Symptoms and symptom clusters in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and commonly used instruments: An integrated review.

Objective: This study aimed to synthesize the available knowledge of identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) symptoms and symptom clusters in patients with HCC and instruments used for these assessments to maximize symptom management. Methods: Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method was employed to guide a systematic search for literature in five databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, CINAHL, and ThaiJO). The retrieved articles were limited to those which were peer-reviewed, published between 2005 and 2022, and had English abstracts. All of identified studies were screened, extracted, and analyzed independently by two researchers. Result: Fourteen articles were included in this review. They were grouped into three themes: symptoms, symptom assessment, and symptom clusters of HCC patients. Fatigue, lack of energy, stomach or abdominal pain/distension, loss of appetite, change in taste, sleep disturbance, distress, and sadness are the most prevalent symptoms reported in HCC patients. The different concurrent symptoms are related to the stage and treatment. Five types of symptom assessment instruments were commonly used (symptoms-specific HCC, general cancer symptom, measuring non-symptom constructs, measuring specific symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression, and symptom assessment with clinical examination). Furthermore, the symptom clusters in HCC patients were classified into five categories: 1) pain-related symptoms, 2) gastrointestinal symptoms, 3) neuropsychological symptom clusters and sensory symptoms, 4) liver dysfunction-related symptom clusters, and 5) others (including sickness symptom clusters, fatigue clusters, location pain symptoms, and asymptomatic or symptomatic). Conclusion: The findings of this review add to the body of knowledge on symptoms, symptom assessment, and symptom clusters in patients with HCC. Despite a variety of instruments being available, none covers all symptoms experienced by HCC patients. It is recommended that future studies should include larger and more homogenous samples to evaluate assessment instruments more precisely, avoid ambiguity in classifying symptoms into symptom clusters, and increase the effectiveness of symptom management.

Lymphedema self-care: economic cost savings and opportunities to improve adherence.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) imposes a significant economic burden on patients, providers, and society. There is no curative therapy for BCRL, but management through self-care can reduce symptoms and lower the risk of adverse events. MAIN BODY: The economic burden of BCRL stems from related adverse events, reductions in productivity and employment, and the burden placed on non-medical caregivers. Self-care regimens often include manual lymphatic drainage, compression garments, and meticulous skin care, and may incorporate pneumatic compression devices. These regimens can be effective in managing BCRL, but patients cite inconvenience and interference with daily activities as potential barriers to self-care adherence. As a result, adherence is generally poor and often worsens with time. Because self-care is on-going, poor adherence reduces the effectiveness of regimens and leads to costly treatment of BCRL complications. CONCLUSION: Novel self-care solutions that are more convenient and that interfere less with daily activities could increase self-care adherence and ultimately reduce complication-related costs of BCRL.

COVID-Specific Long-term Sequelae in Comparison to Common Viral Respiratory Infections: An Analysis of 17 487 Infected Adult Patients.

Background: A better understanding of long-term health effects after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become one of the health care priorities in the current pandemic. We analyzed a large and diverse patient cohort to study health effects related to SARS-CoV-2 infection occurring >1 month postinfection. Methods: We analyzed 17 487 patients who received diagnoses for SARS-CoV-2 infection in a total of 122 health care facilities in the United States before April 14, 2022. Patients were propensity score-matched with patients diagnosed with the common cold, influenza, or viral pneumonia from March 1, 2020, to April 1, 2021. For each outcome, SARS-CoV-2 was compared with a generic viral respiratory infection (VRI) by predicting diagnoses in the period between 30 and 365 days postinfection. Both coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and VRI patients were propensity score-matched with patients with no record of COVID-19 or VRI, and the same methodology was applied. Diagnoses where COVID-19 infection was a significant positive predictor in both COVID-19 vs VRI and COVID-19 vs control comparisons were considered COVID-19-specific effects. Results: Compared with common VRIs, SARS-CoV-2 was associated with diagnoses of palpitations, hair loss, fatigue, chest pain, dyspnea, joint pain, and obesity in the postinfectious period. Conclusions: We identify that some diagnoses commonly described as "long COVID" do not appear significantly more frequent post-COVID-19 infection compared with other common VRIs. We also identify sequelae that are specifically associated with a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Lymphoedema, a significant health problem in Israel: A descriptive community-based study.

