Psychometric properties of a tool for measuring hormone-related symptoms in breast cancer survivors

Hormone-related symptoms are common in breast cancer survivors and many aspects of these symptoms are currently under study. Reliable and valid assessment tools are needed to successfully study hormone-related symptoms in breast cancer survivors; however, no gold standard currently exists for measuring these symptoms. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of a shortened version of the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) symptom checklist in a sample of 803 breast cancer survivors. Principal factor analysis with Promax oblique rotation revealed a five-factor structure, identifying five separate hormone-related symptoms scales: vasomotor symptoms, urinary incontinence, cognitive/mood changes, vaginal symptoms, and weight gain/appearance concern. Hormone-related symptom scale scores differed by demographic and clinical characteristics according to expectations, suggesting that these five scales from the shortened BCPT checklist are reasonably reliable and valid. Symptom scale scores were only weakly correlated with health-related quality of life scores; however, the pattern of results generally supported the validity of the symptom scales. This study adds to the evidence that breast cancer survivors experience a significant number of hormone-related symptoms. Future clinical trials and quality of life and symptom management intervention studies would benefit from accurate assessment of hormone-related symptoms with the five scales from the shortened BCPT checklist.     

Post-treatment regret among young breast cancer survivors

Objective: The study addresses: (1) what women regret about their breast cancer treatment 5 years later, and (2) what characteristics of disease and treatment predict post‐treatment regret. Method: Interviews were conducted with breast cancer survivors in the San Francisco Bay Area. Participants were interviewed following diagnosis. Five years later, women were asked whether they had any regrets about their cancer treatment (N=449). Qualitative analysis was used to identify regret content, and logistic regression was used to determine what characteristics of treatment predicted regret. Results: Forty two point five percent women in the sample regretted some aspect of the treatment. The most common regrets were primary surgery (24.1%), chemotherapy and/or radiation (21.5%), reconstruction (17.8%), and problems with providers (13.1%). In addition, women regretted inactions (59.2%) (actions that they did not take) more than actions that they did take (30.4%). This represents a novel finding in the study of post‐treatment regret, which has largely focused on regrets over actions. Quantitative analysis revealed that women who were anxious about the future (OR=1.32; p=0.03) or had problems communicating with physicians (OR=1.26; p=0.02) during treatment were more likely to express regret 5 years later. In addition, women with new or recurrent cancers 5 years later were significantly more likely to regret some aspect of their primary treatment (OR=5.81; p<0.001). Conclusion: This research supports addressing the psychosocial aspects of cancer care and improving physician‐patient communication. Evidence is also provided for addressing the unique emotional needs of women with recurrent cancers, who may experience an undue burden of regret. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Physical activity among breast cancer survivors: regular exercisers vs participants in a physical activity intervention

BACKGROUND: Secondary prevention is of great importance in the cancer survivor population, given the substantial medical risks survivors face. Consequently, researchers have begun developing interventions that target behavioral risk factors, such as sedentary lifestyle, among survivors. This study represents a novel approach for evaluating the efficacy of a physical activity intervention for breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Repeated measures analyses were used to compare a group of previously sedentary breast cancer survivors offered a physical activity intervention (n=43) with a group of regularly active survivors (n=40). These two groups were compared on select behavioral and psychosocial measures associated with physical activity. RESULTS: Results indicated significant time x group effects on the following: behavioral processes of change, minutes of moderate-intensity activity/week, and time to complete the one-mile walk test (a measure of fitness). There was also a borderline significant interaction for self-efficacy. Contrasts indicated that, for each interaction, previously sedentary and regularly active survivors differed at baseline, but were not significantly different postintervention. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, after completing a 12-week physical activity intervention, previously sedentary breast cancer survivors became similar to regularly active survivors on select behavioral and psychosocial measures associated with physical activity.     

Cancer surveillance behaviors and psychosocial factors among long‐term survivors of breast cancer

BACKGROUND:

Little is known about cancer surveillance (mammography, clinical breast examination, and pelvic examination) behaviors in long‐term (9‐16 years) breast cancer survivors. This report describes the relation of these behaviors to demographic and clinical characteristics, psychological symptoms, body satisfaction, and social support.

METHODS:

Survivors who had participated in Cancer and Leukemia Group B treatment Trial 8541 completed a survey that included questions on breast cancer surveillance and pelvic examination, psychological well being, body satisfaction, and social support.

RESULTS:

The participation rate was 78% and included 245 breast cancer survivors. Survivors (n = 107; 44%) reported completing breast cancer surveillance (mammography and clinical breast examination) and completing pelvic examination (n = 162; 68%) within recommended guidelines. There were no significant associations between breast cancer surveillance and breast cancer anxiety, depression, stressful life events, body satisfaction, social support, or demographic characteristics. Survivors within recommended guidelines for pelvic examinations were younger (P = .05), married (P = .003), had health insurance (P = .004), and had lower depression scores (P = .005) than survivors who underused or overused pelvic examination. In addition, survivors within recommended pelvic examination guidelines had significantly lower levels of breast cancer anxiety (P = .03) compared with survivors who underused pelvic examination.

