Cancer-related Distress Research Articles

Association of ß-hCG Surveillance with Emotional, Reproductive, and Sexual Health in Women Treated for Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia.

To assess the emotional, reproductive, sexual health, and relationship concerns of women treated for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) and examine associations with ß-hCG surveillance. This institutional review board approved study surveyed GTN survivors (n = 51) who received treatment from 1996 to 2008. Fifty-one women, including those actively followed or formerly treated, were surveyed. The survey consisted of background/medical information, the Reproductive Concerns Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index, an item from the Abbreviated Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, the Menopausal Symptom Checklist, the Impact of Life Events Scale, and exploratory items. Mean age at diagnosis was 37.1 years; 41.6 years at study enrollment. Twenty-seven patients (56%) expressed worry about treatment harm and 30 (60%) about recurrence. Twenty percent reported significant depressive symptomatology. Mild cancer-related distress, reproductive concerns, sexual dysfunction, and bothersome menopausal symptoms were noted. Nineteen patients (40%) rated their ß-hCG surveillance worry as "high." Among patients who attempted conception after treatment, 3 of 12 (25%) succeeded in the ß-hCG high-worry group versus 13 of 19 (68%) in the ß-hCG low-worry group. Survivors with high ß-hCG worry had greater reproductive concerns than those with low worry (p = 0.002) and reported less sexual desire (p = 0.025). There was no difference in the number of low-worry versus high-worry participants in active surveillance (p = 0.09). Our study suggests that cancer-specific distress, sexual health, and reproductive concerns continue to impact women years after treatment. High worry about ß-hCG surveillance is negatively associated with the emotional well-being of GTN survivors and possibly influences reproductive attempts and success.

Evaluation of coping as a mediator of the relationship between stressful life events and cancer-related distress.

Lifetime stressful life events (SLEs) may predispose oncology patients to cancer-related distress (i.e., intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, avoidance). Coping may influence cancer-related distress by mediating this relationship. This study sought to (a) determine the prevalence and impact of lifetime SLEs among oncology outpatients receiving chemotherapy and (b) examine the relationship between SLEs and cancer-related distress and the mediating role of coping on this relationship. Patients (n = 957), with breast, gastrointestinal, gynecologic or lung cancer, who were undergoing chemotherapy, completed the Life Stressor Checklist-Revised (LSC-R), a measure of lifetime SLEs. Cancer-related distress was assessed with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Coping strategies since beginning chemotherapy were assessed with the Brief COPE; 2 latent variables (engagement and disengagement coping) were identified based on these scores. LSC-R scores (number of SLEs and perceived impact during the prior year) were evaluated in relation to demographic and clinical characteristics. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between LSC-R and Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores and the mediating role of engagement and disengagement coping on this relationship. On average, patients reported 6.1 (SD = 4.0; range = 0-23 out of 30) SLEs. Patients who were not married/partnered, had incomes <$30,000/year, or who had lower functional status or greater comorbidity had higher LSC-R scores. The relationship between more SLEs and more severe cancer-related distress was completely mediated by disengagement coping. Engagement coping did not mediate this relationship. Disengagement coping, including behavioral disengagement, avoidance, and denial, should be targeted to mitigate cancer-related distress. (PsycINFO Database Record

Information and support needs of young women regarding breast cancer risk and genetic testing: adapting effective interventions for a novel population.

Young women from hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) families face a unique set of challenges in managing their HBOC risk, where obtaining essential information to inform decision making is key. Previous work suggests that this need for specific health information also comes at a time of heightened distress and greater individuation from family. In this report, we describe our adaptation of a previously-studied behavioral intervention for this population, utilizing a systematic approach outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. First, we assessed the information needs and levels of distress in this population and correlates of this distress. These data then were used to inform the adaptation and piloting of a three-session telephone-based peer coaching intervention. One hundred young women (M age = 25years) who were first or second degree relatives of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers participated. Sixty-three percent of the sample endorsed unmet HBOC information needs and they, on average, reported moderate levels of cancer-related distress (M = 21.9, SD = 14.6). Greater familial disruption was associated with greater cancer-related distress in multivariable models (p < .05). Ten women who participated in the survey completed the intervention pilot. They reported lower distress from pre- to post- (15.8 vs. 12.0), as well as significantly lower decisional conflict (p < .05) and greater endorsement of an array of healthy coping strategies (i.e., active coping, instrumental coping, positive reframing, planning, p's < .05). Our survey results suggest that young adult women from HBOC families have unmet cancer genetic information and support needs. Our pilot intervention was able to reduce levels of decisional conflict and promote the use of effective coping strategies. This approach needs to be further tested in a larger randomized trial.