Lymphoedema (LE) is recognised as a chronic disabling disease. Knowledge on patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes in Israel is lacking. The aim of the study was to (a) describe demographic and health characteristics, treatments, utilisation, and functional outcomes of patients receiving physical therapy due to LE in a large nationwide healthcare provider in Israel; and (b) assess the feasibility of conducting a future practice-based evidence (PBE) study. This is a retrospective observational cohort study. Descriptive analyses of an electronic medical record database were performed. Data from 6013 patient episodes were analysed. A high proportion of patients had two or more comorbidities (80%) and chronic medication use (85%) with increasing rates over the 8-year period. The most frequent LE classification was stage 2 (45%). A majority of LE was in the lower limbs (51%) with increasing rates over the years. The most frequent treatment-related activity was measuring limb circumference and the most frequent intervention was educating for self-management. This study provides a first comprehensive description of patient characteristics receiving physical therapy for LE in Israel. The available database offers an opportunity for PBE studies. Recommendations for improvements in specific data collection processes were identified.

A systematic review of m-health apps on managing side effects of breast cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: After breast cancer treatment, women with breast cancer may experience distress caused by treatment side effects, both in physical and psychological aspects. Technology use is increasing in favor among women. Therefore, it is essential to update the scientific evidence regarding mobile and web apps' effectiveness in managing the side effects of breast cancer treatments for breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of mobile and web apps in managing the side effects of breast cancer treatments among this group. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Published papers in English focused on mobile and web apps and the side effects of breast cancer treatment in breast cancer survivors were selected. The search reviewed studies from January 2011 to December 2021. From a total of 925 retrieved manuscripts, 11 studies were included for analysis. RESULTS: The findings showed that mobile apps were more frequently used and more likely to be an effective method for managing the side effects of breast cancer treatment among breast cancer survivors. The content in web or mobile apps for breast cancer survivors should include five categories: (1) information about cancer, (2) overview of cancer care, (3) opportunities for interaction with other people, (4) symptom management strategies, and (5) feedback about cancer treatment side effect management. However, a few studies examined the effects of a combination of mobile and web apps in managing breast cancer treatment side effects. Therefore, future research is needed to examine solo and combination use. In addition, more rigorous studies are warranted to examine these interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses may refer survivors to these resources to obtain more information and effectively manage the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and its treatment side effects.

A Multiple Case Study of Latina Breast Cancer Survivors Returning to Work With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Adaptation, Resilience, and Quality of Life.

Introduction: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), a side effect of cancer treatment, may negatively impact the ability to perform work. Factors such as delayed diagnosis, late-stage disease, and a high percentage of service occupations may challenge work choices for Latinas after BCRL diagnosis. Methods: Our multiple case study explored work experiences and quality of life (QOL) for Hispanic/Latina survivors. Participants completed demographic and short form-36 (SF-36) surveys. Semi-structured interviews focused on how work environment, self-management, and QOL were influenced by BCRL. Thematic analysis of cases used In Vivo and descriptive coding and constant cross-case comparative methods. Results: Analysis illustrated how Hispanic/Latina survivors perceive the influence of BCRL on work experience as requiring adaptation and personal resilience. Participants identified BCRL knowledge gap challenges and described coping with physical, psychosocial, and work activity changes. They described creative work adaptations and discussed BCRL's impact on both positive and negative interpersonal perceptions. Strong support from family, friends, and colleagues contributed to improved QOL and continued work activities. Conclusion: Future research should incorporate coping strategies and creative management of BCRL to optimize work activities across the lifespan. These strategies can provide guidance for the creation of survivorship care plans, education of healthcare professionals (HCPs), and lifelong occupational support.

Lymphedema rehabilitation: Provision and practice patterns among service providers: National survey.

