific needs of the Veteran population was an important step in supporting Veteran BC survivors. Future research should evaluate the potential effectiveness of this SCP at improving Veterans' health outcomes and healthcare experiences.

"I think my vagina is still there?": Women's perspectives on sexual function and dysfunction following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Women's sexual health after radical cystectomy is an important but poorly understood aspect of bladder cancer survivorship. Dedicated investigation is needed to elucidate patient perceptions on sexual function and dysfunction in this setting. AIMS: In this study we sought to qualitatively examine women's perceptions and experiences of sexual health following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. METHODS: We conducted one-on-one qualitative telephone interviews with 40 women who underwent radical cystectomy in the past 6 months to 5 years and signed a research consent form to be contacted for future studies. We examined women's experiences of engaging in sexual activity after surgery and their attitudes toward sex and body image. We audio recorded, transcribed, and coded the interviews using ATLAS.ti software and applied grounded theory methods for analysis. OUTCOMES: For data that emerged during the qualitative interviews that was related to lack of knowledge about how physical and psychological sexual health would be affected after surgery, we reviewed and discussed transcripts that enabled coding of the data into emerging topic areas. RESULTS: Our analysis yielded 4 main themes. (1) Women reported receiving little to no information from providers about female sexual dysfunction prior to or after radical cystectomy. Women wished they had been provided more information about female sexual dysfunction from their clinicians, including strategies for postoperative self-pleasure and nonintercourse methods of sexual pleasure with partners. (2) Women shared that they were not sexually active following surgery due to physical and mental barriers. (3) When women did try to engage in sex, they described feeling disappointed that it did not feel the same as prior to surgery. (4) Some women found that physical therapy helped them to physically and mentally recover their strength to engage in sexual activity again. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians must directly address sexual health concerns with patients who undergo radical cystectomy. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study has several key strengths. Investigation into women's sexual function and dysfunction addresses a gap in understanding of this component of women's health-related quality of life after radical cystectomy, which represents an unmet need. The large number of interviews conducted as well as the in-depth information obtained through one-on-one interviews are additional strengths. This study also has limitations, including possible shortcomings of telephone interviews compared with in-person interviews. However, telephone interviews were beneficial because the interviews took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and spared patients from extra visits or from having to travel long distances to the respective medical centers. Other possible limitations were that patients may have been reluctant to share all of their experiences and that patients who underwent urostomies, also termed ileal conduits, were overrepresented in this study compared with women who underwent continent urine diversions, which allow greater control over urine output. CONCLUSION: Broadening the understanding of sexual health beyond sexual intercourse to encompass sexuality and self-pleasure can provide clinicians, patients, and their families with more effective preparation and strategies to care for an essential aspect of their wellbeing.

Information needs in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy - A qualitative review with thematic synthesis.

PURPOSE: Worldwide, bladder cancer is the eleventh most common cancer. Self-care is significant after surgery and optimal information needs to be individualized. This will help the patient to understand and become involved in their own care. This study investigated experiences of information needs in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy. METHODS: A qualitative review study with a thematic synthesis according to the PRISMA Statement Guidelines was performed. RESULTS: Thirteen peer-reviewed original articles were included. This review highlighted that patient experienced unmet information needs about postoperative care and self-care. Patients also experienced receiving too much information in a limited time. This led to difficulties in understanding and processing the information. Patients also experienced limited information about sexual and psychological support and requested more information about physical activity. CONCLUSION: Information is essential but needs to be adapted and based on person-centred care principles related to the patients' needs and wishes. Unmet needs impact patients' lives and are associated with misunderstandings and insecurity, which need to be considered in cancer nursing. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The review was not registered.

Longitudinal impact of bladder cancer diagnosis on common psychiatric disorders.

