Article
Oncology
Kathrine F. Vandraas, Kristin Reinertsen, Cecilie E. Kiserud, Synne K. Bohn, Hanne C. Lie
Summary: This study investigated health literacy and associated factors among long-term survivors of breast cancer. The results revealed that despite having high socioeconomic status, these survivors had low levels of health literacy. The study also found that education, income, age, personality trait, and fear were significantly associated with health literacy.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Solveig K. Smedsland, Ragnhild S. Falk, Kristin V. Reinertsen, Cecilie E. Kiserud, Mette Brekke, Synne H. Bohn, Alv A. Dahl, Kathrine F. Vandraas
Summary: More than half of long-term breast cancer survivors suffer from medium or high burden of late effects. Younger age and systemic treatments are important risk factors for experiencing a higher symptom burden, and breast cancer survivors with these risk factors should be prioritized for closer and extended survivorship care.
Article
Oncology
Alzina Koric, Chun-Pin Chang, Bayarmaa Mark, Kerry Rowe, John Snyder, Mark Dodson, Vikrant G. Deshmukh, Michael G. Newman, Alison M. Fraser, Ken R. Smith, Ankita P. Date, Lisa H. Gren, Christina A. Porucznik, Benjamin A. Haaland, N. Lynn Henry, Mia Hashibe
Summary: The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is slightly higher among long-term breast cancer survivors in the 10 to 15 years following their cancer diagnosis compared to the general population. Factors such as higher comorbidity index score, older age, obesity, lower education, and family history of CVD and breast cancer were associated with an increased risk of CVD among long-term breast cancer survivors.
Article
Oncology
Lindsay L. Puckett, Shahryar G. Saba, Sonia Henry, Stacey Rosen, Elise Rooney, Samaria L. Filosa, Philip Gilbo, Karalyn Pappas, Alison Laxer, Katherine Eacobacci, Amitha N. Kapyur, Justin Robeny, Samantha Musial, Anisha Chaudhry, Rahul Chaudhry, Martin L. Lesser, Adam Riegel, Sariah Ramoutarpersaud, Navid Rahmani, Amar Shah, Vivian Papas, Toluwani Dawodu, Jessica Charlton, Jonathan P. S. Knisely, Lucille Lee
Summary: This study identified a high incidence of cardiovascular disease in heterogeneous long-term breast cancer survivors, with over half having clinical findings warranting follow-up and/or intervention. Each imaging test independently contributed to the detection rate, suggesting that long-term cardiac screening may be valuable for a wider group of breast cancer survivors than previously recognized.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Marianne Nilsen, Ragna Stalsberg, Kari Sand, Gorill Haugan, Randi Johansen Reidunsdatter
Summary: The study found that many breast cancer patients reported various health problems in the aftermath of the disease, which could lead to meaning discrepancies. In dealing with the breast cancer experience, patients engaged in a variety of coping techniques to change overall meaning and cultivate a more positive view of the cancer experience.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Clara Breidenbach, Paula Heidkamp, Kati Hiltrop, Holger Pfaff, Anna Enders, Nicole Ernstmann, Christoph Kowalski
Summary: This analysis examines the prevalence, development, and determinants of depression and anxiety among breast cancer survivors in Germany 5 to 6 years after diagnosis. The study identifies several sociodemographic and clinical predictors and emphasizes the need for psychosocial support in both acute and long-term stages of treatment.
