Religiosity and physical and emotional functioning among African American and White colorectal and lung cancer patients

The literature suggests that religiosity helps cope with illness. The present study examined the role of religiosity in functioning among African Americans and Whites with a cancer diagnosis. Patients were recruited from an existing study and mailed a religiosity survey. Participants (N = 269; 36% African American, 56% women) completed the mail survey, and interview data from the larger cohort was utilized in the analysis. Multivariate analyses indicated that in the overall sample religious behaviors were marginally and positively associated with mental health and negatively with depressive symptoms. Among women, religious behaviors were positively associated with mental health and negatively with depressive symptoms. Religiosity was not a predictor of study outcomes for men. Among African Americans, religious behaviors were positively associated with mental health and vitality. Among Whites, religious behaviors were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. These findings suggest a mixed role of religious involvement in cancer outcomes. The current findings may have applied potential in the areas of emotional functioning and depression.     

Breast cancer survivors' health-related quality of life : racial differences and comparisons with noncancer controls

BACKGROUND.

Small samples with few minority women and/or the absence of comparisons to peers without cancer histories have limited previous research suggesting racial differences in breast cancer survivors' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). This study not only compared HRQoL of African American and white breast cancer survivors, but also compared the HRQoL of these women to that of same‐race women with no cancer history.

METHODS.

Data from the Women's Health Initiative‐Observational Study were used, including 5021 cancer survivors and 88,532 women without a history of cancer. Multivariate regression analyses estimated differences in breast cancer survivors' baseline HRQoL (RAND36), depressive symptoms (CES‐D short‐form), and sleep quality (WHIIRS).

RESULTS.

African American breast cancer survivors reported worse physical functioning and general health compared with white survivors. Among African Americans, survivors reported worse role limitations due to physical health, pain, general health, and vitality than women without a history of cancer. This was most evident in those with more recent diagnoses. Most significant differences between groups were small in magnitude (Cohen d = .21‐.36).

CONCLUSIONS.

These results add to the increasing knowledge of cancer disparities by showing that African American women have small, but clinically meaningful, decrements in physical HRQoL compared with white survivors and with African American women without cancer. Because African American women also face diagnosis with higher grade tumors and higher breast cancer mortality, more research is needed to examine the physical and psychosocial experiences of African American breast cancer survivors to elucidate the mechanisms leading to poorer outcomes. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.     

Application of the theory of planned behavior to understand intentions to engage in physical and psychosocial health behaviors after cancer diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis can trigger change in both lifestyle behaviors and mental health outcomes such as 'growth' and 'benefit-finding'. Assuming changes in mental health outcomes are based upon changes in specific behaviors, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) may facilitate understanding of post-diagnosis change in physical and psychosocial 'health' behaviors. Adults (n = 130) < or =2 years post-cancer diagnosis completed an internet survey. Current performance and future behavior intentions for two physical (e.g. eating a healthy diet) and four psychosocial (e.g. spending quality time with family/friends; engaging in spiritual or religious activities) health behaviors were assessed. TPB constructs (subjective norm, behavior attitudes, perceived behavioral control) for each of the six behaviors were also assessed. Multiple regression analyses indicated the set of TPB constructs accounted for an increment of 25-53% of variance in behavioral intentions beyond that accounted for by clinical and demographic variables. Among individual TPB constructs, behavioral attitude was most consistently associated with behavioral intentions while subjective norm was least consistently associated with behavioral intentions. The TPB could serve as a comprehensive model for understanding change in both physical and psychosocial health behaviors after cancer diagnosis and could suggest innovative approaches to developing interventions to enhance post-diagnosis 'growth' and 'benefit finding'.     

Arm/hand swelling and perceived functioning among breast cancer survivors 12 years post-diagnosis: CALGB 79804