BACKGROUND: The presence of psychiatric disorders in patients with cancer is associated with increased morbidity and poorer outcomes. We sought to determine the impact of a new bladder cancer diagnosis on the incidence of depression and anxiety. METHODS: We used a database of billing claims (MarketScan®) to identify patients newly diagnosed with bladder cancer between 2009 and 2018. Patients with preexisting psychiatric disorders or use of anxiolytics/antidepressants were excluded. We matched cases to patients without a bladder cancer or psychiatric diagnosis. Our primary outcome was a new diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or use of anxiolytics/antidepressants. Other exposures of interest included gender and treatment received. We used multivariable regression to estimate odds ratios for these exposures. RESULTS: We identified 65,846 cases with a new diagnosis of bladder cancer (31,367 privately insured; 34,479 Medicare-eligible). Compared to controls, bladder cancer patients were more likely to develop new-onset depression/anxiety at 6 months (privately insured: 6.9% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001; Medicare-eligible: 5.7% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001) and 36 months (privately insured: 19.2% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.001; Medicare-eligible: 19.3% vs. 16.0%, p < 0.001). Women (vs. men, privately insured: OR 1.65, 95%CI 1.53-1.78; Medicare-eligible: OR 1.63, 95%CI 1.50-1.76) and those receiving cystectomy and chemotherapy (vs. no treatment, privately insured: OR 4.94, 95%CI 4.13-5.90; Medicare-eligible: OR 2.35, 95%CI 1.88-2.94) were more likely to develop significant depression/anxiety. CONCLUSION: A new diagnosis of bladder cancer was associated with increased burden of significant depression/anxiety compared with matched controls. Women and patients receiving more radical treatments had higher rates of depression and anxiety.

Fighting the 'tobacco epidemic' - A call to action to identify Targeted Intervention Points (TIPs) for better counseling patients with urothelial cancer.

The association between tobacco use and urothelial cancer of the bladder is well known. Given the worsening tobacco epidemic, here we make the case for systematic targeted points of intervention for urologists and other professionals to intervene against bladder cancer. Awareness of contemporary checkpoints where we can intervene for counseling patients may help medical education in a tobacco-pandemic difficult setting.

Chronic Psychological Stress Attenuates the Efficacy of anti-PD-L1 Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer in Immunocompetent Mice.

We aimed to explore whether chronic psychological stress affects the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) immunotherapy in bladder cancer. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) process was applied during the administration of anti-PD-L1 for subcutaneous tumors in mice. Tumor regression was obviously shown in anti-PD-L1 therapy groups, while this effect was notably attenuated by CUMS. Additionally, increased infiltration of regulatory T-cells, decreased amount of CD8+ lymphocytes, and reduced levels of tumor-associated cytokines in tumor sites were observed in mice treated with anti-PD-L1 under CUMS. Therefore, chronic psychological stress could weaken the potency of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy for bladder cancer.

Impact of self-decision to stop cancer treatment on advanced genitourinary cancer patients.

ABSTRACT: Decision-making to stop cancer treatment in patients with advanced cancer is stressful, and it significantly influences subsequent end-of-life palliative treatment. However, little is known about the extent to which the patient's self-decisions influenced the prognostic period. This study focused on the patient's self-decision and investigated the impact of the self-decision to stop cancer treatment on their post-cancer treatment survival period and place of death.We retrospectively analyzed 167 cases of advanced genitourinary cancer patients (kidney cancer: 42; bladder cancer: 68; prostate cancer: 57) treated at the University of Fukui Hospital (UFH), who later died because of cancer. Of these, 100 patients decided to stop cancer treatment by themselves (self-decision group), while the families of the remaining 67 patients (family's decision group) decided to stop treatment on their behalf because the patient's decision-making ability was already impaired. Differences in the post-cancer-treatment survival period and place of death between the 2 groups were examined. The association between place of death and survival period was also analyzed.The median survival period after terminating cancer treatment was approximately 6 times longer in the self-decision group (145.5 days in self-decision group vs 23.0 days in family's decision group, P < .001). Proportions for places of death were as follows: among the self-decision group, 42.0% of patients died at UFH, 45.0% at other medical institutions, and 13.0% at home; among the family's decision group, 62.7% died at UFH, 32.8% at other medical institutions, and 4.5% at home. The proportion of patients who died at UFH was significantly higher among the family's decision group (P = .011). The median survival period was significantly shorter for patients who died at UFH (UFH: 30.0 days; other institutions/home: 161.0 days; P < .001).Significantly longer post-cancer-treatment survival period and higher home death rate were observed among patients whose cancer treatment was terminated based on their self-decision. Our results provide clinical evidence, especially in terms of prognostic period and place of death that support the importance of discussing bad news, such as stopping cancer treatment with patients.