Article
Oncology
Michaela Patton, Victoria J. Forster, Caitlin Forbes, Mehak Stokoe, Melanie Noel, Linda E. Carlson, Kathryn A. Birnie, Kathleen Reynolds, Fiona Schulte
Summary: The study focused on describing rates and dimensions of pain, identifying patterns of chronic pain, and testing correlates of chronic pain in LTSCC. Results showed that 26% of LTSCC reported chronic pain, with factors like posttraumatic stress symptoms, age, and pain catastrophizing being significant predictors. Regular screening for chronic pain in survivors of childhood cancer is recommended for long-term follow-up care.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Janette L. Vardy, Gregory R. Pond, Lucette A. Cysique, Thomas M. Gates, Jim Lagopoulos, Corrinne Renton, Louise M. Waite, Ian F. Tannock, Haryana M. Dhillon
Summary: There was no difference in cognitive capacity and function between CRC survivors and controls 6-12 years after diagnosis. Differences in neuroimaging require confirmation in a larger sample.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Sahil D. Doshi, David Destephano, Melissa K. Accordino, Elena Elkin, Rohit R. Raghunathan, Jason D. Wright, Dawn L. Hershman
Summary: In this study, it was found that only 1/3 of long-term metastatic breast cancer survivors received the influenza vaccine. Black patients are only about half as likely to be vaccinated compared to white patients. Improving the vaccine uptake could be an important strategy to improve outcomes.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Piers R. Boshier, Fredrik Klevebro, Katerina Savva, Anabelle Waller, Lory Hage, George B. Hanna, Donald E. Low
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and symptom evolution after esophagectomy. The study found that esophagectomy was associated with decreased HRQOL and persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Dysphagia improved over time, while weight loss scores showed nonstatistical improvement. Other symptoms remained constant. HRQOL did not improve after one year post-surgery, but long-term survivors demonstrated comparable or improved HRQOL compared to the general population.
Article
Oncology
Annika Moehl, Ester Orban, Audrey Y. Jung, Sabine Behrens, Nadia Obi, Jenny Chang-Claude, Heiko Becher
Summary: The study found that there was no significant difference in comorbidity burden between long-term breast cancer survivors and controls, but both groups experienced an increase in comorbidity burden over time.
Article
Oncology
Puja Aggarwal, Katherine A. Hutcheson, Adam S. Garden, Frank E. Mott, Charles Lu, Ryan P. Goepfert, Clifton D. Fuller, Stephen Y. Lai, G. Brandon Gunn, Mark S. Chambers, Erich M. Sturgis, Ehab Y. Hanna, Sanjay Shete
Summary: This study identified modern radiotherapy as a protective factor for xerostomia, while continued smoking, female sex, and lower education level were recognized as contributing risks. These findings need to be confirmed in prospective studies and can inform targeted interventions for managing radiation therapy-related xerostomia in oropharyngeal cancer patients to preserve their quality of life.
Article
Oncology
Martina E. Schmidt, Siri Goldschmidt, Silke Hermann, Karen Steindorf
Summary: Significant efforts have been made in cancer treatment, leading to improved survival rates. However, research and care for long-term problems and late effects in cancer survivors are inadequate. This study found that while cancer survivors' overall health-related quality of life and physical function were comparable or better than the general population, emotional and cognitive function were worse, particularly among women. Commonly reported problems with moderate burden included loss of physical performance, fatigue, sexual problems, sleep problems, and anxiety. Survivors often rated the support they received as poor, especially for non-threatening medical issues or issues without effective medication or treatment. Factors such as older age, female gender, history of chemotherapy, and overweight/obesity were associated with higher burdens. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness and targeted care for the long-term and late effects experienced by cancer survivors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Erica G. Soltero, Dara L. James, SeungYong Han, Linda K. Larkey
Summary: Tai Chi Easy (TCE) is a low-impact, meditative movement practice that can benefit breast cancer survivors, even those with post-treatment symptoms, and may help them establish a more active lifestyle. In a randomized controlled trial, the short- and long-term impact of an 8-week TCE intervention on total physical activity was examined.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Eva Kimpe, Amber Werbrouck, Mark De Ridder, Koen Putman
Summary: Radiation-induced cardiotoxicity can cause additional costs and disutility in breast cancer survivors, but these effects are relatively minor. The past investments in achieving current mean heart dose (MHD) seem justified considering the reduction in costs and disutility resulting from radiation-induced cardiovascular events.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Daniel N. Tollosa, Elizabeth Holliday, Alexis Hure, Meredith Tavener, Erica L. James
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kofi Awuviry-Newton, Kylie Wales, Meredith Tavener, Julie Byles
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xenia Dolja-Gore, Julie E. Byles, Meredith A. Tavener, Catherine L. Chojenta, Tazeen Majeed, Balakrishnan R. Nair, Gita D. Mishra
Summary: This study compared long-term health outcomes for women aged 75 years or older who had a health assessment versus those who did not. The results showed that women who had an assessment had higher utilization of health services, longer survival, and better physical functioning compared to those who did not have an assessment.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Kofi Awuviry-Newton, Dinah Amoah, Meredith Tavener, Adjeiwa Akosua Aframa, Pablo Villalobos Dintrans, Julie Byles, Paul Kowal