Information on the current practices and quantification of lymphedema service may be beneficial to promote and improve the current health care system. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the characteristics of lymphedema practitioners, and lymphedema patients' profiles, and provide a comprehensive picture of lymphedema service provision in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study design used an online survey to gather data. The survey included information about demographic and professional characteristics of lymphedema practitioners, lymphedema profiles, questions on the services provided, and perceived barriers in providing services. Eighteen lymphedema practitioners (38%) responded to the survey. Most of the respondents were physical therapists (94%), who had completed 135 hours of basic training course, and were certified as lymphedema therapists (89%). Most of these practitioners were in Riyadh (58%), Jeddah (25%), and Dammam (17%). About 75% of patients seen by practitioners had secondary lymphedema, predominately breast cancer-related lymphedema (47%). The average number of lymphedema practitioners per service is three. The perceived barriers reported included an inadequate number of certified therapists (100%), difficulties with transportation and lack of financial support (each; 72%), and limited space for lymphedema practice/management (89%). The results suggest lymphedema practitioners provide reasonable services for lymphedema patients; however, services are still limited and needs are unmet. Therefore, more staffing is required to promote awareness of the condition and related services, to develop and implement appropriate educational strategies, and improve geographical and multidisciplinary coordination of the services in Saudi Arabia.

The impact of breast cancer-related lymphedema on rural and small-town Survivors' return-to-work and quality of life: A multiple-case study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a lifelong condition. Millions who develop breast cancer are younger than retirement age and at a lifetime risk for developing BCRL. Rural and small-town survivors may face unique challenges in terms of access to health care and BCRL/survivorship resources. This multiple-case study describes how BCRL influences the work experiences and quality of life (QoL) of survivors living in rural and small towns in Missouri. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirteen survivors from rural and small towns in Missouri completed semi-structured interviews and a standardized QoL instrument. Cases were analyzed using in-vivo and open-coding techniques and constant cross-case comparative methods. Twelve of the 13 participants' data are synthesized into themes to represent an illustrative case. The 13th case is presented as a contradictory (rival) case. RESULTS: Four themes are represented within the illustrative case - multiple medical encounters; the development of self-care routines; the reciprocity of work/live activities, triggers, and adjustments; and rural/small-town cultural impact. Upon BCRL diagnosis, survivors received intensive treatments, eventually establishing self-care routines. Survivors identified strategies for working around their BCRL when completing work and home responsibilities. The contradictory (rival) case was more recently diagnosed and, as such, had not established self-care and coping mechanisms in the same way. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Survivors alleviate BCRL symptoms and improve their QoL by establishing self-care strategies. This provides guidance for client-centered survivorship care-planning and occupational rehabilitation of rural survivors with BCRL. This study provides the foundation for developing information for rural survivors that supports mental preparation and coping skills for BCRL self-management.

Manual Lymphedema Drainage for Reducing Risk for and Managing Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema After Breast Surgery: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on reducing the risk of and managing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). DATA SOURCES: The electronic databases ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched for articles published in the English language from January 2000 to June 2020. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 518 articles were retrieved. After the removal of duplicates, 472 articles remained, 433 of which were excluded based on title and abstract consideration. Thereafter, 39 studies were further inspected, and 27 articles were excluded because they were not randomized controlled trials, did not measure BCRL, and/or were an incomplete study. Ten studies were included for the final review. DATA EXTRACTION: Data from the 10 studies were extracted and compiled into a summary table. DATA SYNTHESIS: Based on the results of this systematic review, it cannot be concluded that MLD helps reduce the risk of BCRL for women after breast surgery. Regarding the effect of MLD on managing BCRL, the findings indicate that MLD alone or MLD combined with other treatments was likely to give similar benefits in terms of reducing arm volume for women diagnosed with BCRL. CONCLUSION: Scientific evidence to support the benefits of MLD on preventing or reducing BCRL remains unclear. More rigorous studies to confirm findings on the effectiveness of MLD are needed.