CONCLUSIONS:

Many long‐term breast cancer survivors were not within recommended cancer surveillance guidelines. Private health insurance was associated with following recommendations for pelvic examinations, although such a relation did not exist for breast cancer surveillance. The results of this study have implications for the development of educational programs to improve cancer surveillance among the growing population of long‐term breast cancer survivors. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.     

Menopausal-type symptoms in young breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: There has been little previous information available about menopausal-type symptoms in very young breast cancer survivors. METHODS: In collaboration with the Young Survival Coalition, we conducted an Internet-based survey of women with a history of breast cancer diagnosed at age 40 years or younger using items derived from the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial symptom checklist. RESULTS: A total of 371 respondents were eligible for analysis. Mean age at diagnosis was 32.8 years and mean age at follow-up 36.2 years; 89% of women received chemotherapy, 49% tamoxifen, 15% ovarian suppression, 4% aromatase inhibitors. At the time of survey, 37% were taking tamoxifen and 9% ovarian suppression. Excluding women on ovarian suppression, 77% of women were premenopausal at follow-up. Many women reported bothersome menopausal-type symptoms. In particular, 46% of women reported hot flashes and 39% reported dyspareunia. In a linear regression model of symptom scores, current ovarian suppression, postmenopausal status, baseline anxiety before the diagnosis, pregnancy after the diagnosis, prior chemotherapy, and lower perceived financial status were associated with more bothersome symptoms. CONCLUSION: A substantial number of young breast cancer survivors experience bothersome menopausal symptoms. While the women who responded to our survey may represent a select group of survivors, these findings may have important implications for treatment decision making and long-term quality of life of young women with breast cancer.     

Weight control needs and experiences among rural breast cancer survivors

Objective: Rural women are understudied in research on weight control among breast cancer survivors despite having higher obesity rates than their urban counterparts placing them at higher risk for recurrence. The purpose of this survey study was to describe weight status and methods used for weight control in rural breast cancer survivors and to examine psychosocial factors in this population associated with weight change since breast cancer diagnosis. Methods: Women treated for breast cancer within the past 6 years at one of three rural Cancer Centers were mailed a survey with a cover letter from their oncology provider. Results: Survey respondents (n=918, 83% response rate) were 96% White non‐Hispanic, on average 3.2 years from treatment, and 11% reported metastatic disease. Among respondents without known metastatic disease, 68% were overweight or obese, 37% were obese, and 25% reported a weight gain exceeding 5 kg since diagnosis. Among the overweight/obese women, 61% were currently attempting weight loss, and the most common weight loss method was dieting on one's own without assistance. Psychosocial factors associated with weight gain since diagnosis included depression, fear of cancer recurrence, diminished physical strength, body image concerns, relationship changes, and financial stressors. Conclusions: The high response rate indicates a general interest in body weight issues among rural BrCa survivors, and the findings highlight the need for weight control programs in this population. Findings also indicate that factors related to poor adjustment to breast cancer are associated with weight gain among rural women. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Survivor centrality among breast cancer survivors: implications for well-being

Objective: The goal of this research was to examine the extent to which 10‐year breast cancer survivors integrated cancer into their self‐concept (i.e. survivor centrality), identify predictors of survivor centrality, and determine the relation of survivor centrality to well‐being. Methods: Breast cancer survivors (n=240) were interviewed 10 years following the initial diagnosis. They completed measures of survivor centrality, illness valence (i.e. positive or negative views of illness), and well‐being (positive and negative affect, mental and physical functioning, psychological distress, benefit finding). Results: There were few predictors of the kinds of women who were more likely to integrate breast cancer into their self‐concepts, but survivor centrality was related to engaging in behaviors that suggested survivorship was relevant to women's daily lives, such as becoming involved in breast cancer activities. Survivor centrality was related to three markers of negative psychological well‐being: more negative affect, poorer mental functioning, and greater psychological distress. However, in the case of negative affect and psychological distress, this relation was moderated by illness valence, such that survivor centrality was only related to negative psychological well‐being when the illness was viewed in less positive terms. Conclusions: Women vary in the extent to which they define themselves in terms of the breast cancer experience. Survivor centrality in and of itself is not always indicative of adjustment to disease. When women have a more negative view of being a breast cancer survivor, survivor centrality is more likely to signify potential problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of the Fertility and Cancer Project (FCP) among young breast cancer survivors

Objective: Fertility and childbearing issues are the major quality of life concerns among young breast cancer survivors. Practical approaches are needed to convey reproductive health information. The Fertility and Cancer Project (FCP) is a dedicated research project that provides online reproductive health and fertility education. We report FCP participants' (a) changes in mood and functioning and (b) changes in knowledge of fertility and cancer from baseline to 6‐month follow‐up. Methods: Participants completed five self‐report baseline measures, accessed FCP content and participated in online discussions. At 6 months post FCP study entry, participants were asked to complete follow‐up self‐reports. Results: One hundred and six breast cancer survivors from 8 countries participated in the FCP. Mean age at diagnosis was 34.3 years; mean time since diagnosis was 22 months. Significant change was detected in improved physical functioning (p=0.019) and social functioning (p=0.02). Significant changes were also noted in improved fertility knowledge (p=0.011). Conclusion: Preliminary evidence shows that young breast cancer survivors derive improved mood and knowledge benefit from FCP participation. Internet‐based approach may be a viable format for engaging this population of cancer survivors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Diet components associated with perceived fatigue in breast cancer survivors