Summary: This study examined the association between food insecurity and functional disability among older adults in Ghana and found that insufficient food intake and hunger increased the risk of functional disability. Physical activity served as a protective factor, reducing the likelihood of food insecurity-induced functional disability. The results highlight the importance of addressing social determinants of health and promoting social security in older age in Ghana.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hlaing Hlaing-Hlaing, Xenia Dolja-Gore, Meredith Tavener, Erica L. James, Allison M. Hodge, Alexis J. Hure
Summary: The study found that higher overall diet quality is associated with lower risk of diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc.) and multimorbidity in middle-aged women.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Meredith Tavener, Tazeen Majeed, Tanmay Bagade, Natasha Weaver, Penny Reeves, Shefi Dsilva, Erica L. James
Summary: An innovative internship program was trialed in public health higher education to better prepare doctoral candidates with teaching and learning competencies. After two years, 11 interns completed the apprenticeship and showed improvement in teaching knowledge and skills. The internship resulted in positive impacts for interns at a net total investment of $11,741.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kofi Awuviry-Newton, Meredith Tavener, Kylie Wales, Julie Byles
Summary: This study examines the lived experiences of caregivers of older adults in Ghana using the Ethics of Care as a theoretical lens and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as the methodological approach. The findings reveal that caregivers prioritize the caregiving relationship and take care of their own health and well-being. Their commitment is influenced by reciprocity and a desire to fulfill personal needs. The study emphasizes the need for specific programs to ensure the health, social, and financial well-being of caregivers of older adults.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sarah Liew, Josephine Gwynn, Janice Smith, Natalie A. Johnson, Ronald Plotnikoff, Erica L. James, Nicole Turner
Summary: Participating in physical activity is beneficial for health, but the levels of physical activity in Aboriginal children in Australia decline rapidly by early adolescence. The barriers to sports and physical activity participation exist at the community and interpersonal level, including the physical environment, high costs, reliance on parents, and individual risk factors. However, there are also facilitators at the personal, interpersonal, and institutional level, such as enjoyment from being active, supportive social and family connections, and schools.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Hlaing Hlaing-Hlaing, Xenia Dolja-Gore, Meredith Tavener, Erica L. James, Alexis J. Hure
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between diet quality and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The results showed an inverse association between diet quality and incident asthma, but baseline diet quality did not predict the occurrence of any other diseases between the ages of 25-45 years.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Kinda Ibrahim, Susie Weller, Elissa Elvidge, Meredith Tavener
Summary: This article explores the challenges and recommendations for teaching qualitative research (QR) and qualitative methods (QM) in medicine through online interviews and collaborative autoethnography (CAE). The study highlights the marginalized position of QM in medical curricula and the undervaluation of QR in understanding health issues. The authors propose student-centered teaching pedagogies and suggest exposing learners to a range of qualitative and quantitative methods.
ADVANCES IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Heidi Lavis, Paulette van Vliet, Meredith Tavener
Summary: This study aimed to explore the factors that influence the experiences of stroke survivors, caregivers, and therapists participating in home-based rehabilitation. Through a systematic thematic synthesis approach, three key factors were identified: the significance of place, the impact of relationships, and the meaning of therapy. The home setting offers both benefits and challenges to rehabilitation after stroke, and personalized therapeutic environments can better prepare individuals for home-based rehabilitation.
PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Gerontology
Kofi Awuviry-Newton, Kylie Wales, Meredith Tavener, Paul Kowal, Julie Byles
Summary: Ghana's older population is projected to increase, leading to a growing need for care. This study examined the prevalence of functional difficulties among older adults in Ghana and found that toileting difficulty was associated with various factors, including age, marital status, and health. Understanding these factors can help develop interventions to meet the care needs of older adults.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kofi Awuviry-Newton, Meredith Tavener, Kylie Wales, Julie Byles
Summary: This study explores social workers' contributions in assisting older adults and their caregivers in Ghana, revealing three interrelated themes: providing services accordingly, believing more can be done, and complaints of inadequate resources. The findings emphasize the importance of effective policies and programs to support social workers in addressing the challenges of population ageing.
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
(2021)