Prolonged cancer-related distress is associated with elevated inflammation during breast cancer survivorship

Cancer-related distress is common among breast cancer survivors prior to treatment and is associated with adverse health effects. Moreover, many survivors continue to experience distress after treatment ends, and the impact of prolonged cancer-related distress on health is unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of cancer-related distress on inflammation changes among breast cancer survivors. In a parent study, survivors stages 0-IIIC(N = 126) provided data prior to primary cancer treatment (i.e., surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy) and 18 months post-treatment. The current study utilized the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) and proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). Cross-sectional analyses indicated that women reporting more cancer-related distress 18-months post- treatment evidenced greater inflammation compared to those with lower distress (b = 0.009, SE = 0.004, p = .050). Additionally, women who experienced greater declines in cancer-related distress evidenced smaller IL-6 increases from pre to post-treatment (b = 0.007, SE = 0.003, p = .041). Follow-up analyses indicated that changes in avoidance were related to changes in inflammation (b = 0.014, SE = 0.005, p = .010), but changes in intrusive thoughts were not (b = 0.005, SE = 0.006, p = .453). Women who experience prolonged cancer-related distress, and avoidant emotional coping in particular, may experience more persistent inflammation during survivorship, leaving them vulnerable to increased risk of recurrence and morbidity.

The Hidden Cost of Cancer: Helping Clients Cope with Financial Toxicity

Financial toxicity is a term that is increasingly used in the medical literature to describe objective and subjective measures of financial strain that many people with cancer face as a result of costly care and treatment. The author first reviews the literature for evidence of financial toxicity and its impact on quality of life, especially anxiety and depression. Maslow’s (Motivation and personality, 2nd edn., Harper & Row, New York, 1970) hierarchy of needs is then presented as a theoretical basis for the impact of financial stress on clients’ ability to cope with their cancer experience. Finally, a clinical vignette illustrates the double burden of cancer and financial strain, highlighting the need to assess for and address financial hardship as a key part of our clinical practice. Psychosocial interventions—such as problem-solving, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family and group support, and meaning-centered therapy—may be utilized to decrease cancer-related distress, even when financial toxicity cannot be fully alleviated. Once financial obstacles are identified and acknowledged, however, the pathway to effective coping is clearer.

Cancer-Related Distress Screening in a Radiation Oncology Clinic: A 3-Year Review of a Single Veterans Administration (VA) Institution Screening Program

Cancer-Related Distress Screening in a Radiation Oncology Clinic: A 3-Year Review of a Single Veterans Administration (VA) Institution Screening Program

Psychotherapy in the Oncology Setting.

A person who faces the diagnosis of cancer is subjected to changes within his body, but also with regard to his view of himself and his social relationships. Cancer related psychological distress occurs frequently and has a different prevalence according to-among other factors-cancer type and stage of disease. The main psychiatric disturbances observed in patients with cancer are adjustment disorders and affective disorders (anxiety and depression), which in the majority of patients are due to stressors related to the occurrence and threat of the disease and pre-existing psychological vulnerabilities; however, they might also be a direct consequence of biological causes either resulting from bodily modifications induced by the cancer or from treatment side effects. This chapter provides theoretical and practical information on the main psychotherapeutic approaches for cancer patients, complemented by some reflections on their clinical and scientific evidence.

Screening for cancer-related psychological distress reduces hospital admissions

Cancer-related psychological distress can contribute to additional mortality and morbidity, worse healthcare outcomes, increased service use and healthcare costs.

