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Sijben J, Huibertse LJ, Rainey L, Broeders MJM, Peters Y, Siersema PD. Oesophageal cancer awareness and anticipated time to help-seeking: results from a population-based survey. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1795-1802. [PMID: 38555316 PMCID: PMC11130305 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02663-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modifying public awareness of oesophageal cancer symptoms might help to decrease late-stage diagnosis and, in turn, improve cancer outcomes. This study aimed to explore oesophageal cancer symptom awareness and determinants of lower awareness and anticipated time to help-seeking. METHODS We invited 18,156 individuals aged 18 to 75 years using random sampling of the nationwide Dutch population registry. A cross-sectional web-based survey containing items adapted from the Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer measure (i.e., cancer symptom awareness, anticipated time to presentation with dysphagia, health beliefs, and sociodemographic variables) was filled out by 3106 participants (response rate: 17%). Descriptive statistics were calculated and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore determinants of awareness and anticipated presentation (dichotomised as <1 month or ≥1 month). RESULTS The number of participants that recognised dysphagia as a potential symptom of cancer was low (47%) compared with symptoms of other cancer types (change in bowel habits: 77%; change of a mole: 93%; breast lump: 93%). In multivariable analyses, non-recognition of dysphagia was associated with male gender (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.43-0.58), lower education (OR 0.44, 0.35-0.54), and non-western migration background (OR 0.43, 0.28-0.67). Anticipated delayed help-seeking for dysphagia was associated with not recognising it as possible cancer symptom (OR 1.58, 1.27-1.97), perceived high risk of oesophageal cancer (OR 2.20, 1.39-3.47), and negative beliefs about oesophageal cancer (OR 1.86, 1.20-2.87). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate a disconcertingly low public awareness of oesophageal cancer symptoms. Educational interventions targeting groups with decreased awareness and addressing negative cancer beliefs may lead to faster help-seeking behaviour, although additional studies are needed to determine the effect on clinical cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmijn Sijben
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte J Huibertse
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Rainey
- IQ Health Science Department, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mireille J M Broeders
- IQ Health Science Department, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Dutch Expert Centre for Screening, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yonne Peters
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter D Siersema
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Parsamand T, Zarani F, Panaghi L, Kwok C. Conceptualization of Breast Cancer and Attitudes toward Breast Cancer Screening: A Qualitative Study on Iranian and Australian Women. Cancer Invest 2024; 42:34-43. [PMID: 37982678 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2023.2283866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Regular screening can lead to early diagnosis of breast cancer. Australia is one of the countries with a high rate of participation in breast cancer screening, while in Iran, most patients are diagnosed in advanced stages. This qualitative study used a thematic analysis method to examine the attitudes and beliefs of Iranian and Australian women toward breast cancer and breast cancer screening. METHOD In-depth interviews were conducted with eight Iranian and seven Australian women. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis with an inferential approach. RESULTS According to the results, four main themes were extracted for the perceptions of breast cancer, including "the meaning of breast cancer", "causes of breast cancer", "prevention of breast cancer" and "effects of significant people in life". Considering the perceptions of breast cancer screening, three themes were identified, including "beliefs about breast cancer screening," "sources of information about breast cancer screening," and "barriers to breast cancer screening." CONCLUSION Cultural and social factors influence women's perceptions of breast cancer and screening. Therefore, investigating the cultural meaning of breast cancer and breast cancer screening for women can be useful for screening and prevention purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Parsamand
- Ph.D. Department of Educational Science and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Zarani
- Ph.D. Department of Educational Science and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leili Panaghi
- Family Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Cannas Kwok
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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Tan MM, Jamil ASA, Ismail R, Donnelly M, Su TT. Breast cancer and breast cancer screening use-beliefs and behaviours in a nationwide study in Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1319. [PMID: 37430228 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16227-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many upper-middle-income countries (UMICs), including Malaysia, continue to face low breast cancer (BC) screening rates and patients with delayed presentation of BC. This study investigated the role of beliefs about BC and use of screening (e.g. beliefs about whether or not screening reduced the possibility of dying from BC). METHODS A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in which a total of 813 women (aged ≥ 40 years old) were randomly selected and surveyed using the validated Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer (ABC) measure. The association between BC screening use, sociodemographic characteristics, and negative beliefs about BC screening were analysed using stepwise Poisson regressions. RESULTS Seven out of ten Malaysian women believed that BC screening was necessary only when experiencing cancer symptoms. Women > 50 years and from households with more than one car or motorcycle were 1.6 times more likely to attend a mammogram or a clinical breast examination (mammogram: Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.60, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.19-2.14, Clinical Breast Examination (CBE): PR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.29-1.99). About 23% of women expected to feel anxious about attending BC screening, leading them to avoid the procedure. Women who held negative beliefs about BC screening were 37% less likely to attend a mammogram (PR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.42-0.94) and 24% less likely to seek a CBE (PR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60-0.95). CONCLUSIONS Public health strategies or behaviour interventions targeting negative beliefs about BC screening among Malaysian women may increase uptake and reduce late presentation and advanced-stage cancer. Insights from the study suggest that women under 50 years, in the lower income group without a car or motorcycle ownership, and of Malay or Indian ethnicity (compared to Chinese-Malay) are more likely to hold beliefs inhibiting BC screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Min Tan
- South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Aminatul Saadiah Abdul Jamil
- Health Industry Technology Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Roshidi Ismail
- South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre for Population Health (CePH), Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Michael Donnelly
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Tin Tin Su
- South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Centre for Population Health (CePH), Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Fwelo P, Adzrago D, Adekunle AD, Adekunle TE, Akinlo A, Perkinson WB. Relationship between mental health disorder symptoms and negative cancer perceptions among U.S. adults. Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:295-305. [PMID: 36593424 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01665-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although much emphasis has been placed on the impact of ambiguity on cognitive processes, the impact of mental health disorder symptoms and racial/ethnic disparities in cancer perception of fatalism and ambiguity remains less explored. This study explored the association between mental health disorder symptoms and negative cancer perceptions. Also, we assessed differences in these outcomes within mental health disorder symptoms and racial/ethnic subgroups to investigate the association between cancer perceptions and the other covariates within the aforementioned subgroups. METHODS We used the 2019-2020 Health Information National Trends Survey data (N = 9,303) to assess the perception of cancer fatalism and cancer communication ambiguity and employed weighted multivariable logistic regression to determine the effects of mental health disorder symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) scale on these negative cancer perceptions among United States adults. RESULTS People with moderate [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.58, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.09, 2.31] and severe anxiety/depression (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.12, 3.14) symptoms were more likely to have cancer fatalism perceptions than people with no anxiety/depression symptoms. People with mild (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.69) or severe (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.03, 3.16) anxiety/depression symptoms were more likely to perceive cancer communication as ambiguous compared to people who had no anxiety/depression symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that mental health status was associated with both cancer fatalism and perceived cancer communication ambiguity. This suggests that interventions aimed at reducing mental health disorder symptoms may potentially reduce these negative perceptions, thereby improving participation in cancer prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Fwelo
