Cancer In Turkey Research Articles

Evaluation of Spiritual Care and Well-Being Levels of Individuals Diagnosed with Lung Cancer in Turkey.

This study aimed to assess the spiritual care needs and spiritual well-being levels of lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (CT). This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 110 patients in the outpatient CT unit of a university hospital. Data were collected using a personal information form, the "Three-Factor Spiritual Well-Being Scale" and the "Spiritual Care Needs Scale." The average age of participants was 62.6 ± 8.0years. Patients with a university or above education level, civil servants, self-employed individuals, those receiving only CT, and those with less than 5 CT cycles had significantly higher spiritual well-being scores (p < 0.05). Spiritual care needs scale scores were significantly higher for married individuals and those receiving only CT (p < 0.05). In conclusion, both spiritual well-being levels and spiritual care needs were observed to be high among lung cancer patients.

Turkish Version of the Psychological Responses to Grief Before Loss of Health Scale

This study aimed to assess the Turkish validity and reliability of the original Spanish version of the Psychological Responses to Grief before Loss of Health Scale (RPD-PDS-38). The research sample consisted of 538 women who were diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancers, volunteered, and had no communication problems. The scale was determined to consist of 30 items with 6 factors, explaining 63.9% of the total variance. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses established that the 30-item Turkish version yielded six interpretable factors (Faith and Hope, Acceptance, Anger, Negotiation, Depression, and Denial). While this is the same as the original version of the scale in the number of factors (six factors), it differs from the original version in that the original scale has 38 items and explains 46.46% of the total variance. Assessment is carried out based on the scores received from the sub-dimensions. The higher the scores received from the sub-dimensions, the more often individuals experienced a stage of grief. The scale was determined to be a reliable measuring instrument. The study suggests that the Turkish version of the RPD-PDS-30 scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing psychological responses to grief before the loss of health in patients diagnosed with breast and gynecological cancers in Turkey.

Molecular pathways of common breast cancer metastases and the distinguishing features of triple-negative breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of female cancer in Turkey, and metastasis is the most important cause of death, as in other solid organ cancers. Triple-negative tumors constitute 15-20% of breast cancer patients. Within three years after the development of the primary tumor, the tumor spreads to other organs. Breast cancer tends to spread to distant organs, such as bone, liver, brain, lung, and adrenal gland, either through regional lymph nodes or vascular channels. This condition, defined as the tendency to metastasize to specific organs, is called organotropism. Triple-negative breast cancer is a heterogeneous breast cancer subtype showing organotropism for the brain and the lungs. Identifying the molecular changes that may cause tropism for various regions and organs in non-metastatic tumors at the time of diagnosis is vital to developing targeted therapies and achieving longer overall and disease-free survival. In this review, we aimed to summarize the pathogenesis of breast cancer metastasis, the molecular changes involved in the metastatic process, and organotropism, as well as to emphasize the distinguishing features of triple-negative breast cancer in terms of metastatic organotropism.

Factors associated with psychological distress during genetic counseling in high-risk women with breast cancer in Turkey

PurposeThis study aims to shed light on the rather neglected area of research of psychological distress in women facing genetic counselling in Turkey, where few institutions providing such counselling exist.Methods105 breast cancer patients presenting for genetic testing completed a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire as well as validated structured questionnaires including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/T) and the Health Motivation Sub-dimension of Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale.Results69.5% of the participants had lost a family member from cancer; 80% said the term “cancer” elicited negative thoughts (e.g., death, fear, and incurable disease). 62.9% and 37.1% attributed cancer to stress or sorrow, and genetic susceptibility, respectively. There was a negative association between health motivation and BDI scores (r:-0.433, p < 0.001). Married individuals had higher BDI and STAI-S scores (p = 0.001, p = 0.01 respectively), as well as lower STAI-T scores (p = 0.006). BDI, STAI-S and STAI-T scores were higher in those refusing genetic testing (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.003 respectively) and those with metastases (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, p = 0.03 respectively). Furthermore, individuals with low health motivation were more likely to exhibit high BDI scores (p < 0.001) and low STAI-T scores (p = 0.02).ConclusionCommon perceptions and beliefs about cancer and genetic testing during genetic counselling were found to have a negative impact on distress in high-risk women with breast cancer. The negative relationship between psychological distress and health motivation may reduce patients' compliance with genetic counselling recommendations. A comprehensive psychological evaluation should be considered as an important part of genetic counselling.

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the management of differentiated thyroid cancer in Turkey: a single tertiary centre experience.

