Cancer Self-management Research Articles

Exploring Innovative Approaches to Self-Management in Colorectal Cancer for Enhancing Quality of Life and Patient Outcomes - A Scoping Review

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is a leading global malignancy, and its diagnosis can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Therefore, exploring innovative approaches to self-management is crucial to empower patients and improve their outcomes. Objectives: This study aims to conduct a scoping review of innovative approaches to self-management in colorectal cancer for enhancing quality of life and patient outcomes. Methods: Literature was selected using the PC (Population, Concept) approach. The literature search was conducted following the PRISMA method. Databases such as PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used to find relevant articles. Full-text articles published in English in the last ten years were evaluated. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. Results: 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Innovative approaches to colorectal cancer self-management, such as personalized psycho-educational programs, the use of technology, and structured counseling, show the potential to improve patient's quality of life. Conclusions: Innovative approaches to self-management of colorectal cancer have great potential to improve patient quality of life and treatment outcomes. However, further research is needed to understand the effectiveness of this intervention in the long term. Considering the patient's specific context and needs, these interventions must be integrated into clinical practice.

A Tailored Self-Management App to Support Older Adults with Cancer and Multi-Morbidities: Development and Usability Testing.

Cancer self-management interventions improve symptom management and confidence, but few interventions target the complex needs of older adults with cancer and multi-morbidities. Despite growing evidence of digital health tools in cancer care, many such tools have not been co-designed with older adults to ensure that they are tailored to their specific needs. The objective of the study was to design a self-and symptom-management app to support older adults with cancer and multi-morbidities. Utilizing a user-centered design thinking framework, we recruited 2 caregivers and 18 older adults with lived experiences of cancer to design a medium-fidelity app prototype. Participants highlighted the importance of tracking functions to make sense of the information about their symptoms, clear displays, and reminders to mitigate concerns related to polypharmacy. This app will create a 'home base' for symprtom management and support for older adults with cancer and multi-morbidities.

A scoping review of the evidence on survivorship care plans among minority, rural, and low-income populations.

Despite recent advances in cancer control and the number of cancer survivors increasing substantially over the past years, some cancer survivors continue to experience disparities due to barriers to recommended survivorship care. The use of survivorship care plans (SCPs) may be a way to help care for these individuals and their respective issues after they complete their primary treatment. The purpose of this scoping review is to understand the evidence on SCPs among minority, rural, and low-income populations: groups that experience disproportionately poorer cancer health outcomes. Computer-based searches were conducted in four academic databases. We included peer-reviewed studies published in the English language and conducted in the USA. We systematically extracted information from each paper meeting our inclusion criteria. Our search identified 45 articles. The 4 major themes identified were (1) disparities in the receipt of SCPs where populations experience unmet needs; (2) benefits of SCPs, including improved care coordination and self-management of cancer; (3) needs and preferences for survivorship care; and (4) barriers and facilitators to using SCPs. Despite the potential benefits, underserved cancer survivors experience disparities in the receipt of SCPs and continue to have unmet needs in their survivorship care. Survivorship care may benefit from a risk-stratified approach where SCPs are prioritized to survivors belonging to high-risk groups. SCPs are a tool to deliver quality care for cancer survivors. While evidence is mixed on SCPs' benefits among the general population, SCPs show promise for underserved populations when it comes to proximal outcomes that contribute to disparities.