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., Suite 2052-4, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - David Adzrago
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Toluwani E Adekunle
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Ambrose Akinlo
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William B Perkinson
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., Suite 2052-4, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Petrova D, Pollán M, Garcia-Retamero R, Rodríguez-Barranco M, Catena A, Castillo Portellano L, Sánchez MJ. Cancer awareness in older adults: Results from the Spanish Onco-barometer cross-sectional survey. Int J Nurs Stud 2023; 140:104466. [PMID: 36871541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND About half of all cancers are diagnosed in adults older than 65, making them the age group at highest risk of developing this disease. Nurses from different specialties can support individuals and communities in the prevention and early detection of cancer and should be aware of the common knowledge gaps and perceived barriers among older adults. OBJECTIVES The goal of the current research was to investigate personal characteristics, perceived barriers, and beliefs related to cancer awareness in older adults, with a special focus on perceptions about the influence of cancer risk factors, knowledge of cancer symptoms, and anticipated help-seeking. DESIGN Descriptive cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 1213 older adults (≥65 years old) from the representative national Onco-barometer survey conducted in 2020 in Spain. METHODS Questions on the perceived influence of cancer risk factors, knowledge of cancer symptoms, and the Spanish version of the Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer (ABC) questionnaire were administered in computer-assisted telephone interviews. RESULTS Knowledge of cancer risk factors and symptoms was strongly related to personal characteristics and was limited among males and older individuals. Respondents from lower socio-economic background recognized fewer cancer symptoms. Having personal or family history of cancer had opposite effects on cancer awareness: It was related to more accurate symptom knowledge but also to lower perceptions about the influence of risk factors and more delayed help-seeking. Anticipated help-seeking times were strongly influenced by perceived barriers to help-seeking and beliefs about cancer. Worry about wasting the doctor's time (48% increase, 95% CI [25%-75%]), about what the doctor might find (21% increase [3%-43%]) and not having enough time to go to the doctor (30% increase [5%-60%]) were related to more delayed help-seeking intentions. In contrast, beliefs that reflected higher perceived seriousness of a potential cancer diagnosis were related to shorter anticipated help-seeking times (19% decrease [5%-33%]). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that older adults could benefit from interventions informing them about how to reduce their cancer risk and addressing emotional barriers and beliefs associated with help-seeking delays. Nurses can contribute to educating this vulnerable group and are in a unique position to address some barriers to help-seeking. STUDY REGISTRATION Not registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafina Petrova
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marina Pollán
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; National Center for Epidemiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Miguel Rodríguez-Barranco
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lucia Castillo Portellano
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain; University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Maria-José Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Evaluating the reasons for delays in treatment of oral cavity cancer patients. CURRENT ISSUES IN PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/cipms-2022-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The growing increase in oral cavity cancer (OSCC) incidence constitutes a severe diagnostic-therapeutic problem – and early diagnosis, as well as medical treatment remain important priorities of maxillofacial oncology. The aim of this paper was to determine the reasons for delays in the diagnostics and treatment of oral cavity cancer patients. The study focused on 248 patients (=56.1 years) post-surgery, in which delays in diagnostics and treatment were reported. As for the causes, most frequently, in 171 cases (69.0%), patient delays were reported, in 56 cases, physician delays were observed, and in 21 cases (8.5%), organizational reasons were to blame. The median time period between the onset of the symptoms and seeking medical attention was 143 days. Time interval between the first contact with a doctor and commencement of oncological treatment was 33.2 days approximately. The majority of the patients were not aware of the oral cavity cancer risk. Misdiagnosis of symptoms as inflammation, as well as prolonged antibiotic therapy and diagnostics constitute main reasons for physician and organization-al/health care system delays. Raising patients’ awareness of cancer risk, as well as educational and promotional programs for physicians are the principal goals of a strategy aiming to enhance oral cancer diagnosis.
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Šantrić Milićević M, Djurin A, Terzić-Šupić Z, Todorović J, Nikolić D, Soldatović I. Knowledge and barriers to early detection of breast cancer among female primary care patients in Serbia. Cent Eur J Public Health 2022; 30:119-130. [PMID: 35876601 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a6305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Serbia and accounts for 22.8% of total cancer mortality in 2018. This study assessed the knowledge and barriers to early detection of breast cancer in women. METHODS In March 2019, at the Primary Healthcare Centre Kikinda, Serbia, a 22-item questionnaire was distributed to a series of patients (N = 403, response rate 91.8%) to assess the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between variables explaining knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors and barriers to screening, and four types of early detection of breast cancer. RESULTS The majority of patients (85.4%) know that a lump in a breast is a common symptom of breast cancer and that a family history of breast cancer is a risk factor (80.1%); 63.8% of respondents aged ≥ 30 years self-examined their breasts in the past month, 39.1% of patients aged ≥ 40 years had clinical, while 34.4% had ultrasound breast examination in the past year, and 51.1% of patients aged ≥ 50 years had mammography once in the past two years. Patients aged ≥ 40 years retired and those with a positive family history were 84% and 63% less likely not to undergo a clinical breast examination in the past year. Participants over 40 years of age who reported a lack of funds were 2.46 times more likely to miss a clinical breast examination than those who did not have that barrier. Among participants aged 50-69 years, the likelihood of not receiving the mammography increases by 2.82 with an increase in wealth status and it was 65% lower for those who lack information about the available treatment. CONCLUSION Women under the age of 50 rarely practice breast cancer screening. Study findings can be used to improve breast cancer screening at the primary level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Djurin
- Primary Healthcare Centre of Kikinda, Kikinda, Serbia
| | - Zorica Terzić-Šupić
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Social Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Todorović
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Social Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Nikolić
- University Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Soldatović