Many countries have implemented unprecedented health measures since the World Health Organisation declared the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a global pandemic. These measures have resulted in delays in the diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, there is limited data on the impact of restrictions imposed during the pandemic on DTC management. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyse the clinicopathological and follow-up data of DTC patients diagnosed before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. This retrospective study included 191 DTC patients that were diagnosed between December 2018 and June 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: patients diagnosed before (December 2018 to February 2020) and during (March 2020 to June 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. The clinicopathological and follow-up data between the two groups were compared. Similar preoperative cytology results were obtained from the two groups. No difference with regard to tumour size, lymphovascular invasion and extrathyroidal invasion was observed between the two groups. While the American Thyroid Association risk stratification was similar between the two groups, radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy was applied less during the COVID-19 period. Although RAI therapy was administered at a lower rate during the COVID-19 period, the recurrence rates among patients after two years of follow-up were similar to those during the pre-COVID-19 period. Although the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions during the pandemic period caused difficulties in the management of DTC patients, this did not negatively affect their prognosis. These findings can confirm the applicability of active surveillance in DTC patients and may help change the real-life treatment practices in selected low-risk DTC patients.

Sleep disorders, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life in patients with cancer in Turkey: a multi-center cross-sectional survey

Sleep disorders, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life in patients with cancer in Turkey: a multi-center cross-sectional survey

IMUMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF CD133 AND NUCLEOSTEMIN IN SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA AND ADENOCARCINOMA

Background: Cancer is one of the most important health problems of our age. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Turkey as well as in the world. Diagnosis can be made late due to late detection of symptoms and findings. Cancer stem cells cause the initiation and progression of cancer. There is a risk of cancer recurrence due to cancer stem cells that cannot be destroyed. Therefore, it is important to detect cancer stem cells and prevent the proliferation of these stem cells. Methods: In the Pathology Department of Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, 72 squamous cell carcinoma and 51 adenocarcinoma cases diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer were retrospectively examined. Nucleostemin and CD133 expression levels were evaluated immunohistochemically in sections taken from cancerous tissue samples of the cases. Results: Disease-free survival and tumor stages of the cases and immunohistochemical expression level were compared. Nucleostemin and CD133 expression was commonly observed in tumor tissue from both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cases. Conclusion: Therefore, in line with the data we obtained, we think that both nucleostemin and CD133 can not be used as prognostic markers in non-small cell lung cancer.

Examination of nursing theses on oral mucositis in children with cancer in Turkey

Examination of nursing theses on oral mucositis in children with cancer in Turkey

Investigation of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors on Bladder Cancer in Turkey.

The prevalence of bladder cancer increases rapidly among individuals. The knowledge, attitude, and healthy lifestyle behaviors of individuals in Turkey regarding bladder cancer are unknown. The present study aim was to examine the knowledge and attitudes of the participants about bladder cancer and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Methods?:?This cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 participants from outpatient clinic at Erciyes University. Data were collected by using a socio-demographic form and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale. Results?:?Findings revealed that 55% of the participants were aware of bladder cancer risks?;?smoking 55.5%, older ages 67%, synthetic dyes and some chemicals 43.7%, and overweight 34.5% increases the risk of bladder cancer. The findings showed that economic status and education effect on the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale scores. The positive relationship was found between self-realization, exercise, and interpersonal subscale in those with high-income participants. It is found that exercise, nutrition, and stress management that have a positive attitude among non-smokers toward the risk factors of bladder cancer. Conclusion?:?The information obtained from the study can be used to inform patients about bladder cancer, risk factors, and cancer prevention. In this regard, healthcare professionals can increase patients f knowledge and create awareness by preparing informative brochures, giving information during the examination, or making presentations. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 40-46, February, 2024.

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Diagnosis and Treatment Delays in Primary Bladder Cancer in Turkey: Single-Institution Experience, 36 Month Screening

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Diagnosis and Treatment Delays in Primary Bladder Cancer in Turkey: Single-Institution Experience, 36 Month Screening

EE80 Cost-Effectiveness of Ribociclib Plus a Non-Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Pre- and Peri-Menopausal Women with HR+/HER2 Advanced Breast Cancer in Turkey

EE80 Cost-Effectiveness of Ribociclib Plus a Non-Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Pre- and Peri-Menopausal Women with HR+/HER2 Advanced Breast Cancer in Turkey