Rationalizing the Influence of Co-Design on Distress, Clinical Decision-Making and Disease Self-Management of Cancer Patients-as-Partners: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Cancer is regarded as a major worldwide burden. Patient distress has been linked to disease progression. Studies show that engagement strategies affect clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. The optimal engagement method is a partnership that integrates the patient's expertise into the comprehensive co-design of the healthcare system. This is the first study to investigate cancer patient-as-partner experience and its impact on distress levels, decision-making and self-management. It is a quantitative and quasi-experimental study that adopted a partnership committee at a Lebanese hospital. A stratified random sampling approach was used, and data were collected by self-administered questionnaires. We utilized the standardized distress thermometer and PPEET. We recruited 100 patient partners. Cancer patients-as-partners had optimal engagement experience in QI projects (mean = 4; SD = 0.4). The main partnership benefit was improved hospitalization experience (49%). Almost half of PP reported no challenges faced (49%). Recommendations for improvement were training (19%), team dynamics management (12%) and proper time allocation (7%). The distress level post-partnership was significantly reduced (t = 12.57, p < 0.0001). This study highlights the importance of partnership and ‎its ability to influence shared decision-making preference [χ2(2) = 13.81, p = 0.025] and self-management practices [F(3, 11.87) = 7.294, p = 0.005]. Research findings suggest that partners from disadvantaged groups can have optimal partnership experience. A partnership model of care can shape the healthcare system into a people-oriented culture. Further research is needed to explore diverse PP engagement methodologies and their effect on organizational development. Patients and family members were engaged in the co-design of the study methodology, especially the modification of a research instrument. Patient partners with lived experience were involved in the patient partnership committee as core members to improve healthcare system design and evaluation.

Digital health program for patients with cancer to support self-management: A retrospective real-world analysis.

1570 Background: Sidekick Health’s 13-week digital health program was built to support cancer self-management. It was available free of charge to US-based cancer patients through commercial health insurance. The program includes disease education, mindfulness, medication adherence support, and asynchronous messaging with a care manager. We hypothesized that highly engaged users had reduced symptom frequency and severity, and improved quality of life (QoL) outcomes. Methods: In-app data were analyzed for registrations Aug 2021-Jan 2024: n(registered)=1286; n(retained ≥7 days)=795; n(QoL/symptoms)=284. QoL was defined as self-reported sleep quality, energy and stress (10-point scale, ≤4x/week). Symptoms were also self-reported (10-point scale, ≤7x/week). Generalized linear mixed models for repeated measures were used to investigate QoL, symptom frequency and severity changes over the program. Subgroup analysis: weekly iterative k-means clustering into highly- and less-engaged (based on total active days) to mitigate survival bias. Results: Diverse patients from 37 states engaged: mean age 58.0 years (SD=10.5), 71% female; 49% diagnosed &lt;6 months ago, 36% ≥12 months ago; 23% early-stage disease, 26% stable disease, 6% in remission and 2% terminal; 60% received chemotherapy, 24% radiation therapy, and 21% immunotherapy. Most (61%) registered users were active after 7 days and 29% after 90 days. Less-engaged users reported higher mean baseline weight (85.3kg (SD=26.7)) vs highly engaged (76.9kg (SD=18.3); p=0.010) but were otherwise similar (age, gender, height, time since diagnosis and treatment: p&gt;0.05). For QoL, highly engaged users had improved energy (p=0.013) and sleep (p=0.002), but not stress (p=0.164) vs less engaged. A significant time-group interaction for sleep (p&lt;0.001) showed highly engaged users had better sleep, and larger improvements over time vs less-engaged. Overall, users reported fewer symptoms over the program (IRR (95% CI)=0.965 (0.953, 0.978), p&lt;0.001). Symptom frequency decreased significantly for stress (p=0.034) and nausea (p=0.003), but not numbness (p=0.320) or fatigue (p=0.530). Highly engaged users’ symptom severity had a downward trajectory, compared with less-engaged, for fatigue (p=0.044) and nausea (p=0.001), but not stress (p=0.234) or numbness (p=0.680). Conclusions: Theprogram was accessed by a broad patient group and retention was high. Highly engaged users reported improved QoL (energy, sleep) and reduced symptom severity (fatigue, nausea). Total symptom frequency was reduced over the program, as well as for stress and nausea specifically. These findings indicate digital self-management is not only achievable for patients with cancer, but that higher engagement may improve patient-reported outcomes.

Tailored Self-Management App to Support Older Adults With Cancer and Multimorbidity: Development and Usability Testing.