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Statistics and Medical Informatics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Habbous S, Homenauth E, Barisic A, Kandasamy S, Majpruz V, Forster K, Yurcan M, Chiarelli AM, Groome P, Holloway CMB, Eisen A. Differences in breast cancer diagnosis by patient presentation in Ontario: a retrospective cohort study. CMAJ Open 2022; 10:E313-E330. [PMID: 35383035 PMCID: PMC9259434 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ontario, patients with breast cancer typically receive their diagnoses through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) after an abnormal screen, through screening initiated by a primary care provider or other referring physician, or through follow-up of symptoms by patients' primary care providers. We sought to explore the association of the route to diagnosis (screening within or outside the OBSP or via symptomatic presentation) with use of OBSP-affiliated breast assessment sites (O-BAS), wait times until diagnosis or treatment, health care use and overall survival for patients with breast cancer. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we used the Ontario Cancer Registry to identify adults (aged 18-105 yr) who received a diagnosis of breast cancer from 2013 to 2017. We excluded patients if they were not Ontario residents or had missing age or sex, or who died before diagnosis. We used logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with categorical variables (whether patients were or were not referred to an OBAS, whether patients were screened or symptomatic) and Cox proportional hazards regression to identify factors associated with all-cause mortality. RESULTS Of 51 460 patients with breast cancer, 42 598 (83%) received their diagnoses at an O-BAS. Patients whose cancer was first detected through the OBSP were more likely than symptomatic patients to be given a diagnosis at an O-BAS (adjusted odds ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.57 to 1.80). Patients screened by the OBSP were given their diagnoses 1 month earlier than symptomatic patients, but diagnosis at an O-BAS did not affect the time until either diagnosis or treatment. Patients referred to an O-BAS had significantly better overall survival than those who were not referred (adjusted hazard ratio 0.73, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.80). INTERPRETATION Patients screened through the OBSP were given their diagnoses earlier than symptomatic patients and were more likely to be referred to an O-BAS, which was associated with better survival. Our findings suggest that individuals with signs and symptoms of breast cancer would benefit from similar referral processes, oversight and standards to those used by the OBSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Habbous
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Esha Homenauth
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont
| | - Andriana Barisic
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont
| | - Sharmilaa Kandasamy
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont
| | - Vicky Majpruz
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont
| | - Katharina Forster
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont
| | - Marta Yurcan
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont
| | - Anna M Chiarelli
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont
| | - Patti Groome
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont
| | - Claire M B Holloway
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont
| | - Andrea Eisen
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) (Habbous, Homenauth, Barisic, Kandasamy, Majpruz, Forster, Yurcan, Chiarelli, Holloway, Eisen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Chiarelli), Toronto, Ont.; ICES Queen's (Groome), Kingston, Ont.; Department of Surgery (Holloway), University of Toronto; Department of Medical Oncology (Eisen), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont
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Vejlgaard AS, Rasmussen S, Haastrup PF, Jarbøl DE, Balasubramaniam K. Is concern for gynaecological alarm symptoms associated with healthcare-seeking? A Danish population-based cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:25. [PMID: 34991531 PMCID: PMC8739714 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12389-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnosing cancer at an early stage increases survival, and for most gynaecological cancers the diagnostic pathway is initiated, when women seek medical attention with symptoms. As many factors influence healthcare-seeking, knowledge about these factors is important. Concern can act as a barrier or a trigger for women experiencing gynaecological alarm symptoms. This study aimed to examine whether concern for the symptom or the current health was associated with healthcare-seeking among women with gynaecological alarm symptoms. Methods Some 100,000 randomly selected Danish citizens were invited to a national web-based survey. The questionnaire included items regarding symptom experiences, healthcare-seeking and concern for the experienced symptoms and current health. This study included 5019 women with self-reported gynaecological alarm symptoms (pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, bleeding during intercourse and postmenopausal bleeding). Concern was reported on a 5-point Likert scale from ‘not at all’ to ‘extremely’. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression models. Results Women who were ‘extremely’ concerned about a gynaecological alarm symptom had two to six times higher odds of reporting healthcare-seeking compared to women who were ‘not at all’ concerned. Symptom concern was associated with higher odds of healthcare-seeking for all four gynaecological alarm symptoms and the odds increased with increasing levels of concern. Additionally, concern for current health was associated with higher odds of healthcare-seeking. Concern for current health as expressed by others was positively associated with healthcare-seeking but had only minor influence on the association between concern for current health and healthcare-seeking. Conclusions Concern for a gynaecological alarm symptom and for current health was positively associated with healthcare-seeking. The results can be used for future informational health campaigns targeting individuals at risk of postponing warranted healthcare-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schmidt Vejlgaard
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9A, DK5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Sanne Rasmussen
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9A, DK5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Peter Fentz Haastrup
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9A, DK5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Dorte Ejg Jarbøl
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9A, DK5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Kirubakaran Balasubramaniam
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9A, DK5000, Odense C, Denmark.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this scoping review is to: (1) identify existing supervised machine learning (ML) approaches on the prediction of cancer in asymptomatic adults; (2) to compare the performance of ML models with each other and (3) to identify potential gaps in research. DESIGN Scoping review using the population, concept and context approach. SEARCH STRATEGY PubMed search engine was used from inception to 10 November 2020 to identify literature meeting following inclusion criteria: (1) a general adult (≥18 years) population, either sex, asymptomatic (population); (2) any study using ML techniques to derive predictive models for future cancer risk using clinical and/or demographic and/or basic laboratory data (concept) and (3) original research articles conducted in all settings in any region of the world (context). RESULTS The search returned 627 unique articles, of which 580 articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria, were duplicates or were related to benign neoplasm. Full-text reviews were conducted for 47 articles and a final set of 10 articles were included in this scoping review. These 10 very heterogeneous studies used ML to predict future cancer risk in asymptomatic individuals. All studies reported area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) values as metrics of model performance, but no study reported measures of model calibration. CONCLUSIONS Research gaps that must be addressed in order to deliver validated ML-based models to assist clinical decision-making include: (1) establishing model generalisability through validation in independent cohorts, including those from low-income and middle-income countries; (2) establishing models for all cancer types; (3) thorough comparisons of ML models with best available clinical tools to ensure transparency of their potential clinical utility; (4) reporting of model calibration performance and (5) comparisons of different methods on the same cohort to reveal important information about model generalisability and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Abdullah Alfayez
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Holger Kunz
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alvina Grace Lai
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
