Vol. 19 No. 2 (2025)

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3978

How social support affects psychological well-being in colorectal cancer ostomates: A moderated mediating effect model

by Ying Zhu, Manli Wang, Wenjun Yan, Yang Li, Qin Li, Wenjing Yan, Shuai Gong

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 558 Views

The present study aims to explore the influence of social support on the psychological well-being (PWB) of colorectal cancer (CRC) ostomates. It specifically examines how depression mediates the relationship between social support and PWB and explores if body image disturbances moderate this process. This study utilized convenience sampling to conduct a questionnaire survey on 319 CRC ostomates, employing the perceived social support scale, body image self-rating scale, depression self-rating scale and PWB scale. The results showed that the total scores of social support, body image disturbance, depression and PWB were 63.596 ± 12.081, 32.423 ± 17.057, 57.477 ± 14.867 and 69.828 ± 17.331, respectively. Social support had a positive impact on PWB (B = 0.790, t = 11.703, p < 0.01). Depression had a mediating effect of 0.078 between social support and PWB, accounting for 9.0% of the total effect. The direct predictive effect of social support on PWB and the mediating effect of depression between the two were both moderated by body image disturbance (p < 0.01). This study highlights the mediating role of depression in the relationship between social support and PWB and the moderating role of body image disturbance in CRC ostomates, indicating that enhancing social support can further improve PWB by reducing depressive symptoms, while improving body image disturbance can help heighten the patient’s overall PWB.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3651

Effect of borderline resection of mandible combined with psychological intervention on oral cancer

by Yuqi Zeng, Renguo Gong, Lijuan Guo, Sen Yang

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 307 Views

Oral cancers are defined as cancers that occur in people’s mouth or back of the throat. The mucosal tissue of the lips and gums, the tongue itself, the root of the tongue, the outer mouth area, the neck, or beneath the tongue can all develop oral cancers. The common type of oral is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common oral cancer, nearly occurrences for 90% of cases. Additional types comprise oral melanoma and adenocarcinoma by area and demography, prevalence rates differ. Monitoring of illness prevalence and disease-specific risk behaviors, mostly alcohol and tobacco use, are the main areas of difficulty. The research intended to observe the impact of psychosocial therapies in conjunction with mandible resection on oral cancer outcomes. We recruited 100 patients with oral cancer who had their mandibles resected. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0 software. To obtain preoperative ratings and up to 12-month postoperative scores using anxiety and depression scale (ADS) for anxiety and depression. The result shows that in 4, 8, and 12 postoperative months, respectively, the number of patients who met the cut-off values for depression and adjustment disorder was achieved. The primary site and marital status were identified as variables influencing the ADS scores by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Score variances at the preoperative and 12-month postoperative stages were analyzed using ANOVA to find group differences and validate results at a significance level of p < 0.05. Superior results are achieved when marginal mandible resection and psychological psychotherapy are combined as a comprehensive strategy for treating oral cancer.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3656

The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy nursing intervention on the psychological and mental state of patients with advanced cancer

by Caixia Lin

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 299 Views

Introduction: To investigate the effect of a nursing intervention with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the improvement of psychological and mental state in patients with advanced cancer. Method: A total of 93 patients with advanced cancer who were admitted to the hospital from March 2022 to May 2024 were selected as the study sample and randomly divided into two groups. These patients were subsequently categorized into two distinct groups, employing a rigorous random grouping methodology. Specifically, the control group comprised 46 patients who underwent the standard nursing intervention. Conversely, the observation group, consisting of 47 patients, was administered ACT while adhering to the established standards of the control group. A comparison was conducted between the two groups, focusing on the disparities in mental state measured by the Hope Index Scale (HHI), psychological distress evaluated by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Disease Treatment-Spirituality Scale (FACIT-Sp), anxiety levels assessed through the Anxiety Self-Rating Scale (SAS), depression scores determined using the Depression Self-Rating Scale (SDS), and the quality of life indices calculated based on the Quality of Life Measurement Scale for Cancer Patients (FACT). Result: The scores of realistic and future positive attitudes [(11.82 ± 2.26) points], positive actions [(12.46 ± 1.95) points] and maintaining intimate relationships with others [(11.67 ± 1.28) points] in the HHI scale scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After intervention, the SAS scale score [(56.91 ± 3.23) points] and SDS scale score [(56.53 ± 4.41) points] of the patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After the intervention, the FACIT-Sp score of the observation group significantly increased to (122.99 ± 13.02), demonstrating a statistically significant elevation compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the scores pertaining to physiological status within the observation group in the FACT scale were elevated to (20.84 ± 3.72), (19.21 ± 3.06), (21.34 ± 3.85), and (18.04 ± 3.22), respectively, all of which were notably higher than those observed in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: ACT nursing intervention in patients with advanced cancer has significant effects, increasing the level of hope, reducing negative emotions and psychological distress, and improving quality of life.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3638