A Multicenter Study of Genotype Variation/Demographic Patterns in 2475 Individuals Including 1444 Cases With Breast Cancer in Turkey.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer type in women and may be inherited, mostly in an autosomal dominant pattern. The clinical diagnosis of BC relies on the published diagnostic criteria, and analysis of two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are strongly associated with BC, are included in these criteria. The aim of this study was to compare BC index cases with non-BC individuals in terms of genotype and diagnostic features to investigate the genotype/demographic information association. Mutational analyses for the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes was performed in 2475 individuals between 2013-2022 from collaborative centers across Turkey, of whom 1444 with BC were designated as index cases. Overall, mutations were identified in 17% (421/2475), while the percentage of mutation carriers in cases of BC was similar, 16.6% (239/1444). BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations were detected in 17.8% (131/737) of familial cases and 12% (78/549) of sporadic cases. Mutations in BRCA1 were found in 4.9%, whereas 12% were in BRCA2 (p<0.05). Meta-analyses were performed to compare these results with other studies of Mediterranean-region populations. Patients with BRCA2 mutations were significantly more common than those with BRCA1 mutations. In sporadic cases, there was a lower proportion with BRCA1/BRCA2 variants, as expected, and these results were consistent with the data of Mediterranean-region populations. However, the present study, because of the large sample size, revealed more robust findings than previous studies. These findings may be helpful in facilitating the clinical management of BC for both familial and non-familial cases.

Türkiye'de Tip-2 diyabetli hastalarda patofizyolojik değişikliklerin tiroid disfonksiyonu ve nodüler guatr gelişimi üzerine etkileri

Objective: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is higher in patients with diabetes, and its diagnosis could cause better diabetes management. The purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of pathophysiological changes in patients with Type-2 diabetes on the frequency of thyroid dysfunction, thyroid autoimmunity, thyroid nodule, and thyroid cancer in Turkey. &#x0D; Methods: The study was conducted on a total of 3.276 patients with Type-2 diabetes who underwent thyroid tests and thyroid ultrasonography (US). The demographic characteristics, biochemical and hormonal values, thyroid US reports, and histopathology reports were collected from the patient's electronic records. &#x0D; Results: Thyroid autoimmunity positive TPOab 15.9% (n = 524) and/or positive TGab 9.9% (n = 327), the rate of positivity of both antibodies (TPOab + TGab) in the same patient, and total thyroid autoimmunity was found to be 32.57% (n=1067) in Type-2 diabetic patients. Thyroid dysfunction was detected in 18.3% (n = 602) of these patients. The distribution of thyroid dysfunction was 9.09% (n = 298) subclinical hypothyroidism, 4.1% (n = 135) clinical hypothyroidism, 3.1% (n = 102) subclinical hyperthyroidism, 2.0% (n = 67) clinical hyperthyroidism. Also, 67.9% (n = 2225) thyroid nodules, and 5% (n = 164) thyroid cancer were detected. &#x0D; Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction was found to have increased in patients with Type-2 diabetes at significant levels.

Spiritual Well-Being and Care Burden in Caregivers of Patients with Breast Cancer in Turkey.

This research was carried out to identify the relationship between the spiritual well-being and caregiver burden in caregivers of patients with breast cancer. The study was conducted with family caregivers of patients with breast cancer who presented to the oncology clinic of a university hospital for treatment. The study sample included a total of 138 family caregivers who met the criteria for participation and agreed to participate in the study. The data were collected using a participant information form, caregiver burden scale and three-dimensional spiritual well-being scale. The caregivers have a moderate level of caregiver burden and their spiritual well-being was quite high. The caregiver burden of female caregivers was found to be significantly higher than that of male caregivers (p = 0.040). There is a negatively significant relationship between caregiver burden and spiritual well-being (p = 0.000, r = - 0.357). The caregiver burden is significantly higher among the 24-h caregivers compared to that among the 3-h and 4-6-h caregivers (p = 0.003). The spiritual well-being of the caregivers who provide care between 3h and 4-6h a day was significantly higher than that of those who provide 24-h care (p = 0.001). Increasing spiritual well-being may help to reduce caregiver burden in caregivers of those with breast cancer.

EE394 Cost-Effectiveness of Alpelisib Plus Fulvestrant for the Treatment of Postmenopausal Women With PIK3CA Mutant, HR+/HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer in Turkey

EE394 Cost-Effectiveness of Alpelisib Plus Fulvestrant for the Treatment of Postmenopausal Women With PIK3CA Mutant, HR+/HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer in Turkey

"I Am Grateful for Every Day I Live": A Qualitative Study on the Spiritual Experiences of Women With Gynecological Cancer.

Considering the life-threatening nature of gynecological cancers, spirituality and religious beliefs may play a key role in the experiences of the patients during the disease process and their coping. The aim of this study was to understand the spiritual experiences of Muslim women with gynecological cancer during the disease process. A qualitative, phenomenological, and hermeneutic approach was followed in the research. Fourteen women with gynecological cancer in Turkey were interviewed individually. The thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clarke was used to evaluate the data. The results of the data analysis revealed 3 themes (consisting of 9 subthemes): (1) reaction to cancer: spiritual distress (fear of death, perception of punishment, fear of obscurity and uncertainty, and being a cause of spiritual distress in the family); (2) reaction to cancer: spiritual well-being (accepting whatever may come from Allah, strengthening the faith in Allah); and (3) spiritual resources for coping with cancer (religious practices, hobbies and complementary practices, and family support). The results of the study shed light on the cases that may cause spiritual distress and improve the spiritual well-being that is experienced by Muslim women with gynecological cancer during the disease process; they also reveal that religion has an effect on the experiences during the cancer process and the coping methods. Healthcare professionals who care for Muslim women with gynecological cancer should plan spiritual care by being aware of the cultural characteristics and religious beliefs of these women and their families.