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McCutchan G, Weiss B, Quinn-Scoggins H, Dao A, Downs T, Deng Y, Ho H, Trung L, Emery J, Brain K. Psychosocial influences on help-seeking behaviour for cancer in low-income and lower middle-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-004213. [PMID: 33531348 PMCID: PMC7868297 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Starting cancer treatment early can improve outcomes. Psychosocial factors influencing patients’ medical help-seeking decisions may be particularly important in low and lower middle-income countries (LMIC) where cancer outcomes are poor. Comprehensive review evidence is needed to understand the psychosocial influences on medical help-seeking for cancer symptoms, attendance for diagnosis and starting cancer treatment. Methods Mixed-methods systematic review registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018099057). Peer-reviewed databases were searched until April 2020 for studies assessing patient-related barriers and facilitators to medical help-seeking for cancer symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in adults (18+ years) living in LMICs. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Data were synthesised using meta-analytic techniques, meta-ethnography or narrative synthesis as appropriate. Results Of 3963 studies identified, 64 were included. In quantitative studies, use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) was associated with 3.60 higher odds of prolonged medical help-seeking (95% CI 2.06 to 5.14). Qualitative studies suggested that use of TCAM was a key barrier to medical help-seeking in LMICs, and was influenced by causal beliefs, cultural norms and a preference to avoid biomedical treatment. Women face particular barriers, such as needing family permission for help-seeking, and higher stigma for cancer treatment. Additional psychosocial barriers included: shame and stigma associated with cancer such as fear of social rejection (eg, divorce/disownment); limited knowledge of cancer and associated symptoms; and financial and access barriers associated with travel and appointments. Conclusion Due to variable quality of studies, future evaluations would benefit from using validated measures and robust study designs. The use of TCAM and gender influences appear to be important barriers to help-seeking in LMIC. Cancer awareness campaigns developed with LMIC communities need to address cultural influences on medical help-seeking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace McCutchan
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK .,Wales Cancer Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Bahr Weiss
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Harriet Quinn-Scoggins
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anh Dao
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tom Downs
- Department of Acute Medicine, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Yunfeng Deng
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ha Ho
- Center for Research, Information and Services in Psychology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Lam Trung
- Danang Psychiatric Hospital, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Jon Emery
- Department of General Practice and Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Brain
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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12
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Wolbert T, Barry R, Gress T, Arrington A, Thompson E. Assessing Colorectal Cancer Screening Barriers in Rural Appalachia. South Med J 2021; 114:293-298. [PMID: 33942114 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The age-appropriate colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rate in the rural Appalachian area is low compared with the national rate, which may account for the overall higher incidence of CRC in this area. The purpose of this study was to explore potential barriers to CRC screening in the West Virginia Appalachian area. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was designed to identify patient-reported barriers to CRC screening using the health belief model to assess their attitudes and behaviors. Autonomous paper-based surveys were randomly handed to individuals older than 50 years at various locations, including healthcare and nonhealthcare facilities. All of the responses were then categorized into two groups: the screened group and the unscreened group. Differences among both groups were statistically analyzed. RESULTS There were three main areas that significantly accounted for the discrepancies between the screened and unscreened groups: perceptions of discomfort from screening tests, psychological and behavior deterrents in CRC screening and diagnosis, and limited resources for accessing care, especially transportation. In particular, psychological and behavioral deterrents in CRC screening appeared to play a role in promoting aversion to CRC screening. CONCLUSIONS Lack of CRC screening awareness and knowledge may be responsible for fatalism regarding CRC and aversion to screening. Thus, multidisciplinary interventions that provide education about CRC screening, early intervention prognosis, and treatment options, as well as addressing systemic barriers to screening, such as assistance with scheduling, prep instructions, and transportation, can improve the screening rate in Appalachia and eventually lead to better outcomes through the early diagnosis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao Wolbert
- From the Department of Surgery, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, the Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, the Department of Translational Research, Hershel "Woody" Williams Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia, and the Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
| | - Rahman Barry
- From the Department of Surgery, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, the Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, the Department of Translational Research, Hershel "Woody" Williams Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia, and the Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
| | - Todd Gress
- From the Department of Surgery, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, the Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, the Department of Translational Research, Hershel "Woody" Williams Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia, and the Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
| | - Amanda Arrington
- From the Department of Surgery, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, the Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, the Department of Translational Research, Hershel "Woody" Williams Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia, and the Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
| | - Errington Thompson
- From the Department of Surgery, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, the Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, the Department of Translational Research, Hershel "Woody" Williams Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia, and the Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
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13
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Petrova D, Okan Y, Salamanca-Fernández E, Domínguez-López S, Sánchez MJ, Rodríguez-Barranco M. Psychological factors related to time to help-seeking for cancer symptoms: a meta-analysis across cancer sites. Health Psychol Rev 2020; 14:245-268. [PMID: 31284829 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2019.1641425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The time patients wait before seeking help for cancer symptoms is among the most important factors contributing to diagnostic delays in cancer. We reviewed the association between time to help-seeking and three psychological factors: symptom knowledge, symptom interpretation, and beliefs about cancer. Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria, providing data from 22 countries concerning seven cancer sites. Better symptom knowledge was related to lower odds of a long help-seeking interval in both studies with healthy populations (OR = .73, 95% CI [.63, .84], k = 19) and patients (OR = .40, 95% CI [.23, .69], k = 12), and so was interpreting experienced symptoms as cancer-related (OR = .52, 95% CI [.36, .75], k = 13 studies with patients). More positive beliefs about cancer (i.e., that cancer is treatable) were associated with lower odds of a long help-seeking interval in both studies with healthy populations (OR = .70, 95% CI [.52, .92], k = 11) and with patients (OR = .51, 95% CI [.32, .82], k = 7). Symptom knowledge, interpretation, and beliefs about cancer are likely to be universal predictors of help-seeking and should be incorporated into theoretical models of patient help-seeking and interventions aiming to reduce delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafina Petrova
- Cancer Registry of Granada, Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Yasmina Okan
- Centre for Decision Research, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Elena Salamanca-Fernández