Associations between religious and spiritual variables and neuroimmune activity in survivors of breast cancer: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Chronic stress is associated with neuroimmune inflammation and adverse outcomes in breast cancer survivors. Some breast cancer survivors rely on religious and spiritual (R/S) variables to manage stress after breast cancer treatment. A spiritually based psychoneuroimmunological (PNI) model of health suggests that R/S variables influence neuroimmune activity; however, these associations are not well-established. A pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility of studying associations between R/S variables and neuroimmune biomarkers in breast cancer survivors. METHOD: Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were sampled among women previously treated for breast cancer. The primary aim was to assess feasibility and acceptability of the sampling protocol. A secondary aim explored associations between sAA, IL-6, R/S variables, and health outcomes. RESULT: Forty-one women completed the study. Biomarker sampling yielded 246 acceptable specimens used for analysis. SAA was detectable in 96% of specimens and IL-6 was detectable in 44% of specimens. The R/S variables with the strongest associations to sAA were spiritual self-rank (rs = .39; p < .05) and forgiveness (rs = .40; p < .05). The R/S variable with the strongest association to salivary IL-6 was positive congregational support (rs = .42; p < .05). CONCLUSION: Feasibility and acceptability of the sampling protocol were confirmed. Reference ranges for sAA and IL-6 for female breast cancer survivors are presented. Results suggest that spiritual beliefs and religious practices are associated with neuroimmune activity, adding credence to a spiritually based PNI model of health. Findings lay the foundations for future R/S-based interventions to promote health and well-being in breast cancer survivors.

Factors Impacting Management of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) in Hispanic/Latina Breast Cancer Survivors: A Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a treatment sequela with negative physical and psychological implications. BCRL is a lifetime concern for survivors and is currently incurable. With the increase in the Latino population in the United States, it is critical for the cancer care community to address factors that increase BCRL risk and negatively impact long-term quality of life. This literature review undertook to identify successful intervention strategies for BCRL among Latina survivors. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched for published articles from 2006 to 2020. PRISMA guidelines were utilized. Data were extracted related to physical activity, diet, and psychosocial stress concerns of Latinas at risk for or living with BCRL. RESULTS: Eleven interventions combined education and skill-building techniques to address physical activity, diet, and stress management for BCRL. Family involvement, peer-mentoring, culturally tailored education, and self-care skill development were identified as important for Latina survivors. CONCLUSION: Latina survivors may benefit from culturally tailored BCRL education programs and self-management interventions. Health care professionals and researchers should consider cultural influences when developing clinical intervention strategies to enhance outcomes for Latinas at risk for living with BCRL. In addition, including family members and/or peers in such strategies may be helpful to Latina survivors.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema and quality of life: A qualitative analysis over years of survivorship.

OBJECTIVES: The study purpose was to examine perspectives of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) regarding their quality of life over seven years. METHOD: Data were collected over seven years using the Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Questionnaire (LBCQ). Participants with BCRL answered open-ended questions corresponding to changes in mood and lifestyle from post-op through annual interviews and surveys. Self-reported data from 97 participants with BCRL were analyzed using in vivo coding and template-style content analysis to elicit the impact of BCRL on quality of life domains. RESULTS: Data saturation was achieved as participants neared 30 to 36 months post- breast cancer diagnosis. Three major themes were identified related to BCRL's impact on: physical function; daily living and social function; and psychological function. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that BCRL impacts quality of life not only soon after diagnosis, but also throughout survivorship years. Healthcare providers should develop programs to enhance quality of life for survivors with BCRL.

Rural-Urban Differences in Neuroimmune Biomarkers and Health Status Among Women Living With Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Because of chronic emotional and psychosocial stressors following breast cancer (BC) treatment, BC survivors are at risk of neuroimmune dysfunction in survivorship. Rural BC survivors experience more health disparities than urban BC survivors. Rural-urban residence as a variable on neuroimmune activity in extended BC survivorship continuum has not been explored. OBJECTIVE: To report the feasibility of studying relationships between neuroimmune activity and perceived health in rural and urban BC survivors. METHODS: Data from a pilot study of BC survivors (n = 41) were analyzed. Participants were rural (n = 16) and urban (n = 25). Participants completed Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Version 2 Health Survey questionnaires and provided salivary specimens for analysis of salivary α-amylase (sAA), cortisol, and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes were used to determine rural or urban residence. RESULTS: Differences in immune activity were observed between rural and urban BC survivors (U = 34, P < .05). No rural-urban group differences in neuroendocrine activity were observed. Relationships were observed between perceptions of mental health and sAA (P < .05) in rural BC survivors and between perceptions of mental health and IL-6 (P < .05) in urban BC survivors. Interleukin 6 was positively associated with perceptions of physical health (P < .05) in rural BC survivors. CONCLUSION: Pilot data suggest rural-urban residence may be a factor in relationships between neuroimmune function (ie, sAA and IL-6) and perceived health status, particularly social functioning in women with BC. Additional studies with powered designs are indicated. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Although evidence is limited, data support the feasibility of studying relationships between sAA and IL-6 and perceptions of health in women with BC.