Desires vs. conditions: A qualitative study exploring the factors affecting the place of death of child with cancer in Turkey.

The purpose of this study was to describe factors affecting the place of death of children with cancer at the end of life. The descriptive phenomenological approach was used. Eighteen mothers who lost their children to cancer participated in in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using MAXQDA software version. Codes and categories were developed inductively from participants' narratives. The factors affecting the place of death of children were categorised into two main themes: (1) desires and (2) conditions. Most of the mothers reported that their deceased children wanted to be with their families at the end of life and they wanted to go home. The conditions related to health services were defined as the barriers to the death of their children in the places of death preferred by the mothers. The desire to be close to the child was the main factor affecting the parents' decisions. The findings revealed the prevailing circumstances in the death place decision beyond parental desires. These were the child's health conditions, physical conditions of hospitals, and the lack of home care and paediatric palliative care services, which were factors related to the system, and the lack of other options for parents.

Palliative Care in 2020 & Beyond Workshop: an expert symposium to develop palliative care advocacy in Turkey

BackgroundIn 2014, the World Health Assembly called for improved access to palliative care (PC) as a core component of healthcare systems. Still, in 2019 the development of PC activism in Turkey was patchy in scope, care provision is isolated and services are limited in relation to population size. This workshop was aimed to increase understanding of the PC approach in cancer and to discuss holistic strategies for implementing PC for cancer in Turkey. MethodsThe workshop hosted in February 2020 at Ankara was attended by 80 healthcare professionals, bureaucrats, and international PC experts. Panel discussions were held to determine the current status, shortcomings and specify solutions for future PC in cancer in Turkey. ResultsPositive developments in PC after 2010 were acknowledged. Yet PC services are insufficient and mostly unavailable in the less developed regions. PC centers embedded in oncology hospitals were run by oncologists and follows classical cancer treatment protocol. It has emerged that the future need for specialized pc will be greater than anticipated. The latest regulations and the National Pallia-Turk project will provide a framework to develop nationwide PC activism. The barriers are; limited training, lack of integration into cancer care, public ignorance, and legislative issues to Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders. The contextual suggestions are; all healthcare workers must acquire a minimum knowledge and skills of PC. Home-based PC should be timely and responsive, coordination among patient’s care stakeholders, Hospital-based PC for intensive symptom control or reduce caregiver burden. simultaneous cancer and PC to avoid late referral, legal arrangements for advance directives and DNR orders, and public awareness via mass media initiatives. Significance of ResultsThe workshop recommendation substantially contributes to the existence of PC policy and guidelines; will be useful for the development of comprehensive PC activism to address the future need of PC in Turkey.

Optimizing the Personalized Care for the Management of Rectal Cancer: A Consensus Statement.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Turkey. The current guidelines do not provide sufficient information to cover all aspects of the management of rectal cancer. Although treatment has been standardized in terms of the basic principles of neoadjuvant, surgical, and adjuvant therapy, uncertainties in the management of rectal cancer may lead to significant differences in clinical practice. In order to clarify these uncertainties, a consensus program was constructed with the participation of the physicians from the Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar and Koç Universities. This program included the physicians from the departments of general surgery, gastroenterology, pathology, radiology, nuclear medicine, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical genetics. The gray zones in the management of rectal cancer were determined by reviewing the evidence-based data and current guidelines before the meeting. Topics to be discussed consisted of diagnosis, staging, surgical treatment for the primary disease, use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, management of recurrent disease, screening, follow-up, and genetic counseling. All those topics were discussed under supervision of a presenter and a chair with active participation of related physicians. The consensus text was structured by centralizing the decisions based on the existing data.

Long-term Trend in Prostate Cancer Mortality in Turkey

The main objective of this study was to analyze the mortality trends of prostate cancer in Turkey between the years 1987-2008. The age-standardized mortality rates (per 100,000) were calculated using the direct method, according to the World standard population. Temporal trends were assessed using the joinpoint regression. Average annual percent change (AAPC), anual percent change (APC), and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. During the period, the average annual age-standardized mortality rate (ASR) being 3.86 per 100,000 male. In the last five years, while significant decreases observed under the age of 65, there were also significant increases in the 65 and over age group. In this period, the biggest significant increase was in the over the age of 75 (AAPC=10.6, 95%CI=1.3 to 20.9). Increasing survival and an aging population have led more men to die from prostate cancer especially in older ages.