Psycho-Oncologie

Determination of psychosocial care practices and needs of oncology nurses

Şengül Mercan — 2024-12-30

The purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the psychosocial nursing practices and needs of oncology nurses by testing the validity and reliability of the scale by adapting and applying the questionnaire prepared by the American Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) group to determine the psychosocial nursing practices and needs of oncology nurses. Method: The study was descriptive. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 24 questions, including 4 questions about socio-demographic characteristics and 20 Likert-type questions. The research group consisted of 201 oncology nurses in Turkey. Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was calculated. Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was higher than 80% of the experts’ consensus for all items. KMO was satisfactory (KMO. 0.820) and the assumption of sphericity was met (22–4003.071.0.001). Using the split-half method (dividing the test into two halves), the reliability values of Strict Parallel (0.922) and Gutman Split Half Coefficients (0.916) were high and the scale was found to be reliable. Results and conclusions: The Determination of Psychosocial Care Practices and Needs of oncology nurses questionnaire is a valid and reliable scale that can be used in Turkish. When the results of this questionnaire were examined to determine the needs of oncology nurses during Psychosocial Care Practices, it was found that there were deficiencies such as lack of time, knowledge, experience and resources. At the same time, it is recommended that this study be used in different studies with large sample groups in order to contribute to the literature as a guide for oncology buses.

Effectiveness of psychological interventions on treatment adherence and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Houyan Li — 2024-12-31

Objective: To evaluate the impact of psychological interventions on treatment adherence and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 randomized controlled trials (2002–2023). Interventions included Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI), and Supportive-Expressive Group Therapy (SEGT). Primary outcomes assessed were treatment adherence and quality of life. Key Findings: Treatment Adherence: Psychological interventions significantly improved adherence (RR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.18–1.37), with CBT showing the largest effect (RR = 1.35). Interventions lasting ≥8 weeks were more effective. Quality of Life: Moderate improvements were observed (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.36–0.54), with MBI having the strongest impact (SMD = 0.56). Interventions of ≥12 weeks yielded better outcomes. Meta-regression: Longer interventions were linked to larger effects for both adherence and quality of life. Conclusions: CBT and MBI significantly enhance treatment adherence and quality of life in breast cancer survivors, especially with longer interventions. Psychological support should be integrated into comprehensive cancer care.

Impact of stress on tumor progression and the molecular mechanisms of exercise intervention: From psychological stress to tumor immune escape

Xingbin Du — 2025-01-03

Psychological stress is prevalent among cancer patients and has significant effects on both tumor progression and the mental health of patients. Through a biopsychosocial pathway, psychological stress impacts immune function, facilitates inflammatory responses, and hasten tumor growth and metastasis. Consequently, investigating effective ways to mitigate the negative impact of stress on cancer progression holds significant clinical relevance. This review seeks to summarize existing research to delve into the molecular mechanisms by which psychological stress hasten tumor progression and to discuss the potential mechanisms by which exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, may mitigate tumor development and enhance the mental health of cancer patients by regulating stress responses. Through a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, we explore the impact of psychological stress on tumor biology, notably through the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and the promotion of immunosuppression and inflammation. Besides, we review articles on how exercise intervenes in tumor progression by regulating the HPA axis, SNS, strengthening immune function, and suppressing angiogenesis and metastasis. Research confirmed that psychological stress hasten tumor proliferation and metastasis through multiple pathways (e.g., activation of the HPA axis and SNS, pro-inflammatory responses). Exercise may decelerate tumor progression by regulating stress hormone levels, strengthening the immune system function, and lowering the activity of pro-cancer signaling pathways such as VEGF. In addition, exercise boosts the mental health of cancer patients, lowering the incidence of anxiety and depression and enhancing treatment adherence.

Mindfulness interventions in post-cervical cancer: Sexual, psychological, and quality of life impact