Globally, cancer predominates in adults aged older than 60 years, and 70% of older adults have ≥1 chronic condition. Cancer self-management interventions can improve symptom management and confidence, but few interventions target the complex needs of older adults with cancer and multimorbidity. Despite growing evidence of digital health tools in cancer care, there is a paucity of theoretically grounded digital self-management supports for older adults. Many apps for older adults have not been co-designed with older adults to ensure that they are tailored to their specific needs, which would increase usability and uptake. We aim to report on the user evaluations of a self- and symptom-management app to support older adults living with cancer and multimorbidity. This study used Grey's self-management framework, a design thinking approach, and involved older adults with lived experiences of cancer to design a medium-fidelity app prototype. Older adults with cancer or caregivers were recruited through community organizations or support groups to participate in co-designing or evaluations of the app. Data from interviews were iteratively integrated into the design process and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analyses. In total, 15 older adults and 3 caregivers (n=18) participated in this study: 10 participated (8 older adults and 2 caregivers) in the design of the low-fidelity prototype, and 10 evaluated (9 older adults and 1 caregiver) the medium-fidelity prototype (2 older adults participated in both phases). Participants emphasized the importance of tracking functions to make sense of information across physical symptoms and psychosocial aspects; a clear display; and the organization of notes and reminders to communicate with care providers. Participants also emphasized the importance of medication initiation or cessation reminders to mitigate concerns related to polypharmacy. This app has the potential to support the complex health care needs of older adults with cancer, creating a "home base" for symptom management and support. The findings from this study will position the researchers to conduct feasibility testing and real-world implementation.

Effects of ESPCS mode nursing on the surgical tolerance, gastrointestinal tract recovery and self‑management efficacy of patients with colon cancer.

Colon cancer is a common gastrointestinal malignant tumor. In addition to conventional treatment, thoughtful and comprehensive aftercare should be given to patients. The present study aimed to explore the effects of explain-simulate-practice-communication-support (ESPCS) model nursing on the surgical tolerance, gastrointestinal recovery and self-management efficacy of patients with colon cancer. The clinical data of 136 patients with colon cancer diagnosed and treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (Harbin, China) from June 2020 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and a total of 84 patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 42 patients who underwent conventional nursing were included in the conventional nursing group and 42 patients who underwent ESPCS model nursing were included in the ESPCS model nursing group. Surgical tolerance, gastrointestinal recovery, self-management efficacy (Cancer Self-Management Efficacy Scale), quality of life (Comprehensive Quality of Life Inventory-74) and nursing satisfaction were analyzed. Slightly higher proportions of excellent and good surgical tolerance were found in the ESPCS model nursing group (97.62%) compared with those in the conventional nursing group (85.71%); however, no significant difference was shown (P>0.05). Compared with the conventional nursing group, the time needed for gastric tube removal, bowel sound recovery, anal exhaust, first defecation, general food intake and the time until getting out of bed was significantly shorter in the ESPS model nursing group (all P<0.05). Before the intervention, no statistically significant difference was found between the indicators in the Cancer Self-Management Efficacy Scale of the two groups (all P>0.05). After the intervention, the ESPCS model nursing group had significantly higher scores for positive attitude, stress relief and self-determination than the conventional nursing group (all P<0.05). Before intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in the indicators of CQOLI-74 between the two groups (P>0.05). After the intervention, the ESPCS model nursing group also had significantly higher scores for social function, psychological function, life state and somatic function compared with the conventional nursing group (all P<0.05). Higher satisfaction of patients was found in the ESPCS mode group (95.24%) compared with that in the conventional nursing group (78.57%) (P<0.05). Overall, ESPCS mode nursing could effectively elevate the surgical tolerance of patients with colon cancer, promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function, increase self-management efficacy, and improve the quality of life and nursing satisfaction, which is certainly worthy of clinical promotion.

