bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study of patients who appear with far advanced cancer at Yaounde General Hospital, Cameroon, Africa
Authors: Ekortarl AnnCommy , Ndom Paul , Sacks Alexandra 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground: This is a preliminary study to identify patients with cancer who appeared with very advanced disease and to report the common reasons for their delay. It was undertaken because the numbers of such patients appeared to be increasing.Method: A convenience sample of 20 patients were identified by the oncologist (P.N.) as appearing with very late stage disease or appearing and not returning until a late stage. They were interviewed by the psychologist (A.E.) to determine: symptom onset; treatment sought; reasons for seeking consultation; beliefs, fears, and level of information about cancer; and willingness to be treated.Results: The primary reasons given for waiting so long to seek care were: inability to pay for medical care (10); inadequate diagnosis by general doctors leading to time lost before coming for consultation; (9); beliefs, fears, cultural factors, ignorance (9). More than one factor could be identified in half the patients.Conclusion: Understanding the factors that influence delay is important to improving the outcomes for cancer patients. Factors that contribute to delay in developing countries appear to be largely the paucity of appropriate health care, coupled with poor information, and beliefs and fears about cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psycho‐oncology: Overview, obstacles and opportunities
Authors: Holland Jimmie C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWorldwide, psychological and social issues in cancer were not the subject of scientific inquiry until the past two decades. Since then, a new subspecialty of oncology has evolved, psycho‐oncology. It addresses two dimensions of cancer: the emotional responses of patients at all stages of disease, as well as their families and caretakers (psychosocial); and the pyschological, social and behavioral factors that may influence cancer morbidity and mortality (psychobiological). Obstacles to development have been the facts of small numbers of clinicians and investigators worldwide and the few valid assessment instruments and research methods available to the biomedical community. These obstacles are increasingly giving way to the louder demand of the public for maximal quality of life in cancer care. Psycho‐oncology is attaining subspeciality status by presently bringing a set of clinical skills in counseling, behavioral and social interventions to oncology, by providing training curricula which teach basic knowledge and skills in the area, and through creating a body of research and scholarly information about clinically relevant issues in the care of patients with cancer. Since it is increasingly recognized that psychological, social and behavioral variables influence treatment outcome, attention will likely to continue to increase. The field must meet the challenges of the 1990's in psychosocial care and availability of services, support for training clinicians and investigators in psycho‐oncology, and implementation of an exciting research agenda. The focus of new research will encourage collaborative investigations combining biological and psychosocial variables, quality of life research in clinical trials, controlled studies of psychotherapeutic, behavioral and psychopharmacologic research, and crosscultural studies that will examine differences in prevention and detection, health care systems, alternative therapies and meta analyses.
Psychological response to cancer diagnosis and disease outcome in patients with breast cancer and lymphoma
Authors: Morris Tina , Pettingale Keith , Haybittle John 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe relationship between psychological response (PRD) to cancer diagnosis measured three months post‐diagnosis and disease outcome up to five years later was studied prospectively in a consecutive series of 107 women with early (T0 – 2, N0 – 1, M0) breast cancer and a consecutive series of 61 men and women with Hodgkin's and Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. It was only possible to assign 138 patients (88 breast cancer and 50 lymphoma) to single psychological response categories. In those who could be so categorised a significant trend of worsening prognosis as response varied from ‘fighting spirit’ or ‘denial’ through ‘anxious preoccupation’ to ‘stoic acceptance’ or ‘hopelessness/helplessness’, was demonstrated for both overall survival (χ2 = 5.49; p = 0.02) and recurrence‐free survival (χ2 = 6.09; p = 0.015). Male lymphoma patients who had died by five years tended to have higher scores on the suppression of anger scales of the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale and the‘Powerful Others Scale’ of the Mental Health Locus of Control Scale; they more often reported avoiding seeking information or‘keeping busy’ as a way of avoiding thinking about their diagnosis. The relative values of psychological test scores and semi‐structured interview data in the study are discussed.
Report of the british psychosocial oncology group annual conference 1991
Authors: Hopwood Penelope , Barnett Mandy , Cull Ann , Fallowfield Lesley , Watson Maggie , Wilkinson Susie 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe 8th Conference of the British Psychosocial Oncology Group was held in London on 9–10 December 1991 and attracted over 120 participants. The conference was extended from its usual one day format to one and a half days, to allow more time for both a formal and informal exchange of ideas. Eight invited speakers participated, but proferred papers and posters remained an important focus of the meeting. This is the largest annual conference in Britain for professionals working in psychosocial oncology and an important forum for the presentation of research. As in previous years, the conference attracted a number of newcomers, indicating the continued expansion of this field of research.A number of topical issues were presented in keynote papers by invited speakers. New work in cancer prevention and the associated areas of counselling families at risk and ethical issues, formed one symposium. Communication skills and relevant training needs in paediatric and adult oncology were an important theme of the conference and intervention studies formed the third main topic.