GUEST D.D., EVANS E.M. & ROGERS L.Q. (2013) European Journal of Cancer Care 22 , 51–59 Diet components associated with perceived fatigue in breast cancer survivors Little is known about the contribution of diet components independent of body composition to persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Therefore, our study aim was to determine the associations among dietary intake and fatigue in relation to and independent of adiposity and physical activity (PA) in breast cancer survivors. Baseline data from 42 breast cancer survivors enrolled in a randomised exercise trial were analysed: fatigue (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for fatigue), diet components (3-day diet record), body mass index, per cent body fat (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and PA (accelerometer). The mean age was 54 ± 9 years with an average body mass index of 30.5 ± 8.1 kg/m². Fatigue was positively associated with % of kcal/day fat intake (r= 0.31, P < 0.05) and inversely related to fibre g/day (r= 0.38, P < 0.05) and carbohydrate g/day intake (r= 0.31, P < 0.05). Mean fatigue was greater for participants eating <25 g/day of fibre compared with >25 g/day of fibre (15.7 ± 10.8 versus 6.4 ± 3.7, P < 0.005). No significant associations were noted between fatigue and PA or body composition. Diets high in fibre and low in fat are associated with reduced fatigue in breast cancer survivors. The difference in fatigue for low- versus high-fibre diets exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of three units. Prospective studies evaluating the effect of changing diet on fatigue in breast cancer survivors are warranted.     

Return to work in low-income Latina and non-Latina white breast cancer survivors: a 3-year longitudinal study

BACKGROUND:

Previous research has found an 80% return‐to‐work rate in mid‐income white breast cancer survivors, but little is known about the employment trajectory of low‐income minorities or whites. We set out to compare the trajectories of low‐income Latina and non‐Latina white survivors and to identify correlates of employment status.

METHODS:

Participants were low‐income women who had localized breast cancer, spoke English or Spanish, and were employed at the time of diagnosis. Interviews were conducted 6, 18, and 36 months after diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent correlates of employment status at 18 months.

RESULTS:

Of 290 participants, 62% were Latina. Latinas were less likely than non‐Latina whites to be working 6 months (27% vs 49%; P = .0002) and 18 months (45% vs 59%; P = .02) after diagnosis, but at 36 months there was no significant difference (53% vs 59%; P = .29). Latinas were more likely to be manual laborers than were non‐Latina whites (P < .0001). Baseline job type and receipt of axillary node dissection were associated with employment status among Latinas but not non‐Latina whites.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neither low‐income Latinas nor non‐Latina whites approached the 80% rate of return to work seen in wealthier white populations. Latinas followed a protracted return‐to‐work trajectory compared to non‐Latina whites, and differences in job type appear to have played an important role. Manual laborers may be disproportionately impacted by surgical procedures that limit physical activity. This can inform the development of rehabilitative interventions and may have important implications for the surgical and postsurgical management of patients. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.     

Health‐related quality of life in long‐term breast cancer survivors

BACKGROUND:

The Survivor's Health and Reaction (SHARE) study examined health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in breast cancer patients who had participated in Cancer and Leukemia Group B Trial 8541 from 1985 to 1991.

METHODS:

In total, 245 survivors (78% of eligible patients) who were 9.4 to 16.5 years postdiagnosis (mean, 12.5 years postdiagnosis) completed HRQL surveys relating to 5 domains. Analyses examined HRQL domains according to 3 different chemotherapy dose levels that were administered in the original treatment trial: low‐dose cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil (CAF) at 300 mg/m², 30 mg/m², and 300×2 mg/m², respectively, over 4 cycles; standard‐dose CAF at 400 mg/m², 40 mg/m², and 400×2 mg/m², respectively, over 6 cycles; and high‐dose CAF at 600 mg/m², 60 mg/m² and 600×2 mg/m², respectively, over 4 cycles.

RESULTS:

In univariate analyses, a statistically significant difference was observed on the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item short form Physical Role Functioning subscale by treatment group, with lower mean scores in the standard treatment arm (mean, 65.05) compared with mean scores in the low‐dose arm (mean, 74.66) and the high‐dose arm (mean, 84.94; P.0001). However, multivariate analysis revealed that treatment arm no longer was statistically significant, whereas the following factors were associated with decreased physical role functioning: age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.55; P = .006), increased comorbidity interference total score (OR, 1.64; P = .005), lower vitality (OR, 1.05; P = .0002), and increased menopausal symptoms (OR, 1.04 P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS:

At 9.4‐16.5 years after their original diagnosis, differences in physical role functioning among breast cancer survivors who had received 3 different dose levels of chemotherapy were explained by clinical and demographic variables, such as age, fatigue, menopausal symptoms, and comorbidities. Prospective studies are needed to further assess the role of these factors in explaining HRQL and physical role functioning among long‐term survivors. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.