The need for supportive mental wellbeing interventions in bladder cancer patients: A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: There is an increased awareness of the effect of a bladder cancer diagnosis and its treatments on the mental wellbeing of patients. However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of interventions to improve this mental wellbeing. This systematic review is the first phase of the Medical Research Council Framework for developing complex interventions and provides an overview of the published mental wellbeing interventions that could be used to design an intervention specific for BC patients. METHODS: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines in January 2019 and studies were identified by conducting searches for Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Ovid Gateway. All included studies met the following criteria: mental wellbeing interventions of adults with medically confirmed diagnosis of any type of urological cancer, reported outcomes for specific HRQoL domains including psychological factors. The quality of evidence was assessed according to Down and Black 27-item checklist. RESULTS: A total of 15,094 records were collected from the literature search and 10 studies matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, nine interventions were for patients with prostate cancer and one for patients with kidney cancer. No studies were found for other urological cancers. Depression was the most commonly reported endpoint measured. Of the included studies with positive efficacy, three were group interventions and two were couple interventions. In the group interventions, all showed a reduction in depressive symptoms and in the couple interventions, there was a reduction in depressive symptoms and a favourable relationship cohesion. The couple interventions were the most feasible and acceptable, but further research was required for most of the studies. CONCLUSION: While awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing in bladder cancer patients is growing, this systematic literature review highlights the gap of feasible and acceptable interventions for this patient population.

Incidence and risk factors of suicide among patients diagnosed with bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with bladder cancer have a high risk of suicide. This study aimed to assess how bladder cancer increases suicide risk and to identify the demographic and clinical factors associated with suicidal death among patients with bladder cancer. METHODS: Literature search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Sciences and Cochrane Library databases was conducted up to April 2020 to identify eligible studies related to the incidence and risk factors of suicide after bladder cancer diagnosis. Summary multivariate-adjusted risk estimates and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using inverse variance method with random or fixed-effect modeling. RESULTS: Five retrospective cohorts comprising 563,680 patients with bladder cancer were included. Higher risk of suicide by 1.90-fold was observed among patients with bladder cancer (hazard ratio, HR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.29-2.81; P = 0.001; I2 = 81.2%), especially in those aged 70 years or older (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.29-1.43; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%), unmarried (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.61-1.83; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and those with regional bladder cancer (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10-3.21; P = 0.021; I2 = 96.3%), compared with those without bladder cancer. Furthermore, gender and race were not associated with increased suicide risk among patients with bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide risk is increased among patients with bladder cancer, particularly those aged 70 years or older, unmarried and those with regional bladder cancer. Hence, early psychological support must be provided during the follow-up period of these special populations with a high suicide risk.

Self-perceived burden and its associations with health-related quality of life among urologic cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence of self-perceived burden (SPB) and its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among urologic cancer patients. METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study. A total of 429 respondents diagnosed with urologic cancers (prostate, bladder and renal cancer) from Sarawak General Hospital and Subang Jaya Medical Centre in Malaysia were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire. SPB and HRQoL were measured by the Self-perceived Burden Scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General 7 Item Scale respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Self-perceived burden was experienced by 73.2% of the respondents. Respondents who had a lower education level, a monthly household income

Health-related quality of life overview after different curative treatment options in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: an umbrella review.

