Life of Cancer Survivor

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Early tumor detection strategies, effective treatments, and follow-up care have contributed to increased cancer survival, although optimal cancer care will always need to be updated in light of new evidence, and disparities between and within countries still need to be addressed. From acute to extended and permanent survival, patients living after their cancer diagnosis face treatment and its acute, long-term, and late complications, uncertainties, fears, and loneliness. While feeling different with cancer sequelae, they struggle to return to an enjoyable life with a job or pursuing education, living with family, friends, and the whole of society. In addition to adapting to post-cancer life and changes in life perspectives and relationships, how society responds to a cancer survivor may also lead to increased difficulties for cancer survivors, namely cancer-related stigma and financial problems. In young cancer survivors, the negative effects of cancer treatments on sexual life and fertility can also affect the possibility of having children. This topic aims to gather research studies on cancer's consequences on different life dimensions of cancer survivors.

Dr. Nuno Lunet
Dr. Natália Araújo
Dr. Samantha Morais
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Cancers cancers	5.2	7.4	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Current Oncology curroncol	2.6	2.6	1994	18 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Healthcare healthcare	2.8	2.7	2013	19.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Nursing Reports nursrep	2.4	1.6	2011	30.6 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Onco onco	-	-	2021	18.3 Days	CHF 1000	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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All Cancers Current Oncology Healthcare Nursing Reports Onco

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11 pages, 264 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life after Mastectomy with or without Breast Reconstruction and Breast-Conserving Surgery in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana

by Josephine Nsaful, Edmund Tetteh Nartey, Florence Dedey, Antoinette Bediako-Bowan, Rita Appiah-Danquah, Kwame Darko, Levi Nii Ayi Ankrah, Cynthia Akli-Nartey, Jessie Yaoteokor Annan, Jessica Dei-Asamoa, George Amanquanor Ahene-Amanquanor and Joe-Nat Clegg-Lamptey

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(6), 2952-2962; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31060224 - 24 May 2024

Viewed by 290

Abstract

(1) Background: Breast cancer is the leading malignancy worldwide, and in Ghana, it has a poor overall survival rate. However, approximately 50% of cases are cases of early-stage disease, and with advances in breast cancer treatment and improvements in survival, quality of life [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Breast cancer is the leading malignancy worldwide, and in Ghana, it has a poor overall survival rate. However, approximately 50% of cases are cases of early-stage disease, and with advances in breast cancer treatment and improvements in survival, quality of life (QOL) is becoming as important as the treatment of the disease. (2) Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of survivors who had breast-conserving surgery (BCS), mastectomy only (M) and mastectomy with breast reconstruction (BRS) from 2016 to 2020 at a tertiary hospital in Ghana, comparatively assessing their QOL using EORTC QLQ C-30 and EORTC QLQ BR-23. (3) Results: The study participants had an overall global health status (GHS) median score of 83.3 [IQR: 66.7–91.7] with no significant differences between the surgery types. The BRS group had statistically significant lower median scores for the functional scale (82.8 and 51.0) and the highest scores for the symptomatic scale (15.7 and 16.5). Body image was significantly lowest for the BRS group (83.3) [68.8–91.7] and highest (100) [91.7–100] for the BCS group (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: There is a need to develop support systems tailored at improving the QOL of breast cancer survivors taking into consideration the type of surgery performed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Life of Cancer Survivor)

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19 pages, 485 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Domains and Categories of Needs in Long-Term Follow-Up of Adult Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews

by Nicolas Sperisen, Dimitri Kohler, Nicole Steck, Pierre-Yves Dietrich and Elisabetta Rapiti

Healthcare 2024, 12(11), 1058; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12111058 - 22 May 2024

Viewed by 256

Abstract

The number of long-term cancer survivors increases continually. Understanding their needs is crucial to ensure an adequate follow-up. The aim of our study was to summarize the current literature concerning needs and what influences these needs. A scoping review of systematic reviews was [...] Read more.