Work-Health Conflict among Breast Cancer Survivors: Associations with Cancer Self-Management, Quality of Life, and Anticipated Turnover

Work-Health Conflict among Breast Cancer Survivors: Associations with Cancer Self-Management, Quality of Life, and Anticipated Turnover

Challenges in Selecting Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Use in a Patient-Facing Technology.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been increasingly integrated into patient-facing technologies to engage and empower patients in cancer self-management at home. However, researchers and developers face several challenges in selecting the best-suited PROMs for patient-facing technologies, due to the complex nature of the disease, the multitude of PROMs with high psychometric quality, and the lack of clear standards for PROM utilization. In this paper, we have discussed these challenges, illustrated by breast cancer instruments.

Grit and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: Mediating Role of Health Self-Efficacy and Treatment Adherence.

Challenges with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are common among adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer. Literature on HRQOL has largely been focused on individual deficits, rather than individual strengths. The present study investigated the relations between a strengths-based concept called grit (i.e., perseverance and passion for long-term goals), self-management (i.e., health self-efficacy and adherence), and HRQOL among AYA with cancer. Sixty-seven AYA receiving cancer treatment (Mage=17.1; 50.7% female; 25.4% Black, Hispanic, Asian, or a race other than white) and their caregivers (73.0% mothers) completed a semistructured, validated interview about adherence. AYA also completed self-report questionnaires about perceptions of their grit, health self-efficacy, and HRQOL. After controlling for sex, health self-efficacy (i.e., a cognitive self-management variable) mediated the relation between grit and HRQOL (95% confidence interval = .74-6.52). When testing adherence to medications, diet, or physical activity as mediators of the relation between grit and HRQOL, mediation models were non-significant. Among AYA with cancer, this study identified grit as an individual strength associated with more positive self-management beliefs, which in turn, related to better HRQOL. This adds to a growing body of literature supporting the need for resiliency-oriented, strengths-based approaches to AYA HRQOL research. Future directions include exploring the role of caregiver grit in relation to AYA cancer self-management, given that caregivers have demonstrated a high degree of involvement in AYA cancer care.

A Web-Based Cancer Self-Management Program (I-Can Manage) Targeting Treatment Toxicities and Health Behaviors: Human-Centered Co-design Approach and Cognitive Think-Aloud Usability Testing.

Patients with cancer require adequate preparation in self-management of treatment toxicities to reduce morbidity that can be achieved through well-designed digital technologies that are developed in co-design with patients and end users. We undertook a user-centered co-design process in partnership with patients and other knowledge end users to develop and iteratively test an evidence-based and theoretically informed web-based cancer self-management program (I-Can Manage). The specific study aims addressed in 2 phases were to (1) identify from the perspective of patients with cancer and clinicians the desired content, features, and functionalities for an online self-management education and support (SMES) program to enable patient self-management of treatment toxicities (phase 1); (2) develop the SMES prototype based on human-centered, health literate design principles and co-design processes; and (3) evaluate usability of the I-Can Manage prototype through user-centered testing (phase 2). We developed the I-Can Manage program using multiperspective data sources and based on humanistic and co-design principles with end users engaged through 5 phases of development. We recruited adult patients with lung, colorectal, and lymphoma cancer receiving systemic treatments from ambulatory clinics in 2 regional cancer programs for the qualitative inquiry phase. The design of the program was informed by data from qualitative interviews and focus groups, persona and journey mapping, theoretical underpinnings of social cognitive learning theory, and formalized usability testing using a cognitive think-aloud process and user satisfaction survey. A co-design team comprising key stakeholders (human design experts, patients/caregiver, clinicians, knowledge end users, and e-learning and digital design experts) was involved in the developmental process. We used a cognitive think-aloud process to test usability and participants completed the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ). In the initial qualitative inquiry phase, 16 patients participated in interviews and 19 clinicians participated in interviews or focus groups and 12 key stakeholders participated in a persona journey mapping workshop to inform development of the program prototype. The I-Can Manage program integrates evidence-based information and strategies for the self-management of treatment toxicities and health-promoting behaviors in 6 e-learning modules (lay termed "chapters"), starting with an orientation to self-management. Behavioral exercises, patient written and video stories, downloadable learning resources, and online completion of goals and action plans were integrated across chapters. Patient participants (n=5) with different cancers, gender, and age worked through the program in the human factors laboratory using a cognitive think-aloud process and all key stakeholders reviewed each chapter of the program and approved revisions. Results of the PSSUQ (mean total score: 3.75) completed following the cognitive think-aloud process (n=5) suggest patient satisfaction with the usability of I-Can Manage. The I-Can Manage program has the potential for activating patients in self-management of cancer and treatment toxicities but requires testing in a larger randomized controlled trial.