Introduction  Lymphedema is an under-reported and debilitating consequence of axillary node dissection among breast cancer survivors. This study describes the characteristics of arm and hand swelling in relation to perceived physical and mental health functioning among breast cancer survivors 9–16 years post-diagnosis who previously participated in a clinical trial coordinated by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB 8541). Methods  Eligible survivors of CALGB 8541 completed questionnaires assessing demographics, arm/hand swelling, perceived physical functioning, and mental health. Results  Two hundred forty-five women (94% white, mean age = 63, on average 12.4 years post-diagnosis) completed questionnaires (participation rate = 78%). Seventy-five women (31%) reported arm/hand swelling since their surgery. Of these women, 76% reported current swelling and half reported constant swelling, mainly in the upper arm. Swelling was reported as mild or moderate in 88% of the women. Women who reported severe swelling had significantly worse physical functioning and trended toward worse depressive symptoms and poorer mental health (lower mental SF-36 scores) as well. Activity-limiting swelling was also significantly associated with worse physical functioning. Although swelling interfered with wearing clothing (36%) and perceptions about general appearance (32%), only 37% of women sought treatment for swelling. Conclusions  Arm/hand swelling is a chronic problem for a subgroup of long-term survivors of breast cancer, negatively affecting physical functioning. Implications for cancer survivors  Educational efforts are needed as part of a comprehensive survivorship care plan to raise awareness about lymphedema so that survivors may identify this complication, seek treatment early, and potentially improve their physical functioning. A portion of these study results were presented at the 8th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology, Venice, Italy, October 21, 2006, and the 135th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C., November 5, 2007. Jill M. Oliveri, Catherine M. Alfano, Mira L. Katz, Marisa A. Bittoni, and Electra D. Paskett were supported by CA77658. Jeannette M. Day², James E. Herndon II, and Kathleen Donohue² were supported by CA33601.     

Family communication and mental health after breast cancer

In the context of a traumatic event, such as a breast cancer diagnosis, talking with others about the event can facilitate emotional adjustment and meaning-finding. Among women with a history of breast cancer, open communication is likely to be of particular importance in the family setting, as the family is frequently a primary source of support. The goal of this cross-sectional survey study was to determine the association between open family communication about cancer and breast cancer survivors' mental health. Responses from 230 women at various stages post-treatment suggest that the majority of women are able to talk openly with their family about breast cancer. Multivariate regression analysis further indicates that open family communication is independently associated with better mental health outcomes. Given that many women live long after a breast cancer diagnosis, maintaining mental health functioning is an important long-term goal. Efforts to enhance productive communication between patients and their family members may help women cope with and overcome the challenges of breast cancer survivorship.     

Protective Factors against Depressive Symptoms in Female American Indian Cancer Survivors: The Role of Physical and Spiritual Well-being and Social Support

Background: This exploratory study examined how perceived physical well-being, spiritual well-being and social support relate to depressive symptoms among American Indian (AI) female cancer survivors. Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 73 AI female cancer survivors between 32 to 77 years of age in the Midwest of the United States. Standardized measures were used to assess for depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Symptoms Scale Short Form), spiritual well-being (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy, Spiritual Well-being Scale), and social support (Medical Outcomes Study of Social Support Questionnaire). A single item measured physical well-being. After univariate and bivariate analyses, hierarchical multiple regression (HMR) was used for modeling. Results: Approximately 47% of the sample scored higher than 10 on the depressive symptoms scale. HMR results indicated that perceived physical well-being, spiritual well-being, and social support were negatively associated with depressive symptoms, accounting for 47% of the variance in the final model (adjust R2 = 0.47). Conclusions: A high percentage of the sample exceeded the cut point for probable depression, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health in the aftermath of cancer treatments for AI women. Results suggest that perceived physical well-being, spiritual well-being, and social support serve as protective factors and possible levers to reduce depression in this population. Interventions designed to bolster existing social support and spirituality could improve the mental health of AI women in the aftermath of cancer treatment. Community-based, culturally appropriate health education programs should be developed to enhance AI women’s physical health.     

Diet quality is directly associated with quality of life in breast cancer survivors

Summary Purpose To determine whether there is a direct relationship between diet quality and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Methods Subjects (n = 714) were members of the Health, Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle study, a study of breast cancer prognosis conducted in three areas of the western United States. Approximately 2 years after entry to this study, diet data were collecting using food frequency questionnaires. These data were used to classify diet quality using the Diet Quality Index. Approximately 10 months later, data on quality of life were gathered using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item short form health survey. Results After controlling for age, education, race/ethnicity, body mass index, stage of disease, and time from diagnosis to quality of life measurement, women with excellent diet quality had significantly better scores than women with poor diet quality for overall mental health functioning and for 3 of 4 mental health subscale scores and 2 of 4 physical health subscale scores. Conclusion Post-diagnosis diet quality is directly associated with subsequent mental and physical functioning in breast cancer survivors. This association is stronger for mental functioning than for physical functioning. The association remains strong after control for potential confounding variables.     