The number of long-term cancer survivors increases continually. Understanding their needs is crucial to ensure an adequate follow-up. The aim of our study was to summarize the current literature concerning needs and what influences these needs. A scoping review of systematic reviews was conducted according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Four electronic databases were searched. Of 414 retrieved papers, 11 met the eligibility criteria. Needs were aggregated into six domains (health-related information, health system, mental, practical, relationship and physical) and 15 categories. The lack of adequate information and the lack of access and/or continuity of supportive care were the most prominent needs. Female gender, younger age, a low level of family and/or social support, and higher educational level were identified as risk factors. Employment and relationship status can affect the needs both in a positive and negative way. The weeks or months after the end of the treatments are particularly critical, and needs can be emphasized during this period. The experience of cancer could also lead to positive changes. The variety of needs affects the quality of life of cancer survivors. Needs assessments should be systematically provided to ensure a better awareness of health professionals and to allow an individual, holistic, and integrated follow-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Life of Cancer Survivor)

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20 pages, 731 KiB  

Open AccessCase Report

Actuarial Analysis of Survival after Breast Cancer Diagnosis among Lithuanian Females

by Justina Levickytė, Aldona Skučaitė, Jonas Šiaulys, Rokas Puišys and Ieva Vincerževskienė

Healthcare 2024, 12(7), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12070746 - 29 Mar 2024

Viewed by 604

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cause of mortality due to cancer for women both in Lithuania and worldwide. The chances of survival after diagnosis differ significantly depending on the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis and other factors. One way [...] Read more.

Breast cancer is the most common cause of mortality due to cancer for women both in Lithuania and worldwide. The chances of survival after diagnosis differ significantly depending on the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis and other factors. One way to estimate survival is to construct a Kaplan–Meier estimate for each factor value separately. However, in cases when it is impossible to observe a large number of patients (for example, in the case of countries with lower numbers of inhabitants), dividing the data into subsets, say, by stage at diagnosis, may lead to results where some subsets contain too few data, thus causing the results of a Kaplan–Meier (or any other) method to become statistically incredible. The problem may become even more acute if researchers want to use more risk factors, such as stage at diagnosis, sex, place of living, treatment method, etc. Alternatively, Cox models can be used to analyse survival data with covariates, and they do not require the data to be divided into subsets according to chosen risks factors (hazards). We estimate the chances of survival for up to 5 years after a breast cancer diagnosis for Lithuanian females during the period of 1995–2016. Firstly, we construct Kaplan-Meier estimates for each stage separately; then, we apply a (stratified) Cox model using stage, circumstance of diagnosis, and year of diagnosis as (potential) hazards. Some directions of further research are provided in the last section of the paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Life of Cancer Survivor)

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15 pages, 291 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Distress and Concerns of In-Home Older People Living with Cancer and Their Impact on Supportive Care Needs: An Observational Survey

by Christos Kleisiaris, Maria Maniou, Savvato Karavasileiadou, Constantinos Togas, Theocharis Konstantinidis, Ioanna V. Papathanasiou, Konstantinos Tsaras, Wafa Hamad Almegewly, Emmanouil Androulakis and Hanan Hamdan Alshehri

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(11), 9569-9583; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30110692 - 31 Oct 2023

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Abstract

(1) Background: Cancer patients are experiencing psychological problems after diagnosis, such as emotional distress and social anxiety, which may increase their demands for emotional and supportive care. This study aimed to assess the influence of both emotional distress and concerns on the supportive [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Cancer patients are experiencing psychological problems after diagnosis, such as emotional distress and social anxiety, which may increase their demands for emotional and supportive care. This study aimed to assess the influence of both emotional distress and concerns on the supportive care needs of cancer patients receiving home-based healthcare. (2) Methods: In this door-to-door screening program, 97 cancer patients were approached, with a mean age of 73 years old (mean = 73.43; SD = 6.60). (3) Results: As expected, 42.3% of patients highlighted their treatment as their main psychological priority, with 20.6% identifying concerns about the future of their family in this regard. No significant associations with respect to sex were identified in terms of focus, though females reported the need for more frequent psychological support (58.7% vs. 37.3%, respectively, p = 0.035) compared to males. Patients who had experienced an increased number of concerns during the last weeks (IRR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00–1.03, p = 0.007) had a significantly greater risk of presenting an increased rate of supportive care needs. Notably, male patients with bone cancer presented a significantly greater number of supportive care needs (mean rank 45.5 vs. 9.0, p = 0.031) respectively, in comparison to those with other types of cancer. (4) Conclusions: Supportive care needs arise from a greater concern and specific type of cancer, highlighting the need for supportive care, such as psychosocial and psychological support. This may have significant implications for treatment and patient outcomes in home care settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Life of Cancer Survivor)