Junjie Qin — 2025-01-03

Background: The incidence of cervical cancer has been steadily increasing in recent years. Surgical resection is an effective treatment option, but there remains a risk of recurrence and numerous complications. In the wake of surgery, patients often experience vaginal elasticity loss, narrowing, and lowered estrogen levels, which leads to dyspareunia. The loss of physiological functions in females is also followed by uncomfortable emotions such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and panic, which not only affect treatment outcomes but also disrupt patients’ daily lives. This experiment intends to observe the effects of a comprehensive mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral intervention approach on patients’ sexual function, psychological state, and quality of life following surgery, hoping to provide more feasible care options for such patients. Objective: This research aims to investigate the impact of comprehensive mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral interventions on patients’ sexual function, psychological state, and quality of life after early cervical cancer resection surgery. Methods: This study included 206 patients who underwent cervical cancer resection at Capital Medical University electric power teaching Hospital (State Grid Corporation of China Beijing electric power hospital) between June 2022 and December 2023. The 96 patients who had surgery between June 2022 and February 2023 were assigned to the control group, while the 110 patients who underwent surgery between March 2023 and December 2023 were allocated to the intervention group. The control group was subjected to standard nursing care, whereas the intervention group received mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral interventions. Care was given to both groups for 8 weeks. Comparisons were made for the sexual function levels of both groups one-year post-surgery. Health knowledge and nursing satisfaction were also compared, and psychological states [via the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS)], mindfulness cognition levels [using the mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS)], and quality of life were evaluated before and after the 8-week intervention. Results: Following the implementation of different nursing interventions, the intervention group exhibited remarkably heightened levels of health knowledge acquisition and nursing satisfaction compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Prior to the intervention, there were no statistically significant variances between the two cohorts in terms of sexual desire, sexual arousal, orgasm, vaginal lubrication, dyspareunia and sexual intercourse satisfaction, SAS scores, SDS scores, MAAS scores, physiological status scores, social/family status scores, emotional well-being scores, and functional status scores (P > 0.05). Post-intervention, the intervention group scored higher in terms of sexual function, had lower SAS and SDS scores, and displayed higher MAAS scores compared with the control group. Moreover, the intervention group demonstrated significantly better scores in physiological status, emotional well-being, and functional status compared to the control group (P < 0.05), with these differences being statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementing mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral interventions in patients undergoing cervical cancer resection can enhance their health knowledge and nursing satisfaction, maintain sexual function, improve postoperative psychological state, and elevate quality of life. This approach holds remarkable clinical value.

Leveraging nature-based tourism for cancer recovery: Enhancing psychological well-being and sustainable wellness tourism in Yunnan, China

Huiqi Zhang — 2025-01-03

This research explores the role of nature-based tourism as an innovative approach in tourism management for enhancing the psychological well-being of cancer survivors and their families in Yunnan, China. Given the increasing need for holistic and sustainable tourism products, this study investigates how Yunnan’s unique natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage can contribute to emotional recovery and well-being. Utilizing a combination of in-depth interviews, surveys, and participant observation, the study provides insights into how nature-based tourism helps reduce stress, promotes emotional rejuvenation, and strengthens family bonds for cancer survivors. Findings highlight that culturally integrated wellness experiences, including traditional healing practices and family-inclusive tourism activities, have significant potential for promoting holistic recovery. The research also identifies key barriers such as financial constraints, physical limitations, and accessibility issues, providing recommendations to address these challenges and enhance the inclusivity of tourism offerings. This study contributes to the field of tourism management by demonstrating how wellness tourism can evolve to serve vulnerable populations while promoting sustainable and community-centered tourism practices. Ultimately, it aims to position Yunnan as a leading destination for therapeutic tourism, combining health, culture, and sustainability.

Effect of using photovoice based on health belief model on cancer awareness in disabled people

Birgül Ozkan — 2025-01-07

Background: Every year, 3 million patients are diagnosed with cancer worldwide, and the concept of “cancer” is thought to be important for disabled people. Within this scope, potential risk factors for cancer in people with disabilities include tobacco use, obesity, advanced age, and magnetic imaging procedures. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the perceptions and awareness of cancer among disabled people using the photovoice method. Method: Photovoice method was used together with photographs and explanations to encourage disabled people to visualize the causes and consequences of cancer in society. In the photovoice method, participants were asked to take photographs while considering the sub-scales of the Health Belief Model: perception of susceptibility, perception of severity, perception of barrier, and perception of benefit. Results: According to the research, 15 disabled people with a mean age of 43 years participated in the study and 110 photographs describing their experiences were obtained. In 10 of them, they were gradually grouped according to the sub-scales of the Health Belief Model, considering the richness of interpretation and the maximum diversity of the photographs. Conclusions: In the analyses performed, it was found that disabled people have gained social awareness about cancer.

Clinical effects of surgical resection of osteosarcoma in proximal fibula and long-term follow-up of health status

Zimei Liu — 2025-01-07

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the health status and quality of life in patients with osteosarcoma of the proximal fibula following surgical treatment. The procedure necessarily involved resection of the peroneal nerve, resulting in iatrogenic footdrop. Methods: From January 2005 to 26 August 2020 patients with osteosarcoma in the proximal fibula were treated at the oncology department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital. Clinical-pathological features as well as outcomes of these patients were investigated. Meanwhile, to clarify their health status, the SF-36 health survey questionnaire was administered at 12, 24, and 36 months post-diagnosis. Results: The outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma in the proximal fibula were encouraging. Both the three-year disease-free survival rate and the overall survival rate were recorded at 88.5% (23/26). Data from the SF-36 health survey questionnaire, completed by 20 patients who underwent limb-sparing surgery, revealed that at 24 months, patients perceived themselves as less healthy, both physically and emotionally, compared to their status at 12 months. Despite observing significant recovery at 36 months, the health status did not return to the levels reported at 12 months. The majority of patients (n = 17) identified “footdrop after surgery” as the primary factor affecting their quality of life. Conclusions: Osteosarcomas affecting the proximal fibula typically demonstrate a favorable prognosis following multi-modal treatment. However, patients’ health status, including psychological well-being, requires improvement. Oncologists should strive to achieve an “equilibrium point” that minimizes the risk of recurrence while preserving peroneal nerve function.