- Cancer Registry of Granada, Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María-José Sánchez
- Cancer Registry of Granada, Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Rodríguez-Barranco
- Cancer Registry of Granada, Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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14
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Merten JW, Hamadi H, Wheeler M. Cancer risk perception predictors for total body skin examinations: a cross-sectional study using Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2017 data. Int J Dermatol 2020; 59:829-836. [PMID: 32459047 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the lack of national skin cancer screening recommendations, a total body skin examination by a healthcare provider may detect skin cancer earlier, allowing for more effective treatment and better outcomes. OBJECTIVE Examine prevalence, demographic, and cancer risk perceptions of adults who have had a skin examination performed by a healthcare provider. METHODS Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Logistic regressions were performed to identify associations between having a skin examination, risk perceptions, and demographic variables. RESULTS Approximately 46% of the sample reported having a skin examination. Females, college graduates, those with a history of skin cancer, people who check their skin for signs of skin cancer, and adults over the age of 45 were more likely to have a skin examination. The people least likely to be screened were those not wanting to know their chances of getting cancer. LIMITATIONS HINTS is a cross-sectional survey which provides only a glimpse of predictors. CONCLUSIONS The findings are consistent with other studies that people sometimes avoid cancer risk information. An educational intervention focused on the benefits of early cancer detection would benefit people who report not wanting to know their chances of getting cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie W Merten
- Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Hanadi Hamadi
- Department of Health Administration, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Meghann Wheeler
- Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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15
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Momeni M, Rafii F. Help-seeking behaviour for cancer symptoms: an evolutionary concept analysis. Scand J Caring Sci 2019; 34:807-817. [PMID: 31749236 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survival largely depends on its early diagnosis. Therefore, assessing help-seeking behaviours among people with potential symptoms of cancer is essential. AIM This study aimed to analyse the concept of help-seeking behaviour for cancer symptoms. METHODS This concept analysis was conducted using Rodger's evolutionary method. An online literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases to find relevant articles published from 2000 to 2017 in English peer-reviewed journals. In total, ninety articles were included in the study. Through thematic analysis, the data were analysed for the definitions, attributes, antecedents and consequences of the concept of help-seeking behaviour for cancer symptoms. RESULTS The concept of help-seeking behaviour for cancer symptoms includes a chain of behaviours and is defined as the process of informed decision-making for seeking medical help and using healthcare services after the detection of the first potential cancer symptoms. The attributes of the concept of help-seeking behaviour for cancer symptoms include process, problem-centeredness, intentional action and interpersonal interaction. Antecedents of the concept of help-seeking behaviour for cancer symptoms were broadly categorised as its facilitators and barriers, among which old age, young age, marriage, low education level, positive family history of cancer, fear over cancer, low perceived threat, symptom disclosure to significant others are both facilitator and barrier. The consequences of the concept of help-seeking behaviour for cancer symptoms were also broadly categorised in the two main categories of positive consequences and adverse consequences. CONCLUSIONS Help-seeking behaviour is a multidimensional time-dependent and context-bound concept which is usually defined based on the concept of time in order to facilitate its measurement. It is generally used for assessing patients' delay in seeking medical help. The findings of this study provide better understanding about the concept of help-seeking behaviour for cancer symptoms and its implications for research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Momeni
- Nursing Care Research Center (NCRC), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Rafii
- Nursing Care Research Center (NCRC), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Grimm LJ, Shelby RA, Knippa EE, Langman EL, Miller LS, Whiteside BA, Soo MS. Frequency of Breast Cancer Thoughts and Lifetime Risk Estimates: A Multi-Institutional Survey of Women Undergoing Screening Mammography. J Am Coll Radiol 2019; 16:1393-1400. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Nieminen M, Aro K, Jouhi L, Bäck L, Mäkitie A, Atula T. Causes for delay before specialist consultation in head and neck cancer. Acta Oncol 2018; 57:1677-1686. [PMID: 30141700 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2018.1497297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck cancers are often diagnosed at a late stage, thus resulting in a generally poor prognosis. This is partly attributable to patients' hesitancy in seeking treatment. However, the length and causes of these patient delays remain relatively unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS We included all new head and neck cancer patients treated at our tertiary care center between 2016 and 2017. Using a patient questionnaire, we collected data on patients' symptoms and other factors related to seeking medical care, and recorded both patient- and primary health care-related delays. We then compared the data collected from these patients to patient and tumor characteristics collected from hospital records, and analyzed various causes for delay before a specialist consultation to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. RESULTS Among the patients (n = 142) in our study, the median patient delay was 35 d with 73% of patients seeking medical care within 3 months. In comparison, the median primary health-care delay was 20 d. Certain symptoms influenced patient delay. Hoarseness and breathing difficulties correlated with longer patient delay while patients with a lump on the neck had a shorter delay. Patient delay was associated with certain tumor-related factors such as the tumor site and the presence of regional metastases, which resulted in shorter patient delay. None of the patient-related factors appeared to impact delay. Important factors influencing primary health-care delay included the initial location visited and whether any follow-up visit was scheduled or not. CONCLUSIONS Although most patients sought medical advice without a major delay and were adequately referred, we found that long delays existed. Raising awareness of the symptoms of head and neck cancer among general population and health-care providers is probably the best way to get patients to curative treatment without delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Nieminen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - K. Aro
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L. Jouhi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L. Bäck
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A. Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T. Atula
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Cho H, Silver N, Na K, Adams D, Luong KT, Song C. Visual Cancer Communication on Social Media: An Examination of Content and Effects of #Melanomasucks. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e10501. [PMID: 30185403 PMCID: PMC6231808 DOI: 10.2196/10501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Instagram is increasingly becoming a platform on which visual communication of cancer takes place, but few studies have investigated the content and effects. In particular, a paucity of research has evaluated the effects of visual communication of cancer on participative engagement outcomes. Objective The objective of our study was to investigate cancer-related beliefs and emotions shared on Instagram and to examine their effects on participative engagement outcomes including likes, comments, and social support. Methods This study analyzed the content of 441 posts of #melanomasucks on Instagram and assessed the effects of the content characteristics on outcomes, including the number of likes and comments and types of social support using group least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression. Results Posts about controlling melanoma were most frequent (271/441, 61.5%), followed by 240 (54.4%) posts about outcomes of having melanoma. Ninety posts (20.4%) were about the causes of melanoma. A greater number of posts expressed positive (159/441, 36.1%) than negative emotions (100/441, 22.7%). Eighty posts (18.1%) expressed hope, making it the most frequently expressed emotion; 49 posts expressed fear (11.1%), 46 were humorous (10.4%), and 46 showed sadness (10.4%). Posts about self behavior as a cause of melanoma decreased likes (P<.001) and social support comments (P=.048). Posts about physical consequences of melanoma decreased likes (P=.02) but increased comments (P<.001) and emotional social support (P<.001); posts about melanoma treatment experience increased comments (P=.03) and emotional social support (P<.001). None of the expressions of positive emotions increased likes, comments, or social support. Expression of anger increased the number of likes (P<.001) but those about fear (P<.001) and joy (P=.006) decreased the number of likes. Posts about fear (P=.003) and sadness (P=.003) increased emotional social support. Posts showing images of melanoma or its treatment on the face or body parts made up 21.8% (96/441) of total posts. Inclusion of images increased the number of comments (P=.001). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the content and effects of user-generated visual cancer communication on social media. The findings show where the self-expressive and social engagement functions of #melanomasucks converge and diverge, providing implications for extending research on the commonsense model of illness and for developing conceptual frameworks explaining participative engagement on social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunyi Cho
- School of Communication, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Nathan Silver
- School of Communication, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kilhoe Na
- School of Communication, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - Kate T Luong
- School of Communication, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Chi Song
- Division of Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Mwaka AD, Okello ES, Wabinga H. Perceptions and beliefs of lay people from northern Uganda regarding surgery for diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. Psychooncology 2018; 27:1965-1970. [PMID: 29719940 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore perceptions and beliefs of people in a rural community in northern Uganda regarding surgery for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. The aim of the study was to inform interventions to reduce delay and improve timely diagnosis and prompt appropriate treatments for patients with symptoms of cervical cancer. METHODS A semi-structured study guide informed by Kleinman's explanatory model for illness was used to collect data during 24 focus group discussions involving 175 men and women aged 18 to 59 years in Gulu, northern Uganda. Using thematic analysis, themes and subthemes were identified from the data through an iterative process and consensus among the authors. RESULTS Surgery for diagnosis and management of cervical cancer was perceived as (1) appropriate when performed at early stage of cancer and by senior doctors, but (2) a potential catalyst for the spread of cancer and early death; and (3) a challenge to childbearing and motherhood as well as a source of distress to women and families if surgery involved removal of the uterus with subsequent permanent infertility. CONCLUSIONS There are some negative perceptions about surgery for cervical cancer that may deter prompt help-seeking for symptoms. However, targeted messages for public awareness interventions to promote help-seeking can be built on the positive perceptions and beliefs that surgery could be curative when undertaken for early-stage cancer and by skilled doctors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Deogratius Mwaka
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elialilia Sarikiaeli Okello
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Kampala Cancer Registry, Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Fetz K, Vogt H, Ostermann T, Schmitz A, Schulz-Quach C. Evaluation of the palliative symptom burden score (PSBS) in a specialised palliative care unit of a university medical centre - a longitudinal study. BMC Palliat Care 2018; 17:92. [PMID: 29981577 PMCID: PMC6035799 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0342-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The implementation of standardised, valid and reliable measurements in palliative care is subject to practical and methodological challenges. One aspect of ongoing discussion is the value of systematic proxy-based assessment of symptom burden in palliative care. In 2011, an expert-developed proxy-based instrument for the assessment of symptom burden in palliative patients, the Palliative Symptom Burden Score (PSBS), was implemented at the Specialised Palliative Care Unit of the University Medical Centre in Dusseldorf, Germany. The present study investigated its feasibility, acceptance and psychometric properties. Methods The PSBS was rated by nursing staff three times a day over 5 years (N = 820 patients). Feasibility and nurses’ acceptance of PSBS were analysed. Structural validity was investigated by principal component analysis. Construct validity was examined via cross-validation with the Hospice and Palliative Care Evaluation checklist. Discriminative validity of the PSBS was analysed by means of Kruskal-Wallis test of patients’ performance score. Reliability of the PSBS was evaluated by internal consistency analysis, test-retest and split-half-reliability. Inter-rater reliability was investigated by observer agreement of nurses’ ratings of symptom burden within a day. Sensitivity to change was analysed by Wilcoxon test with repeated measures of the PSBS before and after palliative complex treatment. Results A high degree of acceptance and the feasibility of a high-frequency proxy-based symptom burden assessment approach were demonstrated. There were low rates of missing values and no indications of the adoption of prior ratings. PSBS in its present form demonstrates good structural and construct validity (rs = .27–.79, p’s < .001) and high sensitivity to changes in symptom burden (p’s < .01, except sweating), but unsatisfactory reliability (α = .41–.67; test-retest: rs = .30–.88; p’s < .001; split-half: rs = .69; p < .001; inter-rater: n.s.). Conclusions The study presents a framework for the post hoc validation of an already existing documentation tool in palliative care. This study supports the notion that PSBS might not be reflective of an overall construct and will therefore require further development and critical comparison to other already established symptom burden instruments in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Fetz
- Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology, Department of Psychology & Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
| | - Hendrik Vogt
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Ostermann
- Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology, Department of Psychology & Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Andrea Schmitz
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Schulz-Quach
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience; Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,St. Christopher's Hospice, London, UK
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Thematic Trends in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Applied in Cancer-Related Symptoms. JOURNAL OF DATA AND INFORMATION SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/jdis-2018-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The main goal of this study is to discover the scientific evolution of Cancer-Related Symptoms in Complementary and Alternative Medicine research area, analyzing the articles indexed in the Web of Science database from 1980 to 2013.
Design/Methodology/Approach
A co-word science mapping analysis is performed under a longitudinal framework (1980 to 2013). The documental corpus is divided into two subperiods, 1980–2008 and 2009–2013. Thus, the performance and impact rates, and conceptual evolution of the research field are shown.
Findings
According to the results, the co-word analysis allows us to identify 12 main thematic areas in this emerging research field: anxiety, survivors and palliative care, meditation, treatment, symptoms and cancer types, postmenopause, cancer pain, low back pain, herbal medicine, children, depression and insomnia, inflammation mediators, and lymphedema. The different research lines are identified according to the main thematic areas, centered fundamentally on anxiety and suffering prevention. The scientific community can use this information to identify where the interest is focused and make decisions in different ways.
Research limitation
Several limitations can be addressed: 1) some of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies may not have been included; 2) only the documents indexed in Web of Science are analyzed; and 3) the thematic areas detected could change if another dataset was considered.
Practical implications
The results obtained in the present study could be considered as an evidence-based framework in which future studies could be built.
Originality/value
Currently, there are no studies that show the thematic evolution of this research area.