11 pages, 301 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Pretreatment Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

by Veronika Juríčková, Dan Fayette, Juraj Jonáš, Iveta Fajnerová, Tomáš Kozák and Jiří Horáček

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(10), 9028-9038; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30100652 - 5 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1413

Abstract

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is one of the most serious side effects of cancer that negatively impacts the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. There is evidence of CRCI in Hodgkin lymphoma patients (HL); however, there is a lack of [...] Read more.

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is one of the most serious side effects of cancer that negatively impacts the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. There is evidence of CRCI in Hodgkin lymphoma patients (HL); however, there is a lack of studies examining the presence of cognitive deficits before starting any treatment in HL patients. Methods: Forty adult patients (N = 40) newly diagnosed with HL (with no previous cancer diagnoses) and 40 healthy controls (N = 40) matched for age, sex, education, and premorbid intellect completed the neuropsychological battery and subjective and objective measures of affective distress and quality of life. Results: The results showed impairment in three out of six cognitive domains: verbal memory and learning, speed of processing/psychomotor speed, and abstraction/executive functions in the HL patients before the initiation of any treatment. The speed of processing/psychomotor speed domain is negatively correlated with depression. Conclusion: Cognitive deterioration in verbal memory and learning and abstraction/executive functions domains in HL patients seems to occur before the initiation of treatment independently of anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms. This suggests that HL itself may cause cognitive deficits in these cognitive domains. However, the underlying causes of CRCI still remain unclear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Life of Cancer Survivor)

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16 pages, 1842 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Prioritizing Solutions and Improving Resources among Young Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors: Results of an Online Survey

by Marco Bonanno, Claude Julie Bourque, Lye-Ann Robichaud, Ariane Levesque, Ariane Lacoste-Julien, Émélie Rondeau, Émilie Dubé, Michelle Leblanc, Marie-Claude Bertrand, Carole Provost, Leandra Desjardins and Serge Sultan

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(9), 8586-8601; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30090623 - 19 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1232

Abstract

Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors (PBTS) often experience social, academic and employment difficulties during aftercare. Despite their needs, they often do not use the services available to them. Following a previous qualitative study, we formulated solutions to help support PBTS return to daily activities [...] Read more.

Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors (PBTS) often experience social, academic and employment difficulties during aftercare. Despite their needs, they often do not use the services available to them. Following a previous qualitative study, we formulated solutions to help support PBTS return to daily activities after treatment completion. The present study aims to confirm and prioritize these solutions with a larger sample. We used a mixed-methods survey with 68 participants (43 survivors, 25 parents, PBTS’ age: 15–39 years). Firstly, we collected information about health condition, and school/work experience in aftercare. Then, we asked participants to prioritize the previously identified solutions using Likert scales and open-ended questions. We used descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze data, and qualitative information to support participants’ responses. Participants prioritized the need for evaluation, counseling, and follow-up by health professionals to better understand their post-treatment needs, obtain help to access adapted services, and receive information about resources at school/work. Responses to open-ended questions highlighted major challenges regarding the implementation of professionals’ recommendations at school/work and the need for timely interventions. These results will help refine solutions for PBTS and provide key elements for future implementation. Translating these priorities into action will need further work involving professionals and decision makers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Life of Cancer Survivor)

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