A theory-based study on the vaccination behaviors of breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan

Hao-Yun Kao — 2025-01-07

The study aimed to expand the behavioral analysis of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine COVID-19 vaccine willingness among breast cancer patients. While both the WHO and the U.S. CDC have utilized adapted versions of the Increasing Vaccine Model to study vaccination trends across various populations and industries, limited research has explored vaccine acceptance in specific groups such as breast cancer patients. From May to July 2022, an online cross-sectional study was conducted in Taiwan, coinciding with the initial COVID-19 vaccination rollout. A total of 278 participants were included in the statistical analysis. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the conceptual validity of the measurements and test the proposed model. The analysis revealed that the model explained 36.8% of the variance in patients’ willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and 40.3% of the variance in predicting future vaccination behaviors based on regret following vaccination. Fear of COVID-19 was found to indirectly influence vaccination willingness through shared decision-making, highlighting the importance of discussions between patients and their physicians. Patients who had more opportunities to consult with their doctors were more inclined to get vaccinated. Moreover, fear of COVID-19 enhanced the trust breast cancer patients placed in their physicians. However, decision conflicts and shared decision-making impacted vaccine willingness independently and directly, rather than through the mediating effect of trust in physicians. Furthermore, the study confirmed that patients who hesitated to get vaccinated were more likely to experience regret. These findings provide valuable insights into the behavioral aspects of vaccination among cancer patients, offering strategies to mitigate fear and improve preventive health measures.

The impact of cross disciplinary communication methods on the support needs, quality of life, and emotions of patients with advanced lung cancer

Chun Yao — 2025-01-15

Background: The condition of advanced lung cancer patients is already quite severe. At this stage, the tumor has basically spread to other areas or caused multiple recurrent lesions, which not only increases the difficulty of treatment but also leads to a significant decrease in disease control rate. Aim: To analyze the impact of cross disciplinary communication methods on patients with advanced lung cancer. Methods: A comparative study involving 152 advanced lung cancer patients from January 2022 to January 2024 was conducted. Patients were randomly divided into an observation group (73 cases, using interdisciplinary communication) and a control group (79 cases, using routine nursing). An interdisciplinary team, including nurses, physicians, head nurses, and psychology experts, developed communication plans. The study compared emotional states (DASS-21), supportive care needs (SCNS-SF34), disease uncertainty (MUIS), quality of life (FACT-L), and compliance between the two groups. The study's limitation is the relatively single sample selection, potentially affecting result generalizability. Result: After intervention, the DASS-21 score, SCNS-SF34 score, and MUIS score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, while the FACT-L score was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05); the good compliance rate of the observation group was 97.26% (71/73), which was higher than that of the control group (86.08% (68/79) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: For patients with advanced lung cancer, adopting cross disciplinary communication for intervention can not only effectively alleviate their negative emotions and reduce their sense of disease uncertainty, but also maximize the satisfaction of their supportive care needs, ensure their quality of life, and to some extent, obtain good cooperation from patients.

Effect of narrative nursing on psychological resilience, fear of cancer recurrence and sleep quality in cancer patients

Xia Deng — 2024-12-27

To explore the impact of narrative nursing on psychological flexibility, fear of cancer recurrence and sleep quality in cancer patients. Methods: 100 cancer patients admitted to the Interventional Department of Jiangnan University Affiliated Hospital from January 2023 to January 2024 were selected as the research subjects. 100 patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group (50 cases each). The control group received basic nursing care, while the observation group received narrative care. After three months of nursing intervention, the psychological elasticity scores of the two groups of patients were compared [using the psychological elasticity scale] (RS-14)], changes in fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) (using the Fop-Q-SF scale) and sleep quality (using the PSQI scale). Results: Before the intervention, there was no statistical difference in the psychological flexibility, fear of cancer (FCR) and sleep quality (PSQI) scores between the two groups (P > 0.05); after the intervention, the RS-14 scores of the two groups were higher than before the intervention. And the observation group was higher (P < 0.05); the Fop-Q-SF and PSQI scores of both groups decreased, and the observation group was lower (both P < 0.05). Conclusion: Narrative nursing can effectively improve the psychological flexibility and sleep quality of cancer patients, reduce the fear of cancer recurrence, and has significant therapeutic effects.

Application of coping strategies and psychological interventions in the management of depression and anxiety among leukemia patients

Jiaheng Wang — 2025-01-17

This review aims to explore the application of coping strategies and psychological interventions in managing depression and anxiety among leukemia patients. Leukemia patients often face significant psychological burdens, with elevated rates of depression and anxiety, which deeply impact their overall health and quality of life. This article reviews the relevant literature and analyzes various psychological interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supportive psychotherapy, meditation, and emotional regulation techniques, evaluating their effectiveness in alleviating psychological distress among leukemia patients. The findings indicate that appropriate psychological interventions not only significantly reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms but also improve physiological health, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life. In addition, coping strategies play a critical role in mitigating anxiety and depression. Taken together, the combination of psychological interventions and coping strategies provides comprehensive support for leukemia patients, contributing to improved treatment outcomes and quality of life.