Racial Differences in Depressive Symptoms and Self-Rated Health Among Breast Cancer Survivors on Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

The goal of this survey-based study was to examine whether aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy was associated with depressive symptoms and self-rated health among Black and White breast cancer survivors (N = 761). Results showed that among Black, but not White, breast cancer survivors current AI therapy was associated with a significant increase in the odds of both depressive symptoms (OR 3.59; 95% CI 1.01, 13.00) and poorer self-rated health (OR 3.16; 95% CI 1.06, 9.46). Presence of pain was significantly associated with increased odds of both outcomes among both groups. The findings underscore the importance of addressing not only physical but mental health among breast cancer survivors on AIs, especially those of Black race.     

Religiosity and its relation to quality of life in Christian Orthodox cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Objectives: The first objective of the current observational study was to assess the levels of religiosity in Greek Christian Orthodox cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The second objective was to evaluate the associations between religiosity and quality of life (QoL), an endpoint of considerable importance in clinical cancer research and practice. Method: One hundred eighteen adult outpatients with solid tumors, who consented to participate, were administered the Systems of Belief Inventory (SBI‐15R) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ‐C30) questionnaire. Results: The analysis revealed high scores on religiosity, especially among female patients, who reported significantly higher levels of religious beliefs and practices as well as perceived social support provided by the religious community than did their male counterparts. Of all EORTC QOL‐C30 subscales, only global QoL was found to be significantly associated with the SBI‐15R religious beliefs subscale. The analysis revealed no significant correlations between the SBI‐15R social support subscale and all QoL subscales. Conclusions: The current study reported high levels of religiosity among Greek Christian Orthodox cancer patients. However, levels of religiosity were only weakly associated with patients' QoL. The SBI‐15R appeared to be a well‐accepted and reliable tool, potentially useful for future research in Greek settings. Wide‐scale studies from the same and diverse religious and cultural backgrounds are needed to clarify further the connections between religiosity, QoL, coping, and other health outcomes with the aim to devise appropriate multicomponent interventions to enhance patients' QoL. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An examination of distress, sleep, and fatigue in metastatic breast cancer patients

Objective: Few studies have used rapid screening instruments to document the prevalence of distress among metastatic breast cancer patients. This study used the one‐item Distress Thermometer (DT) to assess distress in this population. Anxiety and depressive symptoms, sleep problems, fatigue, and mental health service use were assessed for patients who met the cutoff on the DT for probable distress (score ?4). Methods: A total of 173 metastatic breast cancer patients rated their distress on the DT. Respondents who met study eligibility criteria (n = 90), including a score ?4 on the DT, completed a telephone survey 1 week later that assessed anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep problems, and fatigue. Associations of study outcomes with demographic and medical characteristics were computed. Results: Sixty percent of the 173 patients met the cutoff for probable distress on the DT. Meeting this cutoff was not associated with age, ethnicity, time since diagnosis, or medical treatments. The majority (61%) of respondents who were classified as distressed on the DT reported clinically significant anxiety or depressive symptoms 1 week later. On average, these patients also showed significant fatigue and sleep disturbance, with 70% reporting decrements in sleep quality. Only 29% of patients with significant anxiety or depressive symptoms accessed mental health services. Conclusions: Results point to a high prevalence of distress, sleep problems, and fatigue across demographic and medical subgroups of metastatic breast cancer patients. A rapid one‐item screening tool may be used to identify patients with a potential need for psychosocial assessment and intervention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Coping and distress among women under treatment for early stage breast cancer: comparing African Americans,Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites

This study examined coping and distress in African American (n=8), Hispanic (n=53), and non-Hispanic White (n=70) women with early stage breast cancer. The participants were studied prospectively across a year beginning at the time of surgery. African American women reported the lowest levels of distress (particularly before surgery) and depression symptoms. Hispanic women reported the highest levels of self-distraction as a coping response, non-Hispanic Whites reported the highest use of humor. Hispanics reported the highest levels of venting, African Americans reported the lowest levels. African American and Hispanic women reported more religious coping than non-Hispanic Whites. The data also provided evidence of a maladaptive spiral of distress and avoidant coping over time. Although some ethnic differences were identified, findings also point to a great many similarities across groups.     

Depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life in older women with gynecologic Cancers

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess factors associated with depressive symptoms in older women with gynecologic cancers and to examine the association of depression with health-related quality of life (HRQOL).Materials and methodsWomen aged 65 and older previously diagnosed with cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer (n=1977) were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results – Medicare Health Outcomes Survey database and compared to propensity-matched cancer-free controls (n=9885). Women with and without depressive symptoms were compared by cancer status. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms, and linear regression was used to determine the association of depressive symptoms with HRQOL measures.ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher among older women with gynecologic cancer (31.9%, 32.2%, and 25.3% for cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer, respectively) than cancer-free older women (24.9%) (p=0.05). Adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, older women with ovarian cancer were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms than controls (Prevalence Odds Ratio = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.32, p < 0.01). Among older women with gynecologic cancer, comorbid conditions and functional limitations were strongly associated with depressive symptoms. Women with depressive symptoms showed significant decrements in both physical and mental measures of HRQOL.ConclusionThis study gives insight into correlates of depressive symptoms that may be used to better identify women with gynecologic cancers who are at risk of depression. The relatively high prevalence of depressive symptoms and significant deficits in HRQOL underscore the need for effective screening and treatment of depression in older women with gynecologic cancers.     

Dimensions of physical activity and their relationship to physical and emotional symptoms in breast cancer survivors

Background  Many breast cancer survivors experience long term sequelae, including fatigue, decreased physical functioning, pain, and psychological distress. Physical activity can ameliorate these problems, but there is little research on how activity should be performed to be most beneficial. This study explores how dimensions of physical activity (total energy expenditure, frequency, and duration) are associated with symptoms among breast cancer survivors. Methods  We conducted a secondary analysis of data on physical activity behavior and symptoms in a cross-sectional study (n = 148) of breast cancer survivors who were off treatment and had been diagnosed within the past 5 years. Results  Multivariate analyses showed that total energy expenditure was associated with better general health (p = 0.006) and fewer depressive symptoms (p = 0.014), while frequency of activity was linearly related to physical functioning (p = 0.047), pain (0.057), general health (p < 0.001), and depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Duration was related to physical functioning, pain, and general health, but the worst outcomes were reported by the participants with the shortest and longest duration of activity (quadratic trend p values = 0.002, 0.003, 0.008, respectively). Discussion/Conclusions  Greater total energy expenditure, higher physical activity frequency, and moderate duration were associated with better outcomes for most symptoms, although there was no relationship between any of the dimensions of physical activity and fatigue. Implications for cancer survivors  The association of better outcomes with higher energy expenditure, higher frequency of activity, and moderate duration indicates that increasing activity through multiple short bouts may be the most beneficial for breast cancer survivors. However, randomized studies are needed to confirm this finding.     

Spirituality and Coping Among Survivors of Prostate Cancer

Abstract

This pilot study explored the influence of religion and spirituality on coping among survivors of prostate cancer. Thirty-eight men (14 African Americans and 24 Caucasians) completed a self-administered survey; 29 of the men participated in five focus group sessions. Four major themes emerged from these sessions: (1) the beneficial effect of faith or religious belief on coping with the disease, (2) the multiple functions of church social and spiritual support and educational forum, (3) the durability of faith in God, and (4) the distinction between religion and spirituality (institutional versus personal). Consistent with the group sessions, the survey data indicated that a majority of participants reported a high degree of religiosity, measured by denominational affiliation and attendance at places of worship. The data also showed that having prostate cancer influenced greater religious attendance, with the change attributed to a desire to gain spiritual support. Racial comparisons showed that the African American men had higher levels of religiosity than the Caucasian men did, as measured by church attendance, quality of spiritual life, and importance of God in the recovery process.     

The influence of acculturation and breast cancer‐specific distress on perceived barriers to genetic testing for breast cancer among women of African descent

Objective: Rising health disparities are increasingly evident in relation to use of genetic services (including genetic counseling and testing) for breast cancer risk, with women of African descent less likely to use genetic services compared with Whites. Meanwhile, little is known regarding potential within‐group acculturation and psychological differences underlying perceived barriers to genetic testing among women of African descent. Methods: Hypothesized contributions of acculturation factors and breast cancer‐specific distress to perceived barriers to genetic testing were examined with a statistical analysis of baseline data from 146 women of African descent (56% US born and 44% foreign born) meeting genetic breast cancer risk criteria and participating in a larger longitudinal study that included the opportunity for free genetic counseling and testing. Perceived barriers assessed included: (1) anticipation of negative emotional reactions, (2) stigma, (3) confidentiality concerns, (4) family‐related worry, and (5) family‐related guilt associated with genetic testing. Results: In multivariate analyses, being foreign born was a significant predictor of anticipated negative emotional reactions about genetic testing (β=0.26; SE=0.11; p=0.01). Breast cancer‐specific distress scores (avoidance symptoms) were positively related to anticipated negative emotional reactions (β=0.02; SE=0.005; p=<0.0001), confidentiality concerns (β=0.02; SE=0.01; p=0.02), and family‐related guilt (β=0.02; SE=0.01; p=0.0009) associated with genetic testing. Conclusions: Results suggest an influence of acculturation and breast cancer‐specific distress on perceived barriers to genetic testing among women of African descent. The potential utility of culturally tailored genetic counseling services taking into account such influences and addressing emotional and psychological concerns of women considering genetic testing for breast cancer should be investigated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Breast cancer in younger women: reproductive and late health effects of treatment.