The effects of mindfulness meditation combined with happiness therapy on the psychological status and survival of patients with middle and advanced non-small cell lung cancer

by Enhui Liu, Juan Zhou, Qingqing Zhao, Rudan Deng, Qing Li, Yong Liu, Yang Yu

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 243 Views

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention on psychological resilience, negative emotions, and overall well-being of subjects with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in middle and advanced stages utilizing happiness therapy combined with positive thinking-meditation expected to provide a basis for clinical psychological intervention. Methods: One hundred patients with stage III/IV SCLC were chosen as the study population. The participants were assigned into two groups randomly, depending on a random number table: a control cohort (n = 50) and an intervention cohort (n = 50). The control group received systemic anti-tumour therapy and daily care, while the intervention group received an additional 4-week psychosocial intervention of happiness therapy and positive thinking meditation on top of the systemic anti-tumour therapy and daily care. The study used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Psychological Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the General Well-Being Scale (GWB) as assessment tools to comprehensively evaluate psychological state before and after therapy, respectively. Patients in the 2 groups were also reviewed at a 6-month follow-up to record progression-free survival (PFS) in both groups. Results: Data analysis illustrated that following intervention, the psychological resilience score (78.30 ± 8.47) and the general well-being score (81.06 ± 3.43) of the patients within the intervention cohort were significantly higher than the control (t = −11.13, −10.14, P < 0.001). Anxiety and depression scores in patients of the intervention group (17.80 ± 3.47) were notably lower than those in the control group (t = 5.30, P < 0.001), and there was a different median progression-free survival (PFS) time (171.00 vs. 219.00 days, P = 0.037). Conclusion: Present study demonstrated that happiness therapy combined with positive thinking meditation as psychological intervention can improve psychological resilience caused by middle- and late-stage NSCLC effectively, reduce their negative emotions, significantly enhance their overall sense of well-being, delay disease progression.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 4140

Well-dying and psychological well-being: The role of social support in end-of-life peace

by Kee Young Park, Seungwoo Han

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 322 Views

This study examines the relationship between well-dying perception, social support, and psychological well-being among elderly patients. As aging populations face terminal illnesses, the concept of a “good death” becomes increasingly relevant, emphasizing dignity, acceptance, and emotional peace. Social support, encompassing emotional, informational, and practical assistance, has been recognized as a key factor in mitigating psychological distress. However, the mechanisms through which well-dying perception and social support interact to influence psychological well-being remain underexplored. Using survey data from 400 elderly cancer patients in South Korea, this study investigates the effects of well-dying perception and both received and provided social support on psychological well-being. Results indicate that a stronger well-dying perception positively influences psychological well-being. Additionally, both receiving and providing social support enhance psychological resilience and moderate the relationship between perceptions of well-dying and well-being. These findings highlight social support’s critical role in emotional adaptation at life’s end.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3657