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Pedersen AF, Forbes L, Brain K, Hvidberg L, Wulff CN, Lagerlund M, Hajdarevic S, Quaife SL, Vedsted P. Negative cancer beliefs, recognition of cancer symptoms and anticipated time to help-seeking: an international cancer benchmarking partnership (ICBP) study. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:363. [PMID: 29609534 PMCID: PMC5879768 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4287-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding what influences people to seek help can inform interventions to promote earlier diagnosis of cancer, and ultimately better cancer survival. We aimed to examine relationships between negative cancer beliefs, recognition of cancer symptoms and how long people think they would take to go to the doctor with possible cancer symptoms (anticipated patient intervals). Methods Telephone interviews of 20,814 individuals (50+) in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Sweden were carried out using the Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer Measure (ABC). ABC included items on cancer beliefs, recognition of cancer symptoms and anticipated time to help-seeking for cough and rectal bleeding. The anticipated time to help-seeking was dichotomised as over one month for persistent cough and over one week for rectal bleeding. Results Not recognising persistent cough/hoarseness and unexplained bleeding as cancer symptoms increased the likelihood of a longer anticipated patient interval for persistent cough (OR = 1.66; 95%CI = 1.47–1.87) and rectal bleeding (OR = 1.90; 95%CI = 1.58–2.30), respectively. Endorsing four or more out of six negative beliefs about cancer increased the likelihood of longer anticipated patient intervals for persistent cough and rectal bleeding (OR = 2.18; 95%CI = 1.71–2.78 and OR = 1.97; 95%CI = 1.51–2.57). Many negative beliefs about cancer moderated the relationship between not recognising unexplained bleeding as a cancer symptom and longer anticipated patient interval for rectal bleeding (p = 0.005). Conclusions Intervention studies should address both negative beliefs about cancer and knowledge of symptoms to optimise the effect. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4287-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Fischer Pedersen
- Research Unit for General Practice and Research Centre for Cancer Diagnosis in Primary Care (CaP), Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Lindsay Forbes
- King's College London Promoting Early Cancer Presentation Group, Capital House, 42 Weston Street, London, SE1 3QD, UK
| | - Kate Brain
- Cochrane Institute of Primary Care and Public Health, Neuadd Meirionydd, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS, UK
| | - Line Hvidberg
- Research Unit for General Practice and Research Centre for Cancer Diagnosis in Primary Care (CaP), Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Christian Nielsen Wulff
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Magdalena Lagerlund
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics (LIME), Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18A, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Samantha L Quaife
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT, London, UK
| | - Peter Vedsted
- Research Unit for General Practice and Research Centre for Cancer Diagnosis in Primary Care (CaP), Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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23
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Dobson C, Russell A, Brown S, Rubin G. The role of social context in symptom appraisal and help-seeking among people with lung or colorectal symptoms: A qualitative interview study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2018; 27:e12815. [PMID: 29419943 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged diagnostic intervals are associated with poorer outcomes, and the patient interval appears to be a substantial contributor to the overall length of the diagnostic interval. This study sought to understand how the broader context of people's lives influenced symptom appraisal and help-seeking, comparing experiences by length of the patient interval. Patients referred with a suspicion of lung or colorectal cancer were invited to complete a questionnaire about their symptoms, with 26 respondents purposively sampled to take part in a semi-structured interview about their patient intervals. Embodied experience, appraisal, help-seeking decision-making and consultation were identified as component stages of the patient interval, with the factors affecting movement between these stages located in one of four contextual domains: individual experience, interpersonal relationships, healthcare system interactions and social and temporal context. The length of the patient interval was related to the type of symptom(s) experienced, discussion of symptoms with others and the social responsibilities people held during symptomatic periods. A contextual model of the patient interval illustrates the stages and domains of this interval, as grounded in the data from this study. The model has potential application to future studies examining the patient interval for a range of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Dobson
- Institute of Health and Society, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - A Russell
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, Uk
| | - S Brown
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - G Rubin
- Institute of Health and Society, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
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24
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Murphy PJ, Marlow LAV, Waller J, Vrinten C. What is it about a cancer diagnosis that would worry people? A population-based survey of adults in England. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:86. [PMID: 29361912 PMCID: PMC5781324 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3963-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Surveys indicate quite high prevalence of cancer worry in the general population, but little is known about what it is about cancer that worries people. A better understanding of the origins of cancer worry may help elucidate previously found inconsistencies in its behavioural effect on cancer prevention, screening uptake, and help-seeking for symptoms. In this study, we explore the prevalence and population distribution of general cancer worry and worries about specific aspects of cancer previously identified. Methods A population-based survey of 2048 English adults (18–70 years, April–May 2016), using face-to-face interviews to assess demographic characteristics, general cancer worry and twelve sources of cancer worry (adapted from an existing scale), including the emotional, physical, and social consequences of a diagnosis. Results In general, a third of respondents (37%) never worried about cancer, 57% worried occasionally/sometimes, and 6% often/very often. In terms of specific worries, two thirds would be ‘quite a bit’ or ‘extremely’ worried about the threat to life and emotional upset a diagnosis would cause. Half would worry about surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and loss of control over life. Worries about the social consequences were less commonly anticipated: just under half would worry about financial problems or their social roles, and a quarter would be worried about effects on identity, important relationships, gender role, and sexuality. Women and younger people reported more frequent worry about getting cancer, and would be more worried about the emotional, physical, and social consequences of a cancer diagnosis (p < .001). Those from ethnic minority backgrounds reported less frequent worry about getting cancer than their white counterparts, but would be equally worried about the emotional and physical impact of a cancer diagnosis, and worried more about the social consequences of a cancer diagnosis (p < .05). Conclusions The majority of English adults worry at least occasionally about getting cancer, and would be most worried about the emotional and physical impact of a cancer diagnosis. Distinguishing between the various worries that cancer can evoke may help inform efforts to allay undue worries in those who are deterred by them from engaging with cancer prevention and early detection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-017-3963-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa J Murphy
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Laura A V Marlow
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jo Waller
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Charlotte Vrinten
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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25
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Kangas M, Gross JJ. The Affect Regulation in Cancer framework: Understanding affective responding across the cancer trajectory. J Health Psychol 2017; 25:7-25. [PMID: 29260595 DOI: 10.1177/1359105317748468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Affective dimensions of cancer have long been a central concern in the field of psycho-oncology. Recent developments in the field of affective science suggest the value of incorporating insights from the burgeoning literature on affect regulation. Accordingly, the objective of this article is to build on prior work in this area by applying a process-oriented affect regulation framework to the various phases of the cancer trajectory. The Affect Regulation in Cancer framework is adapted from Gross' process model of emotion regulation, and its aim is to integrate recent advances in affective science with work in the field of psycho-oncology. The basic elements of the affect generative and affect regulatory processes are outlined across the various phases of the cancer trajectory. Our proposed model provides a useful heuristic framework in advancing research on the ways people manage their affective responses throughout the cancer trajectory.