Psychotropic adjuvant analgesics for cancer pain
Authors: Breitbart William 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe mainstay of pharmacological interventions for cancer pain continues to be the appropriate use of narcotic analgesics. There is, however, growing awareness and acceptance of the benefits derived for cancer pain patients from psychiatric contributions to pain control, including the use of psychotropic adjuvant analgesics. Knowledge of the indications and usefulness of psychotropic drugs in cancer pain will be most rewarding, particularly since these drugs are useful not only in the treatment of psychiatric complications of cancer, but also as adjuvant analgesic agents in the management of cancer pain. This paper reviews the literature on the use of antidepressants, psychostimulants, neuroleptics and anxiolytics in the management of cancer pain. Mechanisms of analgesia, drug selection, recommendations for clinical usage and issues for future research are discussed. The appropriate and timely use of psychotropic adjuvant analgesic drugs represents an opportunity for active psychiatric contribution to the multidisciplinary management of cancer pain.
Remembering ‘bad news’ consultations: An evaluation of tape‐recorded consultations
Authors: Hogbin Brian , Jenkins Valerie A. , Parkin Alan J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo groups of women with a diagnosis of breast cancer were interviewed by a consultant surgeon. The consultation was recorded and one group of women were allowed to take the tape away and make reference to it during the preoperative period. Provision of tapes was found to enhance patients' understanding of their treatment and resulted in fewer visits to their general practitioners. Use of tapes did not, however, reduce psychological morbidity. The study also indicated that partners experience comparable degrees of psychological morbidity and that women who undergo wide local excisions remain significantly more anxious postoperatively than women who have mastectomies.
Do psychosocial factors influence the course of breast cancer? A review of recent literature, methodological problems and future directions
Authors: Mulder C. L. , Pompe G. Van Der , Spiegel D. , Antoni M. H. , De Vries M. J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe course of breast cancer is highly variable, and only part of the variability in progression rate can be predicted by clinicopathological factors. It is suggested that some of the variation may be ascribed to behavioral factors, but their importance in determining progression of breast cancer is still controversial. Several groups have found an association between progression of breast cancer and psychosocial factors including stressful life events, the expression of negative emotions—anger and anxiety—the presence of hopelessness, social support, and participating in psychosocial counselling. However, other groups failed to confirm these results. Here we review psycho‐oncology research studies with breast cancer patients including those employing cross‐sectional, longitudinal and experimental designs. Results of these studies, methodological problems and future directions for this line of research are discussed.
Disclosure of concerns in breast cancer
Authors: Pistrang Nancy , Barker Chris 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis study examined recently diagnosed breast cancer patients' ‘helping relationships’, that is, whom they turned to for emotional support and what was the nature of these interactions. We conceptualized the key elements of helping relationships in terms of two communication variables: self‐disclosure and empathy. The study aimed to systematically assess women's levels of concerns about various aspects of breast cancer, to whom they disclosed these concerns, and differences in their communication patterns with different helpers. Women were most concerned about the uncertainty of recurrence of cancer and the effect of their illness on people close to them. They identified informal helpers (in particular, partners, close female relatives and female friends), rather than formal helpers, as the most important person to whom they confided. Communication with partners was more problematic than communication with relatives and friends: the largest difference was in perceived empathy, indicating that women felt less understood by their partners. The results were discussed in relation to the help‐seeking and social support literatures.
Depression in patients with cancer
Authors: Mermelstein Hindi T. , Lesko Lynna 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper reviews the clinical aspects of depression in cancer from the perspective of prevalence, diagnosis, clinical symptoms, classification and treatment. Clinical trials, reported since 1960, of psychosocial, psychopharmacologic and behavioral interventions are critically evaluated. Therapeutic guidelines are offered for the management of the depressed patients with cancer. Research directions are suggested for the future.