PURPOSE: This umbrella review aims to evaluate the quality, summarize and compare the conclusions of systematic reviews investigating the impact of curative treatment options on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). METHODS: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched independently by two authors from inception until 06 January 2020. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the impact of any curative treatment option on HRQol in MIBC patients were eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool. RESULTS: Thirty-two reviews were included. Robot-assisted RC with extracorporeal urinary diversion and open RC have similar HRQoL (n = 10). Evidence for pelvic organ-sparing RC was too limited (n = 2). Patients with a neobladder showed better overall and physical HRQoL outcomes, but worse urinary function in comparison with ileal conduit (n = 17). Bladder-preserving radiochemotherapy showed slightly better urinary and sexual but worse gastro-intestinal HRQoL outcomes in comparison with RC patients (n = 6). Quality of the reviews was low in more than 50% of the available reviews and most of the studies included in the reviews were nonrandomized studies. CONCLUSION: This umbrella review gives a comprehensive overview of the available evidence to date.

Quality of Patient Information by Urologists Is Associated with Mental Distress in Bladder Cancer Patients.

AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of mental distress in patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer, the cancer-information search behavior, and the influence of information seeking on distress. METHODS: One hundred and one bladder cancer patients answered 2 established questionnaires ("Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale" [HADS] and the "Fragebogen zur Belastung von Krebskranken" [FBK-R23]) for evaluation of mental distress and a self-developed questionnaire with questions concerning information seeking and socioeconomic facts. RESULTS: Regarding risk group stratification, 57.4% were classified as high-risk and 42.6% as low-risk tumor-bearing patients. Analysis of mental distress showed that 23.2% had a score above the HADS-A cutoff, 25.3% above the HADS-D cutoff, and 21.4% showed a pathologic FBK-R23 score. Overall, 75% felt well informed about their illness. Risk group stratification did not correlate with HADS-A, HADS-D, or FBK-R23 score. Furthermore, active search for information or the use of the Internet did not correlate with the HADS-A, HADS-D, or FBK-R23 score. However, the quality of the urologist's information and the feeling of being informed correlated with the grade of mental distress. CONCLUSION: Besides the treatment of bladder cancer, informing the patient about the disease in a psychologically wholesome manner and working together with psycho-oncologically trained psychologists are essential tasks for the treating urologist.

Biomarkers predicting oncological outcomes of high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment (CUETO) scoring systems show limited accuracy for the prediction of disease recurrence and progression of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This aspect is even more relevant in the category of HR NMIBC. Biomarkers might potentially help to further categorize the outcomes of these patients. Therefore, we sought to review the evidence available on tissue-based, urinary, and serum biomarkers for the prediction of recurrence, progression, and survival in HR NMIBC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature review without time restrictions was performed using PubMed/EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Libraries. The search was filtered for articles in the English, Italian, German, French, and Spanish languages, involving patients with more than 18 years of age. Relevant papers on tissue-based, serum and urinary biomarkers related to the prediction of oncological outcomes for high-risk bladder cancer patients were included in the analyses. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 71 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. The majority of the investigations performed so far focused on immunohistochemical analyses on tumoral tissue. Overall, p53 was the most studied biomarker, but results regarding its prognostic and predictive role were contradictory. Ki67 seems to be a promising biomarker in the prediction of recurrence. Recently, PD-L1 has been associated with the prediction of recurrence free survival and of treatment-refractory disease. Markers developed un urine samples are focused on commercially available kits, which currently do not unequivocally show strongly superior levels of accuracy to cytology. However, they have demonstrated to be potentially helpful in the prediction of recurrence. Blood-based biomarkers represent an emerging reality with promising future applications. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a long history of attempts to discover accurate biomarkers predicting oncological outcomes for HR NMIBC, contradictory or uncertain findings render the adoption of this ancillary techniques in clinical practice still unlikely. Future attempts should be directed to the development of prospective trials and the definition of standardized cut-off levels to render findings worthy of comparison.