Nursing Interventions in Promoting Self-Management of Cancer Pain in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County, Kenya

Approximately 60% of cancer patients attending outpatients’ clinics experience severe unremitting pain hence self-management of cancer pain is critical. Nurses play an important role in treatment, pain management, and promotion of self-care of patients of cancer patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate nursing interventions in promoting self-management of cancer pain at Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County, Kenya. This was a qualitative study that utilized case study approach. Data was collected in a period of six months whereby interviewer administered semi-structured interview guide with predetermined themes. On the assistance offered by the nurses in self-management of pain, each participant reported to assist their patients differently. The main intervention nurses used in supporting cancer patients in self-management of cancer pain were a multidisciplinary approach involving all the health care providers, pharmacological counselling and patient education. The study also concludes that nurses’ interventions in self-management of cancer can help improve patient outcomes and their quality of life. The study recommends that nurses should incorporate support for self-management of cancer pain in their daily practice with cancer patients. The concept of self-management should be promulgated in such a way that it entails a holistic management of symptoms. Healthcare personnel should initiate self-management of cancer pain at the early trajectory of the disease, at the first contact with the patients. Keywords: Nursing interventions, self-management of cancer pain, Bomet County

Self-management and illness perception among cervical cancer patients: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to describe self-management among cervical cancer patients and to elucidate the relationship between illness perception and self-management in patients with cervical cancer. This was a cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 220 cervical cancer patients was recruited from the gynaecology outpatient department of a cancer hospital. Data were collected from September 2018 to February 2019. Self-management and illness perception were assessed using the Cancer Self-Management Assessment Scale and the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for cervical cancer, respectively. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation analysis, univariate analysis and hierarchical linear regression analysis. The mean score of self-management was 3.87 ± 0.53, and daily life management showed the highest score (4.18 ± 0.58), while symptom management was the lowest (3.11 ± 082). Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that family monthly income per person, types of surgery and personal control were factors that significantly influenced self-management. The results demonstrate that self-management among patients with cervical cancer needs to be improved. The significant influence of illness perception offers an opportunity for nurses to improve self-management behaviours of patients with cervical cancer.

Digital Trends, Digital Literacy, and E-Health Engagement Predictors of Breast and Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

Advances in information and communication technology (ICT) and post-COVID-19 tectonic changes in healthcare delivery have made it possible for cancer survivors to obtain disease-related information for remote management online rather than through healthcare providers. To comprehend and evaluate health information, digital literacy is crucial. This study examined cancer survivors' information-seeking behaviour, information sources, digital health literacy, and digital trends, as well as potential determinants of e-health information receptivity and online resource use. A national 30-item cross-sectional survey using a representative random sample of cancer survivors from Jordan's cancer registry was conducted. Chi-square tests established categorical variable relationships. Using the mean and standard deviation, we calculated the Likert scale's ordinal data average. A p-value &lt; 0.05 was statistically significant. Logistic regression identified predictors of interest in late-trajectory information acquisition and use of e-health platforms (apps, portals) for cancer self-management. Lower digital literacy and electronic searching were associated with older age and lower income, education, and employment status (p ≤ 0.001). Digital literacy independently predicted m-health app use for remote management and interest in cancer supportive care information. Digitally literate survivors preferred the use of digital platforms (p ≤ 0.001). Information acquisition barriers included "reliability" (26%, n = 25) and "health information trustworthiness" (16.2%, n = 25). Following treatment completion, Internet-seeking behaviour decreased significantly when compared to the early cancer trajectory. Our findings imply that Jordanian cancer survivors' low digital literacy may hinder information acquisition and technology-enabled cancer care. Digital interventions for cancer survivors should be adaptable to varying levels of digital health literacy. Healthcare policymakers should recognise digital inequities and devise focused initiatives to bridge the digital divide while responding to the urgent need to digitalise cancer care delivery.