Study protocol on comparative effectiveness of mindfulness meditation and qigong on psychophysiological outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundColorectal cancer imposes threats to patients’ well-being. Although most physical symptoms can be managed by medication, psychosocial stressors may complicate survival and hamper quality of life. Mindfulness and Qigong, two kinds of mind-body exercise rooted in Eastern health philosophy, has been found effective in symptoms management, improving mental health, and reducing stress. With these potential benefits, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is planned to investigate the comparative effectiveness of mindfulness and Baduanjin intervention on the bio-psychosocial wellbeing of people with colorectal cancer.Methods/ designA 3-arm RCT with waitlist control design will be used in this study. One hundred eighty-nine participants will be randomized into (i) Mindfulness, (ii) Baduanjin, or (iii) waitlist control groups. Participants in both the Baduanjin and mindfulness groups will receive 8-weeks of specific intervention. All three groups will undergo four assessment phases: (i) at baseline, (ii) at 4-week, (iii) at 8-week (post-intervention), and 6-month post-intervention (maintenance). All participants will be assessed in terms of cancer-related symptoms and symptom distress, mental health status, quality of life, stress level based on physiological marker.DiscussionBased on prior research studies, participants in both the mindfulness and Baduanjn intervention group are expected to have better symptoms management, lower stress level, better mental health, and higher level of quality of life than the control group. This study contributes to better understanding on the common and unique effectiveness of mindfulness and Baduanjin qigong, as such patients and qualified healthcare professionals can select or provide practices which will produce maximum benefits, satisfaction, adherence, and sustainability.Trial registrationThe trial has been registered in the Clinical Trials Centre of the University of Hong Kong (HKCTR-2198) on 08 March 2017.

Cancer at the Dinner Table: Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Distress

Recent randomized controlled trials of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for patients with cancer suggest that this treatment results in large-magnitude reductions in anxiety and depression as well as improvements in attitudes toward disease progression and death, quality of life, and spirituality. To better understand these findings, we sought to identify psychological mechanisms of action using qualitative methods to study patient experiences in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 adult participants with clinically elevated anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis who received a single dose of psilocybin under close clinical supervision. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, which resulted in 10 themes, focused specifically on cancer, death and dying, and healing narratives. Participants spoke to the anxiety and trauma related to cancer, and perceived lack of available emotional support. Participants described the immersive and distressing effects of the psilocybin session, which led to reconciliations with death, an acknowledgment of cancer’s place in life, and emotional uncoupling from cancer. Participants made spiritual or religious interpretations of their experience, and the psilocybin therapy helped facilitate a felt reconnection to life, a reclaiming of presence, and greater confidence in the face of cancer recurrence. Implications for theory and clinical treatment are discussed.

Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin.

Psilocybin and other 5-hydroxytryptamine2A agonist classic psychedelics have been used for centuries as sacraments within indigenous cultures. In the mid-twentieth century they were a focus within psychiatry as both probes of brain function and experimental therapeutics. By the late 1960s and early 1970s these scientific inquires fell out of favor because classic psychedelics were being used outside of medical research and in association with the emerging counter culture. However, in the twenty-first century, scientific interest in classic psychedelics has returned and grown as a result of several promising studies, validating earlier research. Here, we review therapeutic research on psilocybin, the classic psychedelic that has been the focus of most recent research. For mood and anxiety disorders, three controlled trials have suggested that psilocybin may decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety in the context of cancer-related psychiatric distress for at least 6 months following a single acute administration. A small, open-label study in patients with treatment-resistant depression showed reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms 3 months after two acute doses. For addiction, small, open-label pilot studies have shown promising success rates for both tobacco and alcohol addiction. Safety data from these various trials, which involve careful screening, preparation, monitoring, and follow-up, indicate the absence of severe drug-related adverse reactions. Modest drug-related adverse effects at the time of medication administration are readily managed. US federal funding has yet to support therapeutic psilocybin research, although such support will be important to thoroughly investigate efficacy, safety, and therapeutic mechanisms.

Sexual function, quality of life, and cancer-related distress among prostate cancer survivors.

e16587 Background: Prostate cancer (PC) survivors experience long-term disease consequences that can affect quality of life (QoL). This study examined QoL in key areas affected by PC and its association with cancer-related distress. Methods: Of 225 PC survivors enrolled in the Cancer Support Community’s online Cancer Experience Registry, 50 completed questions about cancer-related distress, cancer history, and the Prostate Cancer-Related QoL Scales. Results: Participant median age was 66 years; 21% had surgery, 32% underwent radiation, and 19% reported both. 31% currently and 18% previously received hormone therapy. 38% were diagnosed 5+ years ago; 26% reported recurrence, 30% reported metastatic disease. 76% reported erectile dysfunction (ED) since diagnosis. ED was more common (84%) among those who underwent surgery/radiation than those who had not (44%; chi2= 6.1, p &lt; .05) and among those currently (100%) or previously (88%) receiving hormone therapy than those who had not (60%; chi2= 9.1, p &lt; .05). 23% reported that incontinence made sexual activity/intimacy difficult. 20% “somewhat to very much” agreed they would choose a different treatment if they could redo their decision. QoL scores (mean±SD; scale range 0-100; higher = better QoL) were: Marital Affection (84.4±26.2); Masculine Self-Esteem (78.4±23.4); PSA Concern (77.2±21.6); Informed Decision (67.8±23.5); Urinary Control (62.1±23.6); Sexual Intimacy (59.1±34.9); Outlook (54.9±38.0); Cancer Control (49.1±31.1); and Sexual Confidence (44.1±33.7). Health Worry and Treatment Regret scores (higher = lower QoL) were 39.5±27.9 and 16.1±19.9, respectively. All QoL scales except Outlook and PSA Concern were correlated with overall cancer-related distress (r = .43 to .77; ps &lt; .05), where lower QoL was associated with greater distress. Conclusions: Some PC survivors report substantial treatment regret, and many also endorse health concerns about uncertainty and disease progression, as well as reduced sexual confidence and intimacy. Lower perceived QoL, including sexual confidence and intimacy, is associated with greater cancer-related distress among survivors. Efforts are needed to address reduced QoL in a variety of life domains among PC survivors.