Exploring patients' experience and perception of being diagnosed with bladder cancer: a mixed-methods approach.

OBJECTIVE: To determine patient experience and perception following a diagnosis of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). PATIENT AND METHODS: Patients were part of a prospective multicentre observational study recruiting patients with NMIBC for a urine biomarker study (DETECT II; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02781428). A mixed-methods approach comprising: (i) the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief-IPQ) and (ii) semi-structured interviews to explore patients' experience of having haematuria, and initial and subsequent experience with a NMIBC diagnosis. Both assessments were completed at 6 months after NMIBC diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients completed the Brief-IPQ. Patients felt that they had minimal symptoms (median [interquartile range, IQR] score 2 [0-5]) and were not particularly affected emotionally (median [IQR] score 3 [1-6]) with a minimal effect to their daily life (median [IQR] score 2 [0-5]). However, they remained concerned about their cancer diagnosis (median [IQR] score 5 [3-8]) and felt that they had no personal control over the cancer (median [IQR] score 2 [2-5]) and believed that their illness would affect them for some time (median [IQR] score 6 [3-10]). A significant association with a lower personal control of the disease (P < 0.05) and a poorer understanding of the management of NMIBC (P < 0.05) was seen in patients aged >70 years. Many patients were uncertain about the cause of bladder cancer. Qualitative analysis found that at initial presentation of haematuria, most patients were not aware of the risk of bladder cancer. Patients were most anxious and psychologically affected between the interval of cystoscopy diagnosis and transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT). Following TURBT, most patients were positive about their cancer prognosis. CONCLUSION: Patients with NMIBC have a poor perception of disease control and believe that their disease will continue over a prolonged period of time. This is particularly more pertinent in the elderly. Patients are most psychologically affected during the interval between cancer diagnosis following cystoscopy and TURBT. Health awareness about bladder cancer remained poor with a significant number of patients unaware of the causes of bladder cancer. Psychological support and prompt TURBT following bladder cancer diagnosis would help improve the mental health of patients with NMIBC.

Toward an Understanding of Patients' and Their Partners' Experiences of Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is characterized by recurrence and progression, ongoing surveillance and treatment, adverse effects, and complications and is associated with chronic ill health that may compromise relationships, social activities, and employment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of quality of life disruptions among both those diagnosed with bladder cancer and their supportive partners (spouses or other family members). INTERVENTIONS/METHODS: Couples were recruited from a tertiary care public hospital database. Nine heterosexual couples (married/de facto) and another comprising a clinical participant and her daughter-in-law were interviewed for approximately 60 minutes. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, with qualitative description used to gain an in-depth understanding of participants' experiences without previous agenda or knowledge, allowing their viewpoints to be summarized in everyday terms. RESULTS: Thematic analysis highlighted 4 themes: psychical responses, cognitive and emotional reactions, survival techniques and the importance of partner support and its assistance for clinical participants acceptance of, and adaptation to their bladder cancer, surveillance, and treatment protocols. CONCLUSION: A key finding was the value of a supportive partner in dealing with the effects of bladder cancer daily. From a health service perspective, the need for clear information provision and counseling/support to assist patient management was also evident. IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE PRACTICE: Health professionals need to appreciate the quality of life implications for patients and partners, thus understanding the needs of couples. Greater collaboration with and by health professionals who assist in care may allow couples to move more confidently toward adaptation to bladder cancer.

Involving Patients in the Development and Evaluation of an Educational and Training Experiential Intervention (ETEI) to Improve Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Treatment Decision-making and Post-operative Self-care: a Mixed Methods Approach.