PURPOSE: In 1997, we initiated a cohort study to evaluate quality of life (QOL) and reproductive health outcomes in younger female breast cancer survivors.Materials and METHODS: Using listings from two tumor registries, we recruited women with stage 0, I, or II breast cancer who were 50 years or younger at diagnosis and were also disease-free survivors for 2 to 10 years. A mailed survey questionnaire assessed medical and demographic factors, health-related QOL, mood, outlook on life, and reproductive health outcomes. RESULTS: We recruited 577 women, who ranged in age from 30 to 61.6 years (mean, 49.5 years) and were surveyed approximately 6 years after diagnosis. Almost three fourths had received some form of adjuvant therapy. Amenorrhea occurred frequently as a result of treatment in women > or = 40 years at diagnosis, and treatment-associated menopause was associated with poorer health perceptions. Across the cohort, physical functioning was quite good, but the youngest women experienced poorer mental health (P =.0002) and less vitality (energy; P =.03). Multiple regression analyses predicting QOL demonstrated better outcomes in African-American women, married or partnered women, and women with better emotional and physical functioning, whereas women who reported greater vulnerability had poorer QOL. CONCLUSION: Overall QOL in younger women who survive breast cancer is good, but there is evidence of increased emotional disruption, especially among the youngest women. Factors that may contribute to poorer health perceptions and QOL include experiencing a menopausal transition as part of therapy, and feeling more vulnerable after cancer.     

Prevalence and risk of depressive symptoms 3–4 months post-surgery in a nationwide cohort study of Danish women treated for early stage breast-cancer

Background Elevated levels of depressive symptoms are generally found among cancer patients, but results from existing studies vary considerably with respect to prevalence and proposed risk factors. Purpose To study the prevalence of depressive symptoms and major depression 3–4 months following surgery for breast cancer, and to identify clinical risk factors while adjusting for pre-cancer sociodemographic factors, comorbidity, and psychiatric history. Patients and methods The study cohort consists of 4917 Danish women, aged 18–70 years, receiving standardized treatment for early stage invasive breast cancer during the 2 1/2 year study period. Of these, 3343 women (68%) participated in a questionnaire study 12–16 weeks following surgery. Depressive symptoms (Beck’s Depression Inventory II) and health-related behaviors were assessed by questionnaire. The Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group (DBCG) and the surgical departments provided disease-, treatment-, and comorbidity data for the study cohort. Information concerning sociodemographics and psychiatric history were obtained from national longitudinal registries. Results The results indicated an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms and major depression (13.7%) compared to population-based samples. The pre-cancer variables: Social status, net-wealth, ethnicity, comorbidity, psychiatric history, and age were all independent risk factors for depressive symptoms. Of the clinical variables, only nodal status carried additional prognostic information. Physical functioning, smoking, alcohol use, and BMI were also independently associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion Risk factors for depressive symptoms were primarily restricted to pre-cancer conditions rather than disease-specific conditions. Special attention should be given to socio-economically deprived women with a history of somatic- and psychiatric disease and poor health behaviors.     