Cancer-related distress and cost of care concerns among gastric cancer patients.

e15583 Background: Individuals with gastric cancer (GC) are at risk for significant physical, psychological, and financial burden related to their illness and cost of care. This study characterizes cancer-related distress and concerns among survivors of GC and related cancers and the support survivors receive from their health care team for these concerns. Methods: Of 110 GC survivors enrolled in the Cancer Support Community’s online Cancer Experience Registry, 30 (43% stomach, 37% esophageal, 20% GIST) rated their level of concern (0 = not at all; 4 = very seriously) about psychological, emotional, physical and practical concerns (27 items). Risk for clinically significant distress was identified via a 4-item subscale (α = 0.86, cutoff score = 6.) Participants also completed the Impact of Events (IES) intrusion subscale and questions about their healthcare team’s involvement in addressing concerns. Results: Participant median age was 61 years; median time since diagnosis was 3 years. 23% experienced recurrence; 37% had metastatic disease.The highest ranked concerns (rated moderately to very seriously) included: eating and nutrition (62%); fatigue (62%); health insurance or money worries (59%); worry about the future (59%); feeling sad or depressed (50%); changes or disruptions to work, school, or home life (48%); sleep problems (48%); and worry about family (48%). Half of respondents (50%) were at risk for clinically significant emotional distress; 39% reported intrusive thoughts about the cost of cancer care. Fewer than half indicated their health care team asked about emotional distress (43%), lifestyle (43%), work (40%), finances (37%), or family (33%). Participants wished for more help with emotions related to cancer (57%), long-term side effects (55%), and financial advice/assistance (52%). Conclusions: Substantial proportions of gastric cancer survivors express concern about physical symptoms, emotional distress, and financial burden, yet many report they are not counseled about these concerns. Efforts are needed to reduce distress and the financial burden associated with gastric cancer to reduce their potential impact on quality of life, treatment adherence, and other illness outcomes.

Financial toxicity and cancer-related distress among melanoma survivors.

9588 Background: Melanoma survivors are at risk for significant financial burden due to cancer care and out of pocket costs. We explored 1) the financial impact of melanoma and its relationship to cancer-related distress, and 2) survivors’ experiences discussing financial burden with their health care team. Methods: Of 110 melanoma survivors enrolled in the Cancer Support Community’s online Cancer Experience Registry, 56 completed questions about financial impact of cancer and cost of care communication. Participants rated concern (0 = not at all; 4 = very seriously) about 27 items encompassing psychological, emotional, physical and practical concerns; items were summed into a total distress score (mean = 33, SD = 21, range 0-88). Financial impact and overall distress were examined via regression analysis. Results: Participants were 71% female, 89% Caucasian, median age 54, and median time since diagnosis 2.5 years. Total annual income: 34% &lt; $60K; 46% $60K+; 20% not reported. 24% spent $101-250/month on melanoma out of pocket costs; 20% spent $251-500; and 24% spent ≥$500. The top concern was health insurance/money worries (69% moderately to very seriously concerned). Due to medical costs, 57% depleted their savings, 20% borrowed against or used retirement money, 20% used pharmaceutical assistance programs, 13% skipped medicine dosages at least sometimes, and 17% postponed filling prescriptions. Only 28% reported that their health care team spoke to them about cost of care, and 28% were asked about financial distress; 42% desired financial assistance. Financial impact was associated with an increase in overall distress for those with income &lt; $60K (p &lt; .05; interaction p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Substantial proportions of melanoma survivors experience financial burden that can impact quality of life, particularly lower income individuals. Although oncologists are encouraged to discuss treatment costs, most patients report they have not had these discussions with providers. These results support the development/evaluation of interventions to enhance doctor-patient communication, and financial counseling to minimize financial burden of melanoma and the risks it can confer for quality of life, course of cancer care, and health outcomes.