Trajectories of quality of life in breast cancer survivors during the first year after treatment: a longitudinal study

BackgroundAlthough quality of life (QOL) improves over time for most breast cancer patients after their treatment, some patients may show different patterns of QOL. Beyond determining distinct QOL trajectories, identifying characteristics of patients who have different trajectories can help identify breast cancer patients who may benefit from intervention. We aimed to identify trajectories of QOL in breast cancer patients for one year after the end of primary treatment, to determine the factors influencing these changes.MethodsThis longitudinal study recruited 140 breast cancer patients. Patients' QOL, symptom experience, self-efficacy, and social support were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-G, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, Self-Efficacy Scale for Self-Management of Breast Cancer, and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12. Data were collected immediately after the end of primary treatment (T1) and at three (T2), six (T3), and 12 months (T4) after primary treatment. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinct subgroups of patients with similar patterns of QOL change after treatment. A one-way analysis of variance was used to determine which variables were associated with trajectory membership. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with trajectory group membership.ResultsWe analyzed 124 patients (mean age: 48.75 years). Latent class analysis of the QOL identified three trajectory groups: the low QOL group (n = 27; 21.1%), moderate QOL group (n = 57; 45.3%), and high QOL group (n = 40; 33.6%). The low QOL group showed consistently low QOL after the end of primary treatment, and the moderate QOL group showed a slight decrease in QOL from T1 to T3, which returned to the T1 level at T4. The high QOL group maintained a consistently high QOL. By multinomial logistic regression, psychological symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22–0.99) predicted a moderate QOL, and both psychological symptoms (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07–0.51) and belonging support (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.06–2.39) predicted a high QOL.ConclusionIdentifying high-risk groups for reduced QOL after the end of primary treatment is necessary. Moreover, psychosocial interventions should be provided to alleviate psychological symptoms and increase belonging support to enhance patients' QOL.Trial registration Not registered.

Integrating Palliative Care Into Self-management of Breast Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Breast cancer patients may not be well-informed about palliative care, hindering its integration into cancer self-management. The aim of this study was to test Managing Cancer Care: A Personal Guide (MCC-PT), an intervention to improve palliative care literacy and cancer self-management. This was a single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility/acceptability and intervention effects of MCC-PT on palliative care literacy, self-management behaviors/emotions, and moderation by demographic/clinical characteristics. We enrolled 71 stages I to IV breast cancer patients aged at least 21 years, with >6-month prognosis at an academic cancer center. Patients were randomized to MCC-PT (n = 32) versus symptom management education as attention-control (n = 39). At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months, participants completed the Knowledge of Care Options Test (primary outcome), Control Preferences Scale, Goals of Care Form, Medical Communication Competence Scale, Measurement of Transitions in Cancer Scale, Chronic Disease Self-efficacy Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale. Mean participant age was 51.5 years (range, 28-74 years); 53.5% were racial/ethnic minority patients, and 40.8% had stage III/IV cancer. After adjusting for race/ethnicity, MCC-PT users improved their palliative care literacy with a large effect size (partial η2 = 0.13). Patients at late stage of disease showed increased self-management (partial η2 = 0.05) and reduced anxiety (partial η2 = 0.05) and depression (partial η2 = 0.07) with medium effect sizes. Managing Cancer Care: A Personal Guide is feasible and appears most effective in late-stage cancer. Research is needed to elucidate relationships among cancer stage, race/ethnicity, and self-management outcomes. Integration of palliative care into cancer care can assist in creation of appropriate self-management plans and improve emotional outcomes.

Systematic Evaluation of the Behavior Change Techniques and Quality of Commercially Available Cancer Self-Management Apps.