A qualitative evaluation of the experience of surgery after false positive results in screening for familial ovarian cancer
Authors: Pernet A. L. , Wardle J. , Bourne T. H. , Whitehead M. I. , Campbell S. , Collins W. P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis study describes the experience of screening and surgery in a sample of women who received false positive results during screening for familial ovarian cancer. It was hypothesised that these women might feel bitter and hostile at having been exposed to so much anxiety and suffering for the removal of a cyst. The results from both prospective questionnaire measures and retrospective interviews indicated that women were neither severely distressed nor angry about their experiences. The sensitive management of the screening process by clinic staff and a remarkable faith in the benefits of early intervention held by the women involved, appeared to have contributed to this positive outcome. Women's acceptance of major surgery seemed to be based on the premise that body parts which were not crucial to survival, and which were at risk of malignancy, were best removed under the circumstances. They seemed to derive considerable comfort from the belief that surgery rendered them invulnerable to the disease that had, in most cases, caused their mother a painful death. Nevertheless, many women described considerable stress at various stages in the procedure. An improvement in the quality and timing of information may further reduce anxiety.
Psychological adaptation to facial disfigurement in a female head and neck cancer patient
Authors: Die‐Trill Maria , Straker Norman 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHead and neck cancer patients are often confronted with changes in their physical appearance that may be devastating to the patient and to those around them. This article describes the positive psychological adjustment of a young female with head and neck cancer to prolonged facial deformity. It illustrates critical variables in the psychological adaptation of these patients as well as the need for ongoing, supportive relationships with family and members of hospital staff. The ways which the psychotherapist had of overcoming the negative feelings initially elicited by the patient's overwhelming disfigurement are also discussed.
The post‐treatment resource program: Portrait of a program for cancer survivors
Authors: Zampini Karrie , Ostroff Jamie S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo meet the specialized needs of the growing population of individuals who have successfully completed their cancer treatment, a support program for cancer survivors was developed. The philosophy of the program reflects the belief that preparation and support for dealing with the challenges of cancer survivorship enhances quality of life. In keeping with this approach, the physical, psychological, insurance and employment issues experienced by many cancer survivors are addressed through educational, counseling and peer support services. Recommendations for implementing a post‐treatment program are also described.
A cancer experience: Relationship of patient psychosocial responses to care‐giver burden over time
Authors: McCorkle Ruth , Yost Linda Shegda , Jepson Christopher , Malone Dolores , Baird Susan , Lusk Edward 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCancer affects not only ill persons but also family members and close friends. An original study from which this report is derived used a longitudinal design to follow patients discharged from one of seven hospitals with one or more complex care problems requiring home care. A total of 233 patients with multiple solid tumors diagnoses and 103 care‐givers were included in the original study. Interviews were conducted at discharge and at three and six months post‐discharge. This report examined the responses of a subset of 34 subjects (17 patients and their care‐givers) for whom patient and care‐giver variables were complete on all three occasions. Findings indicate that these patients were being discharged from the hospital with acute care needs. By three and six months posthospitalization, patients' conditions stabilized or improved but their care‐givers continued to report similar levels of burden. Patient psychosocial responses were strongly correlated with care‐givers' financial impact, impact on schedule, and physical care‐giving responsibility at three and six months. Results highlight the importance of developing interventions that reduce family care‐givers' burden in providing post‐hospital nursing care for patients with complex care requirements.
Pre‐chemotherapy nervousness as a marker for anticipatory nausea: A case of a non‐causal predictor
Authors: Kvale Gerd , Glimelius Bengt , Hoffman Katarina , Sjödén Per‐Olow 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA significant but non‐causal relationship between pre‐chemotherapy nervousness and development of anticipatory nausea (AN) in cancer patients is reported. A comprehensive psychosocial care program with the aim of improving the total situation of patients treated with chemotherapy (n = 119) was carried out in Uppsala during 1987–1989. Multiple quality‐of‐life (QL) recordings were employed for the project patients in all phases of treatment. A comparable pre‐project group, treated one month previously at the same wards, served as controls (n = 54). For this group, QL was recorded at a mean of 5 months after start of treatment. Pre‐chemotherapy nervousness at the first chemotherapy course was a highly significant predictor for AN after 5 months of treatment in the project patients, and was also significantly related to AN in the pre‐project group. All but two patients who developed AN had experienced post‐treatment nausea and vomiting (PN/V). There was also a significant interaction between pre‐project/project groups and severity of AN/PN after 5 months of treatment, indicating that project patients had developed less severe AN despite more severe PN compared to the pre‐project patients. The reduction of AN severity was, however, of marginal clinical importance, as indicated by non‐significant differences in reported AN in the two groups, when severity of PN was not considered. The most important means by which AN can be reduced is by eliminating post‐treatment nausea and vomiting.