This study aims to describe the acceptability and feasibility of an educational and training experiential intervention (ETEI) we developed to enhance muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients with treatment decision-making and post-operative self-care. Twenty-five patients were randomized to a control group (N = 8) or ETEI group (N = 17). ETEI group participated in a nurse-led session on MIBC education. The control group received diet and nutrition education. Study questionnaires were completed at baseline and at 1-month post-intervention. Our results showed acceptable recruitment (58%) and retention rates (68%). The ETEI group reported increased knowledge (82% vs. 50%), improved decisional support (64% vs. 50%), improved communication (73% vs. 50%), and increased confidence in treatment decisions (73% vs. 50%) compared to the control group. Patients in the control group reported improved diet (50% v. 27%) as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle (67% vs. 45%) compared to the ETEI group. Patients in the ETEI group reported a significant decrease in cancer worries and increases in self-efficacy beliefs over time compared to the control group. The ETEI was feasible, acceptable, and showed a potential for inducing desired changes in cancer worries and efficacy beliefs.

The effect of multiple recruitment contacts on response rates and patterns of missing data in a survey of bladder cancer survivors 6 months after cystectomy.

PURPOSE: The Bladder Cancer Quality of Life Study collected detailed and sensitive patient-reported outcomes from bladder cancer survivors in the period after bladder removal surgery, when participation in survey research may present a burden. This paper describes the study recruitment methods and examines the response rates and patterns of missing data. METHODS: Detailed surveys focusing on quality of life, healthcare decision-making, and healthcare expenses were mailed to patients 5-7 months after cystectomy. We conducted up to 10 follow-up recruitment calls. We analyzed survey completion rates following each contact in relation to demographic and clinical characteristics, and patterns of missing data across survey content areas. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 71% (n = 269/379). This was consistent across patient clinical characteristics; response rates were significantly higher among patients over age 70 and significantly lower among racial and ethnic minority patients compared to non-Hispanic white patients. Each follow-up contact resulted in marginal survey completion rates of at least 10%. Rates of missing data were low across most content areas, even for potentially sensitive questions. Rates of missing data differed significantly by sex, age, and race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the effort required to participate in research, this population of cancer survivors showed willingness to share detailed information about quality of life, health care decision-making, and expenses, soon after major cancer surgery. Additional contacts were effective at increasing participation. Response patterns differed by race/ethnicity and other demographic factors. Our data collection methods show that it is feasible to gather detailed patient-reported outcomes during this challenging period.

Bladder Cancer: Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality Among the Highest-risk Oncology Patients.

There is a growing interest among clinicians regarding quality of life and psychological well-being of patients with bladder cancer. Recent evidence suggests that some patients might be at risk of suicide, and suffer from pre- and post-treatment depression and anxiety. In future, we should focus on attempting to identify patients who might be affected and might need specialized interventions. Furthermore, it is of utmost importance to investigate which type of interventions might be useful to help these patients achieve the goal of alleviating their cancer-related suffering. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this review, we looked at the data available regarding the rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among the highest-risk oncology patients with bladder cancer. There is increased evidence that a high percentage of patients are at risk of suffering from psychological distress, with a proportion even committing suicide. Management of these patients should include a clear guideline on how to identify patients at risk and to combat possible psychological effects of this debilitating malignancy.

Illness perceptions are a potential predictor of psychological distress in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a 12-month prospective, longitudinal, observational study.

Depressive and anxiety symptoms are common psychiatric disorders among cancer patients. Among the 137 patients with NMIBC (Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder cancer), 101 patients who provided answers to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) completed the 12-month longitudinal study. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the interactions between psychiatric problems and illness perceptions (IPs). Patients with NMIBC displayed less positive IPs and more negative IPs. IPs have explained 42.0% and 39.5% of the variance in anxiety at 3 and 12 months of follow-up. IPs have explained 41.4% and 45.5% of the variance in depressive symptoms at 3 and 12 months of follow-up. The results demonstrated IPs are significantly associated with psychological distress and taken as the potential predictor of psychological distress in patients with NIMBC. Interventions focusing on the modification of poor IPs may be feasible and effective in improving psychiatric disorders and quality of life among patients with NIMBC.