Apps have the potential to aid in cancer self-management, but there is limited guidance available for selecting among currently available options. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the behavior change techniques (BCTs) and quality of publicly available cancer self-management apps. Cancer self-management apps were identified from the Apple and Google Play stores in April 2022. Trained study team members coded the BCTs included in each app and rated its quality using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). BCTs supported by previous literature were coded as cancer management BCTs. The 39 apps meeting inclusion criteria included an average of 5.85 BCTs (standard deviation [SD], 3.49; range, 0-15) and 3.54 cancer management BCTs (SD, 1.90; range, 0-8). The most commonly included BCTs were educational or informational strategies: provide information about behavior-health link, provide instruction, and provide information on consequences. The overall app quality ranged from 1.69 to 4.20 (M, 3.29; SD, 0.67). No cancer self-management apps were of excellent quality, and less than half included multiple cancer management BCTs beyond education. Clinical implications are discussed, and opportunities to improve the content and quality of apps to address the critical self-management needs of patients diagnosed with cancer are highlighted.

Effectiveness of a self-management mobile app on the quality of life of women with breast cancer: a study in a developing country

BackgroundSelf-management involves taking responsibility for personal health and taking the initiative to do so. This can be accomplished by learning information and skills that will help consider the difficulties may encounter during and after cancer treatment. With this perspective, we have aimed to develop a self-management mobile app for women with breast cancer in Iran and evaluate its impact on the quality of life of patients.MethodThis study is a methodological study in 2021. We developed the app during three phases. The first phase aimed at identifying educational content and designing user experience, the second phase aimed at developing and implementing the app, and the third phase aimed at evaluating pre-and post-implementation.ResultIn this study, an Android app for self-management women with breast cancer was developed. According to the results of the pre-and post-implementations among the most significant changes were in the quality of life level, highest respectively: social avoidance (Pre: 6.41–Post: 3.56), negative feelings (Pre: 5.93 - Post: 3.40), sexual function (Pre: 6.80 - Post: 5.04), sexual interest (Pre: 6.41 - Post: 4.75) and pain (Pre: 6.37 - Post: 4.97). And least the changes respectively: distress-family (Pre: 7 - Post: 7), distress-recurrence (Pre: 4.49 - Post: 4.38), benefits (Pre: 2.47 - Post: 3.12), appearance (Pre: 4.10 - Post: 3.32). Also, we calculated the usability evaluation of this app with the system usability scale (SUS); the overall rating score was 83/100, an excellent level (> 80.3), and a grade A.ConclusionThe study shows that a breast cancer self-management app can support and improve the quality of life of women with breast cancer. We conducted this study to show that by developing a self-management app, women with breast cancer can improve their quality of life, − by increasing their self-management skills.

A Survey of Older Adults' Self-Managing Cancer.

Older adults living with cancer can experience significant challenges in managing their cancer treatment[s], care, and health. Cancer self-management is much discussed in the research literature, but less is known about the perceptions and experiences of older adults', including their self-management capacities and challenges. This study explored the factors that supported and hindered cancer self-management for older Canadian adults living with cancer. We conducted a 17-item population-based telephone survey in the Canadian province of British Columbia among older adults (age ≥ 65) living with cancer. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data and thematic analysis for open-text responses. 129 older adults participated in the study (median age 76, range: 65-93), of which 51% were living with at least one other chronic illness. 20% reported challenges managing their cancer treatment and appointments, while only ~4% reported financial barriers to managing cancer. We organized the findings around enabling and encumbering factors to older adults cancer self-management. The main encumbering factors to self-management included health system and personal factors (physical and emotional challenges + travel). Whereas enablers included: access to interpersonal support, helpful care team, interpersonal support and individual mindset. Considering factors which enable or encumber older adults' cancer self-management is critical to supporting the growing aging population in the work required to manage cancer treatment and navigate cancer services. Our findings may guide the development of tailored resources for bolstering effectual self-management for older Canadians living with cancer.

SIOG2022-0068 - A survey of older adults’ cancer self-management capacity and experiences

SIOG2022-0068 - A survey of older adults’ cancer self-management capacity and experiences