The relative importance of specific risk factors for insomnia in women treated for early-stage breast cancer

BACKGROUND: Many individual risk factors for insomnia have been identified for women with a history of breast cancer. We assessed the relative importance of a wide range of risk factors for insomnia in this population. METHODS: Two thousand six hundred and forty-five women < or =4 years post-treatment for Stage I (> or =1 cm)-IIIA breast cancer provided data on cancer-related variables, personal characteristics, health behaviors, physical health/symptoms, psychosocial variables, and the Women's Health Initiative-Insomnia Rating Scale (WHI-IRS; scores > or =9 indicate clinically significant insomnia). RESULTS: Thirty-nine per cent had elevated WHI-IRS scores. In binary logistic regression, the variance in high/low insomnia group status accounted for by each risk factor category was: cancer-specific variables, 0.4% (n.s.); personal characteristics, 0.9% (n.s.); health behaviors, 0.6% (n.s.); physical health/symptoms, 13.4% (p<0.001); and, psychosocial factors, 11.4% (p<0.001). Insomnia was associated with worse depressive (OR = 1.32) and vasomotor symptoms (particularly night sweats) (OR = 1.57). CONCLUSION: Various cancer-specific, demographic, health behavior, physical health, and psychosocial factors have been previously reported as risk factors for insomnia in breast cancer. In our study (which was powered for simultaneous examination of a variety of variables), cancer-specific, health behavior, and other patient variables were not significant risk factors when in the presence of physical health and psychosocial variables. Only worse depressive and vasomotor symptoms were meaningful predictors.     

Associations between perceived information needs and anxiety/depressive symptoms among cancer caregivers: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: Caregivers to cancer patients often experience information needs. This study investigates the associations between perceived information needs and anxiety/depressive symptoms among caregivers to cancer patients.

Design: Cross-sectional study using self-completed questionnaires.

Sample: A total of 128 caregivers to cancer patients who participated in a rehabilitation stay at REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Center for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, from April 2016 to March 2017.

Methods: The caregivers completed a questionnaire assessing both information needs and anxiety/depressive symptoms. We used ordinal logistic regressions to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between seven information needs and anxiety/depressive symptoms. The reference group was caregivers with no perceived information needs.

Findings: The combined score of perceived information needs was associated with higher odds of anxiety (OR?=?3.86 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.85–8.03) and depressive symptoms (OR?=?3.83 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.15–12.75). For the individual items, our results showed higher odds of anxiety symptoms for caregivers with perceived information needs regarding (1) the disease and its course, for both little need for information (OR?=?3.62, 95% CI 1.39–9.43) and substantial need for information (OR?=?4.57, 95% CI 1.40–14.93); however, for substantial information needs, an interaction with gender was found showing higher odds for men (OR?=?28.90, 95% CI 4.46–187.41), but no significant association for women. Also, substantial need for information regarding the disease and its course were associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms (OR?=?11.43, 95% CI 1.18–111.21). Furthermore, we found higher odds of anxiety symptoms for caregivers who perceived information needs regarding (2) which symptoms and adverse effects to be aware of; (3) how to help and support a cancer patient; (4) expected mental responses in a person with cancer; (5) how to find information on the internet, and (6) where to direct caregiver questions and/or concerns after patient discharge.

Conclusions: Among caregivers to cancer patients, perceived needs regarding the disease and its course were associated with higher odds of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, several other information needs were associated with anxiety symptoms.

Implications for Psychosocial Providers or Policy: To prevent unnecessary anxiety and depressive symptoms among cancer caregivers, health care professionals should be aware of the importance of informing caregivers regarding the disease and its course. Other issues to address concerning anxiety symptoms are information regarding which symptoms and adverse effects to be aware of; how to help and support a cancer patient; expected mental responses in a person with cancer; how to find information on the internet; and where to direct caregiver questions and/or concerns after patient discharge.     

The mediating role of coping between self‐reported health complaints and functional limitations,self‐assessed work ability and work status of long‐term sick‐listed cancer survivors

Our purpose was to investigate the possible mediating role of active coping and passive coping between self‐reported health complaints and functional limitations, as assessed by an insurance physician (IP), self‐assessed work ability and work status in cancer survivors on long‐term sick leave. Validated questionnaires were used for self‐reported health complaints, work ability and work status. The functional limitations of the respondents were transformed into scales for mental and physical limitations and limitations in working hours. Using LISREL, we constructed a model with coping in a mediating role. Active coping mediated between fewer self‐reported physical limitations, more depressive symptoms, better cognitive functioning and more fatigue on the one hand, and more physical limitations and limitations in working hours on the other hand. Passive coping played no mediating role and was associated with more self‐reported depressive symptoms only. More functional limitations were associated with lower self‐assessed work ability of cancer survivors, and with not being at work, whereas higher self‐assessed work ability was associated with being at work. Regarding the role of active and passive coping strategies in cancer survivors on long‐term sick leave, more longitudinal research is needed to confirm causality.