Cancer-related distress screening in a radiation oncology clinic: A snapshot view of a Veterans Administration (VA) institution screening program.

e21562 Background: The emotional and psychosocial stress experienced by cancer patients are significant factors impacting cancer treatment outcomes and quality of life. Increased emphasis upon programmatic approaches to identifying distress has evolved to current evidenced-based treatment guidelines as reflected by American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) have identified distress screening standards of care. This report is a snapshot of the results of a distress screening program in a VAMC Radiation Oncology clinic. Methods: Calendar year 2016 data was chosen for this quality improvement review. We wanted to assess the effectiveness of psychosocial distress screening process now routinely done in Radiation Oncology. Distress screening was completed utilizing the NCCN Distress Thermometer. The program’s goal was to administer distress screening to all patients at the time of their initial consultation and to follow up screening as appropriate. Results: The mean age of the patients was 68.6 years; 98% were male. The treatment population was 58% Caucasian, 38% African-American, 2% Hispanic, and 2% other. The most prevalent cancer diagnoses were: Prostate, 52%; Lung, 13.9%; Head &amp; Neck Cancer, 7.2%, Skin, 4.6%; Esophageal or Gastric Cancer, 3.1%; Brain, 2.0%; and Breast, 2.0% Screenings were completed on 161 of 193 (83%) new consults in Radiation Oncology; 47.6% of patients screened scored at or above the established cut score of 4. Referrals to Oncology Psychology were initiated for 29.5% of total sample. Significant mental health co-morbidities were identified in the treatment population studied; 58.5% of patients had at least one mental disorder diagnosis. Examples: PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder. Conclusions: Results reflect the usefulness of the distress screening process in identifying adjustment issues specific to cancer patients' experience, as well as exacerbations of existing mental health conditions. The screening process facilitated referral to specialty (Oncology Psychology) and general (Mental Health Clinic) services.

MH Issues in Cancer Survivors Persist Long After Treatment Ends

MH Issues in Cancer Survivors Persist Long After Treatment Ends

Implementing an Internet-Delivered Skin Cancer Genetic Testing Intervention to Improve Sun Protection Behavior in a Diverse Population: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundLimited translational genomic research currently exists to guide the availability, comprehension, and appropriate use of personalized genomics in diverse general population subgroups. Melanoma skin cancers are preventable, curable, common in the general population, and disproportionately increasing in Hispanics.ObjectiveVariants in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene are present in approximately 50% of the population, are major factors in determining sun sensitivity, and confer a 2-to-3-fold increase in melanoma risk in the general population, even in populations with darker skin. Therefore, feedback regarding MC1R risk status may raise risk awareness and protective behavior in the general population.MethodsWe are conducting a randomized controlled trial examining Internet presentation of the risks and benefits of personalized genomic testing for MC1R gene variants that are associated with increased melanoma risk. We will enroll a total of 885 participants (462 participants are currently enrolled), who will be randomized 6:1 to personalized genomic testing for melanoma risk versus waiting list control. Control participants will be offered testing after outcome assessments. Participants will be balanced across self-reported Hispanic versus non-Hispanic ethnicity (n=750 in personalized genomic testing for melanoma risk arm; n=135 in control arm), and will be recruited from a general population cohort in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is subject to year-round sun exposure. Baseline surveys will be completed in-person with study staff and follow-up measures will be completed via telephone.ResultsAim 1 of the trial will examine the personal utility of personalized genomic testing for melanoma risk in terms of short-term (3-month) sun protection and skin screening behaviors, family and physician communication, and melanoma threat and control beliefs (ie, putative mediators of behavior change). We will also examine potential unintended consequences of testing among those who receive average-risk personalized genomic testing for melanoma risk findings, and examine predictors of sun protection at 3 months as the outcome. These findings will be used to develop messages for groups that receive average-risk feedback. Aim 2 will compare rates of test consideration in Hispanics versus non-Hispanics, including consideration of testing pros and cons and registration of a decision to either accept or decline testing. Aim 3 will examine personalized genomic testing for melanoma risk feedback comprehension, recall, satisfaction, and cancer-related distress in those who undergo testing, and whether these outcomes differ by ethnicity (Hispanic vs non-Hispanic), or sociocultural or demographic factors. Final outcome data collection is anticipated to be complete by October 2017, at which point data analysis will commence.ConclusionsThis study has important implications for personalized genomics in the context of melanoma risk, and may be broadly applicable as a model for delivery of personalized genomic feedback for other health conditions.

A qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitatorsto adherence to an online self-help intervention for cancer-related distress

This study qualitatively explored barriers and facilitators of adherence to an online psychological intervention for cancer-related distress. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 adults with cancer, randomised to receive either a 6-week intervention (n=8) or attention control (n=5) as part of a larger RCT. Transcripts were coded for themes and subthemes, and recruitment ceased when saturation of themes occurred. Adherence overall was high: six participants completed all six modules, three completed five modules, two completed four modules, one completed one module, and one did not access the program. The total numbers of barriers (n=19) and facilitators (n=17) identified were equivalent and were categorised into five overarching themes: illness factors, psychological factors, personal factors, intervention factors and computer factors. However, the prevalence with which themes were discussed differed: illness factors (specifically cancer treatment side effects) were the main reported barrier to adherence; intervention factors (email reminders, program satisfaction, ease of use, program content) were the most common facilitators. While some factors were cited as both facilitating and barring adherence, and therefore reflective of personal preferences and circumstances, a number of recommendations were derived regarding (i) the best timing for online interventions and (ii) the need for multi-platform programs.

Randomized Trial of a Social Networking Intervention for Cancer-Related Distress.

Web and mobile technologies appear to hold promise for delivering evidence-informed and evidence-based intervention to cancer survivors and others living with trauma and other psychological concerns. Health-space.net was developed as a comprehensive online social networking and coping skills training program for cancer survivors living with distress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week social networking intervention on distress, depression, anxiety, vigor, and fatigue in cancer survivors reporting high levels of cancer-related distress. We recruited 347 participants from a local cancer registry and internet, and all were randomized to either a 12-week waiting list control group or to immediate access to the intervention. Intervention participants received secure access to the study website, which provided extensive social networking capabilities and coping skills training exercises facilitated by a professional facilitator. Across time, the prevalence of clinically significant depression symptoms declined from 67 to 34% in both conditions. The health-space.net intervention had greater declines in fatigue than the waitlist control group, but the intervention did not improve outcomes for depression, trauma-related anxiety symptoms, or overall mood disturbance. For those with more severe levels of anxiety at baseline, greater engagement with the intervention was associated with higher levels of symptom reduction over time. The intervention resulted in small but significant effects on fatigue but not other primary or secondary outcomes. Results suggest that this social networking intervention may be most effective for those who have distress that is not associated with high levels of anxiety symptoms or very poor overall psychological functioning. The trial was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov database ( ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01976949).

Symptom incidence, distress, cancer-related distress, and adherence to chemotherapy among African American women with breast cancer.

There is a persistent racial survival disparity between African American (AA) and white women with breast cancer. There is evidence that symptom incidence, associated distress, and overall cancer-related distress may be unexplored, important contributing factors. The purpose of the current study was to: 1) describe and compare the number of chemotherapy-related symptoms and associated distress among AA women with breast cancer over the course of chemotherapy at 3 time points (at baseline before initiating chemotherapy, midpoint, and at the completion of chemotherapy); and 2) to describe the relationship between the number of chemotherapy-related symptoms and overall cancer distress compared with the ability to receive at least 85% of the prescribed chemotherapy within the prescribed timeframe. Descriptive, comparative, and correlational analyses of symptom incidence, symptom distress, cancer-related distress, and prescribed chemotherapy dose received among a cohort of AA women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer were performed. AA women (121 women) experienced worsening symptoms from baseline to midpoint in chemotherapy and then stabilized for the duration of therapy. The inability to receive 85% of the prescribed chemotherapy within a prescribed time point was found to be significantly correlated with midpoint symptom distress. The main findings of the current study were that AA women experience a deterioration in symptom distress over the course of chemotherapy from baseline (before chemotherapy) to the midpoint, which was found to be associated with less adherence to chemotherapy overall. Thus, the incidence and management of physical and emotional symptoms, as measured through a multidimensional symptom measurement tool, may be contributing to breast cancer dose disparity and should be explored further. Cancer 2017;123:2061-2069. © 2017 American Cancer Society.