The effects of music therapy on psychological distress and quality of life in cancer surgery patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

by Zitong Li, Sowon Hwang

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 461 Views

Background and object: The research on the impact of music therapy in alleviating psychological distress and improving the quality of life in perioperative cancer patients remains inconclusive. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the effects of music therapy on psychological distress and quality of life in patients undergoing cancer surgery. Method: A search strategy was used with PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The search period covered all records from database inception to November 2024. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the publishing guidelines as set forth by PRISMA and was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD 42024587929). The selection criteria were based on randomized clinical trials evaluating pain, anxiety, quality of life, and sleep in patients undergoing perioperative surgery for cancer. This study used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool to determine. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 18.0 software and Revman 5.4. Results: patients’ pain, the pain relief in the intervention group was significantly better than that in the control group at 4 h after extubation [SMD = −2.95 (95% CI: −3.58, −2.31)], and during longer follow-up, it was found that the patients’ pain relief was significantly better as the duration of the intervention increased, with 1–2 weeks being [SMD = −0.70 (95% CI: −1.58, 0.18)], 4–6 weeks [SMD = −1.01 (95% CI: −1.83, −0.19)], > 6 weeks [SMD = −1.51 (95% CI: −2.17, −0.85)]. The study of patient anxiety found that pre-surgical music therapy did not significantly alleviate anxiety [SMD = −0.37 (95% CI: −0.81, 0.08)], and at 4 h after extubation, the intervention group had a significantly better anxiety effect than the control group [SMD = −3.42 (95% CI: −4.11, −2.73)]. The patients’ sleep was analyzed for a total of about 18 weeks of follow-up, and it was found that as the duration of the intervention increased, the patients’ overall sleep showed significant improvement compared to the control group, which showed a trend of further improvement as the duration of the intervention increased. Patients’ long-term quality of life was evaluated using PRI scores (long-term prognosis), and the results indicated that music therapy patients showed superior outcomes compared to the control group at 2 weeks [WMD = −1.52, 95% CI: −2.48 to −0.57], 4 weeks [WMD = −1.62, 95% CI: −2.57 to −0.57], and 6 weeks [WMD = −1.27, 95% CI: −1.96 to −0.58]. Moreover, the benefits of music therapy were sustained over the long term. In a 12-month follow-up study, music therapy patients were consistently more likely to report better quality of life scores than those in the control group. Conclusion: The use of music therapy for cancer surgery patients can significantly improve postoperative pain and anxiety and help patients improve their sleep and long-term prognosis.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3665

A qualitative research on the symptom experience and psychological feelings of patients during the rehabilitation period after radical hysterectomy

by Xinxin Wang, Qin Yao

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 275 Views

Objective: This study seeks to probe the symptom experiences and psychological feelings of patients during the rehabilitation period following radical hysterectomy through qualitative research and structured interviews, providing a reference basis for rehabilitation interventions. Methods: A total of 200 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy were selected as the study subjects. In the study of postoperative rehabilitation interventions for cervical cancer, a detailed interview outline was first formulated, covering a wide range of topics from physical symptoms to psychological feelings. In-depth interviews and recordings were conducted with patients to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the information. Strict quality control measures were taken during the interview process, including pre-determined quiet interview environments to ensure smooth patient expression and the avoidance of leading language. The interview content was not limited to verbal expression but also focused on patients’ body language and emotional changes, providing researchers with adequate data sources. After the interviews, data accuracy and completeness were ensured through text conversion and voice confirmation. In the final interview analysis stage, detailed analysis results were compiled, including themes, patterns, and key trends, providing in-depth understanding and guidance for further research and interventions. Subsequently, patient interviews and result summaries were conducted. Results: Among the 200 individuals, (1) physical symptoms encompassed fatigue (22.50%), urination disorders (24.00%), and lower limb dysfunction (25.00%); (2) Psychological issues included a sense of stigma (40.50%), financial concerns (50.50%), and fear of recurrence (35.50%).; (3) Family-associated changes involved emotional changes with husbands (61.00%) and immediate family members (65.00%); (4) Social aspects included a decreased sense of social identity (76.00%) and impaired social interaction (63.00%). Conclusion: Following radical hysterectomy, patients during the rehabilitation period face adverse experiences pertaining to symptom experience and psychological feelings, which necessitates appropriate interventions to boost their recovery.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 4350