Standardization of lower extremity quantitative lymphedema measurements and associated patient-reported outcomes in gynecologic cancers.

Practice changing standardization of lower extremity lymphedema quantitative measurements with integrated patient reported outcomes will likely refine and redefine the optimal risk-reduction strategies to diminish the devastating limb-related dysfunction and morbidity associated with treatment of gynecologic cancers. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Prevention brought together a diverse group of cancer treatment, therapy and patient reported outcomes experts to discuss the current state-of-the-science in lymphedema evaluation with the potential goal of incorporating new strategies for optimal evaluation of lymphedema in future developing gynecologic clinical trials.

Health-related quality of life outcomes for the LEAP study-CALGB 70305 (Alliance): A lymphedema prevention intervention trial for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is an adverse effect of breast cancer treatment that causes swelling and pain in the arm and hand. We tested 2 lymphedema prevention interventions and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a group-randomized trial at 38 cooperative group sites within the United States. METHODS: Patients were recruited before breast surgery. Sites were randomly assigned to education-only (EO) lymphedema prevention or education plus exercise and physical therapy (LEAP). Lymphedema was defined as a ≥10% difference in arm volume at any time from baseline to 18 months postsurgery. HRQOL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast plus 4 lymphedema items (FACT-B+4). Longitudinal mixed model regression analysis, adjusting for key demographic and clinical variables, examined participants' HRQOL by intervention group and lymphedema status. RESULTS: A total of 547 patients (56% LEAP) were enrolled and completed HRQOL assessments. The results revealed no differences between the interventions in preventing lymphedema (P = .37) or HRQOL (FACT-B+4 total score; P = .8777). At 18 months, the presence of lymphedema was associated with HRQOL at borderline significance (P = .0825). However, African American patients reported greater lymphedema symptoms (P = .0002) and better emotional functioning (P = .0335) than patients of other races or ethnicities. Lower HRQOL during the intervention was associated with younger age (P ≤ .0001), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status >0 (P = .0002), ≥1 positive lymph nodes (P = .0009), having no education beyond high school (P < .0001), having undergone chemotherapy (P = .0242), and having had only axillary node dissection or sentinel node biopsy versus both (P = .0007). CONCLUSION: The tested interventions did not differ in preventing lymphedema or in HRQOL outcomes. African American women reported greater HRQOL impacts due to lymphedema symptoms than women of other races or ethnicities.

A randomized study to prevent lymphedema in women treated for breast cancer: CALGB 70305 (Alliance).

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema affects many women who are treated for breast cancer. We examined the effectiveness of an education-only (EO) versus education plus sleeve compression/exercise intervention (lymphedema education and prevention [LEAP]) on lymphedema incidence and range of motion (ROM) in a group-randomized trial across 38 cooperative group sites. METHODS: The treating institution was randomly assigned to either EO or LEAP by a study statistician. All patients at a treating institution participated in the same intervention (EO or LEAP) to minimize contamination bias. Participants completed surveys, arm volume measurements, and self-reported ROM assessments before surgery and at 12 and 18 months after surgery. Lymphedema was defined as a ≥10% difference in limb volume at any time post-surgery up to 18 months after surgery or diagnosis by a health provider. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests were used to compare lymphedema-free rates between groups, stratified by lymph node surgery type. Self-reported ROM differences were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 554 participants (56% LEAP) were included in the analyses. At 18 months, lymphedema-free rates were 58% (EO) versus 55% (LEAP) (P = .37). ROM for both arms was greater in LEAP versus EO at 12 months; by 18 months, most women reported full ROM, regardless of group. In LEAP, only one-third wore a sleeve ≥75% of the time; 50% performed lymphedema exercises at least weekly. CONCLUSION: Lymphedema incidence did not differ by intervention group at 18 months. Poor adherence in the LEAP group may have contributed. However, physical therapy may speed recovery of ROM. Further research is needed to effectively reduce the incidence and severity of lymphedema in patients who have breast cancer.