An educational intervention for newly‐diagnosed cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy
Authors: Pruitt Brian T. , Waligora‐Serafin Barbara , McMahon Terry , Byrd Gary , Besselman Lynn , Kelly Gerald M. , Drake Diane Ash , Cuellar Dian 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis is a prospective, randomized pilot trial of an educational intervention for newly‐diagnosed cancer patients under going radiotherapy. The trial was conducted in a relatively rural area in northwest Texas. Our hypothesis was that the intervention would reduce psychological distress. A group of 31 patients who were predicted by the Omega Screening Instrument to be at high risk for psychological distress were selected to be the subjects for this study. The patients were randomly assigned either to the intervention (n = 15) or to a control group (n = 16). The intervention was a series of three one‐hour individual sessions which gave information about radiotherapy and cancer, coping strategies, and communication skills. The sessions occurred during the second, third, and fourth weeks of each patient's radiotherapy. Psychological distress was measured with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) at study entry, and one and three months later. We also used the Inventory of Current Concerns (ICC) to determine the specific areas of concern which were correlated with psychological distress. Knowledge gained was measured with a 15‐item multiple choice test which we developed from the factual material in the intervention and which we administered to both groups at entry, one month and three months. The intervention group's mean scores on the BSI Depression subscale fell over the three months on study, while those of the control group rose. The difference was statistically significant. However, the BSI scores overall were not different between the groups. Psychological distress in both groups was correlated most closely with Health, Existential, and Self‐Appraisal concerns on the ICC. Knowledge, as measured by the multiple choice test, did not increase in the intervention group, and there was no statistically significant difference between the scores of the intervention and control groups at any time. Since the BSI Depression scale has independent convergent validity with other measures of depression, we believe that the change in the intervention group's Depression scores could represent a meaningful effect. However, the lack of any measurable increase in knowledge suggests that any benefit of the educational intervention was probably non‐specific, resulting more from individual attention than from information gained.
A partially testable, predictive model of psychosocial factors in the etiology of cervical cancer i. Biological, psychological and social aspects
Authors: Goodkin Karl , Antoni Michael H. , Sevin Bernd , Fox Bernard H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe current research in the biological, psychological and social domains of cervical cancer are reviewed. Research related to each domain is critically reviewed and summarized. The research so far conducted in each domain is extended by suggestions for future, integrative directions. An overview is given of these three areas pointing to the likelihood of association with cervical cancer for each of the factors reviewed in each domain. Estimated likelihoods of association were based upon both the number and quality of studies conducted. Immunological aspects of each domain may mediate some (but not all) of the effects of the factors identified. In a companion review, the immunological aspects of each domain are covered, the theoretical model is developed and a set of integrative hypotheses across domains are set forth.
A partially testable, predictive model of psychosocial factors in the etiology of cervical cancer ii. bioimmunological, psychoneuroimmunological, and socioimmunological aspects, critique and prospective integration
Authors: Goodkin Karl , Antoni Michael H. , Sevin Bernd , Fox Bernard H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis review is the companion to the foregoing paper critically reviewing research on the biological, psychological and social aspects of the etiology of cervical cancer. The immune system mediates some (but not all) of the effects of these factors. Factors with relevant immunological associations for cervical oncogenesis are examined here. A critical review of research presented in both papers is offered at the conclusion of each aspect. This is followed by a tabular summary of the immunological studies relevant to the biological, psychological and social aspects of cervical cancer. Estimated likelihoods of association for the immunological factors selected within each aspect are given based upon both the number and quality of studies conducted, and are followed by selected comments. The paper concludes with a theoretical integration of the entire model (represented in both reviews) and the promulgation of a set of integrative hypotheses across domains (including their immunological aspects) for the purpose of illustrating the potential utility of this model in addressing future research questions.
Psychiatric aspects of bone marrow transplantation: Part II: Life beyond transplant
Authors: Lesko Lynna M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAs delineated in Part I of this series, bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is being used as an innovative and often curative treatment for many hematological and solid tumor cancers, and non‐malignant diseases such as aplastic anemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease and hereditary syndromes (thalassemia and the mucopolysaccharide dyscrasias). Currently there is a small but burgeoning field of literature that is investigating the medical sequelae, psychological, social and sexual adjustment (and quality of life) after having undergone a successful transplant. A knowledge of the long‐term medical toxicity of BMT is mandatory in the light of its influences on psychological convalescence and recovery. Part II of this series (1) briefly describes the long‐term medical sequelae of BMT, (2) addresses clinical papers and research in the area of quality of life after BMT, and (3) explores psychological and psychosocial predictors in BMT adjustment.