Unmet psychosocial needs in AYAs cancer patients: A multilevel analysis of socioecological determinants

by Jian Yuan, Yi-xing Liu, Ge-sheng Wang

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 202 Views

While advances in cancer treatment have significantly improved survival rates, mounting evidence indicates a parallel rise in unmet psychosocial needs among adolescent and young adult (AYA, 15–39 years) patients. Analyzing SEER-Medicare linked data (2000–2022) and national health surveys, this multilevel study reveals that 36.7% of AYAs exhibit clinically significant psychological distress. Three-level hierarchical modeling identifies critical socioecological determinants: At the community level, poverty rate and mental health provider shortages amplify economic toxicity; household-level financial strain mediates depression risk; and individual-level maladaptive coping strategies triple anxiety likelihood. Some employed survivors report workplace discrimination, correlating with delayed return to work. And the experience of pathological guilt over familial caregiving burdens exacerbates social withdrawal. By bridging biomedical and social determinants, this research calls on people in society to pay more attention to the psychological needs of cancer patients.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3666

Psychosocial challenges and coping strategies in women with breast cancer

by Yingyuan Wei, Miaozhou Wang

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 25 Views

Breast cancer (BC) is a condition where tumors are formed by the proliferation of aberrant breast cells. A tumor could become a dangerous condition if it is not treated and spreads throughout the body. The breast’s milk ducts and milk-producing lobules are where BC cells first develop. The study objective is to investigate the psychosocial challenges and coping strategies of BC in women. The questionnaires are based on the physical symptoms, fear of recurrence, financial strain, emotional distress, body image concerns, impact on family and relationships, accessing quality healthcare, choosing a course of therapy, depression, anxiety, and experience of threats to safety. Study participants included 275 women with BC. The self-developed questionnaire along with factors was used to evaluate the strategies for coping of women assigned to BC. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software was used to evaluate the relationships between strategies for coping, psychosocial challenges, and Sociodemographic traits. The most commonly used active coping mechanism was positive reframing, while the least used was spiritual and religious practices. According to this study, women with BC deal with these psychosocial problems by using a range of coping mechanisms. For healthcare practitioners to deliver specialized psychosocial challenge treatments that satisfy the particular requirements of women with BC, it is essential to understand these psychosocial problems and strategies for coping.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3650

Stigma and its relationship with social avoidance among young and middle-aged cancer patients in western China: A cross-sectional study based on latent profile analysis

by Lu Yang, Xia Liu, Huiqiong Xu, Junying Li

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 9 Views

Objective: This study identified the characteristics and categories of stigma in patients with cancer in Western China based on latent profile analysis (LPA), determined the factors associated with different stigma categories, and explored the effects of different categories of stigma on patients’ social avoidance. Methods: Hospitalised cancer patients aged 18–59 years were recruited between December 2023 and April 2024. The study used a general data questionnaire, the Social Impact Scale, and the Social Avoidance Scale. Stigma subgroups were analyzed using LPA, and the factors associated with stigma were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The effects of different latent subgroups of stigma on social avoidance were further explored. Results: In total, 300 questionnaires were administered. The stigma characteristics of patients were divided into three subgroups: low stigma group (class-1), high stigma group (class-2), and moderate stigma group (class-3). These groups accounted for 48.1%, 11.8%, and 40.1% of the sample, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that compared to class-2, class-3, factors associated with low stigma group (class-1) were age < 44 years (OR = 0.095, 95% CI = 0.026–0.356; OR = 0.171, 95% CI = 0.071–0.409), family per capita monthly income < 5000 yuan (OR = 0.078, 95% CI = 0.020–0.300; OR = 0.129, 95% CI = 0.053–0.310). Multiple hospitalisations (OR = 12.922, 95% CI = 2.933–56.924, OR = 8.570, 95% CI = 2.544–28.870,), and married status (OR = 8.339, 95% CI = 0.026–0.356; OR = 4.950, 95% CI = 1.863–13.153) were important factors for stigma in class-1 and class-2 compared to class-3. A positive correlation was observed between stigma and social avoidance. Conclusion: There were significant differences in stigma among patients aged 18–59 years with cancer, which affected their degree of social avoidance. It is necessary to construct personalised psychological interventions according to the characteristics of stigma subgroups, reduce the level of stigma and social avoidance, and promote patient rehabilitation.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 3618