ONS Guidelines™ for Cancer Treatment-Related Lymphedema.

PURPOSE: Lymphedema is a chronic condition that may result from cancer-related surgery. The incidence of lymphedema varies greatly; however, patients remain at risk for life and may experience decreased quality of life and functional capacity. Providing recommendations for an evidence-based guideline for care of cancer treatment-related lymphedema will help to improve outcomes for patients with this chronic condition. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: A panel of healthcare professionals with patient representation convened to develop a national clinical practice guideline on prospective surveillance, risk reduction, and conservative treatment of lymphedema. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology approach was used to assess the evidence. FINDINGS: The panel made multiple recommendations for patients who are at risk for or experiencing lymphedema. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Early diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema may mitigate symptoms. This evidence-based guideline supports patients, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals in clinical decision making. SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL CAN BE FOUND AT&NBSP;HTTPS: //onf.ons.org/supplementary-material-ons-guidelines-cancer-treatment-related-lymphedema.

Online couples mindfulness-based intervention for young breast cancer survivors and their partners: A randomized-control trial.

PURPOSE: Young breast cancer survivors (YBCS) face unique challenges in coping with disease, distress, and relationship concerns. The purposes of this study were to understand the acceptability and feasibility of an online Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) for YBCS and their partners (i.e., Couples Mindfulness-Based Intervention: C-MBI) and to compare the effectiveness of the C-MBI to a closely-matched control, an online MBI for individuals (I-MBI). METHODS: YBCS and their partners were recruited. Couples were randomly assigned to an 8-week C-MBI (couples = 41) or to I-MBI (couples = 36), which included one-hour video modules, a manual, and guided-meditation audios. Both couple members participated in the C-MBI; only the YBCS participated in the control I-MBI. Participants answered surveys about individual- and couple-level functioning at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: Online delivery was shown to be feasible and acceptable. For YBCS and their partners, levels of perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue were lower after the intervention, in both conditions. Unexpectedly, however, participating in the C-MBI appeared to have detrimental effects on dyadic adjustment and relationship quality. CONCLUSION: Although YBCS and their partners reported online delivery was acceptable and benefited well-being, for couple-based MBIs to have benefits for relationship functioning, it may be necessary for couples to have the support of other couples and an instructor. Online delivery may be particularly acceptable and effective for clinical populations, including YBCS. Medical professionals may be more likely to recommend online-MBI programs to cancer survivors, because the programs are of little or no cost.

The influence of breast cancer related lymphedema on women's return-to-work.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is one of the major treatment complications following breast cancer surgery and radiation. As the majority of women who develop breast cancer are at the age of employment, occupational functioning and employment are issues of concern. This study is novel in exploring the ways that lymphedema affects their work experience. METHODS: A multiple-case study methodology drawn from Yin's definition was employed. A total of 13 female survivors who developed breast cancer-related lymphedema participated by completing a survey and a 60-min semi-structured interview. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged: (1) breast cancer-related lymphedema affects physical and emotional functioning associated with work; (2) ongoing treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema creates challenges for work; (3) environmental factors affect the return-to-work experience; and (4) personal factors play a key role in adjusting to return-to-work. CONCLUSION: Both breast cancer-related lymphedema and its treatment have direct and indirect effects on work, with environmental and personal factors also shaping the work-return experience. This study suggests that breast cancer survivors with lymphedema who wish to return to work face potential barriers, and that gaps remain in the availability of supports.