Impact of breathing exercises on anxiety and depression in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

by Mengjun Hu, Tae-Ho Kim

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 275 Views

Background: Anxiety and depression are prevalent emotional disorders with significant socio-economic impacts. They are particularly common in cancer patients, affecting up to 20% and 10% of patients, respectively, compared to 3.15% and 4.8% in the general population. While medication is a common treatment, it can have side effects and may not address the psychosocial aspects of these conditions. Breathing exercises have emerged as a potential non-pharmacological approach to controlling anxiety and depression. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of breathing exercises, to determine if these exercises help reduce anxiety and depression, and to measure the impact compared to a control group. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across several databases from 1 January 2000 to 1 July 2024, following the PRISMA guidelines. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were undertaken independently by two researchers and adjudicated by another. Outcomes included anxiety and depression scores. In meta-analyses, the I² statistic was used to explore heterogeneity. Random effects models were used in the presence of moderate heterogeneity. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated by subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Results: The search yielded 14 eligible studies involving 1067 participants with a mean age of 46.35 years and a female/male ratio of 1.19. Meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in anxiety (−0.49; 95% CI, −0.68 to −0.30; p < 0.001) and depression (−0.38; 95% CI, −0.53 to −0.23; p < 0.001) following breathing exercises compared to control interventions. Subgroup analysis indicated that yoga breathing exercises had a more pronounced effect on anxiety reduction. Conclusion: Breathing exercises may help reduce anxiety and depression in individuals managing cancer. Further exploration is needed in the future to alleviate anxiety and depression through breathing exercises as the first step in promoting this potentially valuable adjunct therapy.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 3600

Lung cancer and risk factors for negative emotions in COPD patients with depression: A meta-analysis and systematic review

by Zhiping Huang, Yongtian Zeng, Zijian Zhu, Lizhong Liang

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.2, 2025; 281 Views

Objective: To explore the incidence of lung cancer and risk factors for negative emotions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and depression through systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methods: Case-control studies, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies on the incidence of lung cancer and negative emotional risk factors in COPD patients with depression were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP and other databases. The search was up to October 2024, and Stata 15.1 was used for data analysis. Results: 34 articles were included, with 181,585 people with COPD and depression and 193,882 people with COPD without depression. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the lung cancer incidence rate in COPD patients with depression was 32.6% (95% CI: 0.33–0.45); females [OR = 1.40, 95% CI (1.24, 1.58), p < 0.001], never married [OR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.41, 2.52), p < 0.001], unable to take care of oneself [OR = 1.07, 95% CI (1.05, 1.09), p < 0.001], monthly income <3000 yuan [OR for 1.97, 95% CI for (1.15, 3.38), p = 0.014], smoking [OR for 1.51, 95% CI for (1.28, 1.79), p < 0.001], heart failure [OR for 1.34 , 95% CI (1.31, 1.38), p < 0.001], stroke [OR = 1.59, 95% CI (1.54, 1.64), p < 0.001], out-of-pocket medical expenses [OR = 1.95, 95% CI (1.09, 3.51), p = 0.026], oxygen therapy [OR = 1.67, 95% CI (1.05, 2.64), p = 0.030], and low education level [OR = 1.54, 95% CI  (1.17, 2.01), p = 0.002] were risk factors for negative emotions combined with depression in COPD. Conclusion: Based on the available evidence, it was found that 39% of COPD patients have depression, with risk factors including female gender, low income, smoking, heart failure, stroke, and limited self-care ability. Research suggests that depression may be a potential risk factor for lung cancer development among patients with COPD. It may exacerbate the symptoms of COPD and affect immune function, making patients more susceptible to complications such as lung cancer. The clinical significance of this paper is to emphasize the potential impact of depression on lung cancer incidence in patients with COPD and to promote the importance of mental health in the management of chronic diseases. Recommendations for the scientific community, in turn, include further exploration of this mechanism, enhanced mental health screening, and additional clinical studies.