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26
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Baudry AS, Lelorain S, Mahieuxe M, Christophe V. Impact of emotional competence on supportive care needs, anxiety and depression symptoms of cancer patients: a multiple mediation model. Support Care Cancer 2017; 26:223-230. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3838-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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27
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Kummer S, Walter FM, Chilcot J, Scott S. Measures of psychosocial factors that may influence help-seeking behaviour in cancer: A systematic review of psychometric properties. J Health Psychol 2017; 24:79-99. [PMID: 28810457 DOI: 10.1177/1359105317707255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced stage cancer is frequently attributed to delays in presentation to a healthcare professional. To reduce undue delay, it is imperative to understand the reasons underlying help-seeking behaviour and to measure those using valid and reliable tools. This systematic review aimed to identify how studies have measured psychosocial factors affecting time to presentation for (potential) cancer symptoms. A total of 35 studies were included. Most studies failed to use valid and reliable tools, and predominantly provided inconclusive results regarding psychosocial factors and time to presentation when no or minimal psychometric evidence was present. Consequently, measure selection and future measure development should be guided by psychometric principles.
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28
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Winstanley K, Renzi C, Smith CF, Wardle J, Whitaker KL. The impact of body vigilance on help-seeking for cancer 'alarm' symptoms: a community-based survey. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1172. [PMID: 27871273 PMCID: PMC5117619 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3846-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The act of detecting bodily changes is a pre-requisite for subsequent responses to symptoms, such as seeking medical help. This is the first study to explore associations between self-reported body vigilance and help-seeking in a community sample currently experiencing cancer ‘alarm’ symptoms. Methods Using a cross-sectional study design, a ‘health survey’ was mailed through primary care practices to 4913 UK adults (age ≥50 years, no cancer diagnosis), asking about symptom experiences and medical help-seeking over the previous three months. Body vigilance, cancer worry and current illness were assessed with a small number of self-report items derived from existing measures. Results The response rate was 42% (N = 2042). Almost half the respondents (936/2042; 46%) experienced at least one cancer alarm symptom. Results from logistic regression analysis revealed that paying more attention to bodily changes was significantly associated with help-seeking for cancer symptoms (OR = 1.44; 1.06-1.97), after controlling for socio-demographics, current illness and cancer worry. Being more sensitive to bodily changes was not significantly associated with help-seeking. Conclusions Respondents who paid attention to their bodily changes were more likely to seek help for their symptoms. Although the use of a cross-sectional study design and the limited assessment of key variables preclude any firm conclusions, encouraging people to be body vigilant may contribute towards earlier cancer diagnosis. More needs to be understood about the impact this might have on cancer-related anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Winstanley
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Cristina Renzi
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Claire Friedemann Smith
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jane Wardle
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Katriina L Whitaker
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK.
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29
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Vrinten C, McGregor LM, Heinrich M, von Wagner C, Waller J, Wardle J, Black GB. What do people fear about cancer? A systematic review and meta-synthesis of cancer fears in the general population. Psychooncology 2016; 26:1070-1079. [PMID: 27643482 PMCID: PMC5573953 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Cancer has long inspired fear, but the effect of fear is not well understood; it seems both to facilitate and to deter early diagnosis behaviours. To elucidate fear's behavioural effects, we systematically reviewed and synthesised qualitative literature to explore what people fear about cancer. Methods We searched Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science, AnthroSource, and Anthrobase for studies on cancer fear in breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening and analysed 102 studies from 26 countries using thematic synthesis. Results Fears of cancer emanated from a core view of cancer as a vicious, unpredictable, and indestructible enemy, evoking fears about its proximity, the (lack of) strategies to keep it at bay, the personal and social implications of succumbing, and fear of dying from cancer. Conclusions This view of cancer as ‘an enemy’ reprises the media's ‘war on cancer’ theme and may affect the acceptance of cancer early detection and prevention messages, since cancer's characteristics influenced whether ‘fight’ or ‘flight’ was considered appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jo Waller
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Jane Wardle
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCL, London, UK
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30
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Niksic M, Rachet B, Warburton FG, Forbes LJL. Ethnic differences in cancer symptom awareness and barriers to seeking medical help in England. Br J Cancer 2016; 115:136-44. [PMID: 27280638 PMCID: PMC4931374 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethnic differences in cancer symptom awareness and barriers to seeking medical help in the English population are not fully understood. We aimed to quantify these differences, to help develop more effective health campaigns, tailored to the needs of different ethnic groups. METHODS Using a large national data set (n=38 492) of cross-sectional surveys that used the Cancer Research UK Cancer Awareness Measure, we examined how cancer symptom awareness and barriers varied by ethnicity, controlling for socio-economic position, age and gender. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Awareness of cancer symptoms was lower in minority ethnic groups than White participants, with the lowest awareness observed among Bangladeshis and Black Africans. Ethnic minorities were more likely than White British to report barriers to help-seeking. South Asians reported the highest emotional barriers, such as lack of confidence to talk to the doctor, and practical barriers, such as worry about many other things. The Irish were more likely than the White British to report practical barriers, such as being too busy to visit a doctor. White British participants were more likely than any other ethnic group to report that they would feel worried about wasting the doctor's time. Overall, Black Africans had the lowest barriers. All differences were statistically significant (P<0.01 level), after controlling for confounders. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest the need for culturally sensitive and targeted health campaigns, focused on improving recognition of cancer symptoms among ethnic minorities. Campaigns should tackle the specific barriers prevalent in each ethnic group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Niksic
- Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health, Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, Bermondsey Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Bernard Rachet
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Survival Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Fiona G Warburton
- Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health, Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, Bermondsey Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Lindsay J L Forbes
- Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health, Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, Bermondsey Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
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31
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Morris M, Friedemann Smith C, Boxell E, Wardle J, Simon A, Waller J. Quantitative evaluation of an information leaflet to increase prompt help-seeking for gynaecological cancer symptoms. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:374. [PMID: 27142652 PMCID: PMC4855769 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3032-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Provision of written information may improve awareness of cancer symptoms and encourage timely presentation in primary care. This study assessed changes in symptom knowledge, perceived barriers to help-seeking, anxiety and intention to seek help, following exposure to a leaflet to raise awareness of gynaecological cancer symptoms. Methods Women (N = 484) completed questionnaires before and after reading the leaflet. The primary outcome was change in anticipated time to help-seeking for 12 symptoms. Changes in symptom knowledge, barriers and anxiety, and their association with prompt help-seeking were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed rank tests and logistic regression analyses. Results After reading the leaflet, symptom knowledge increased (p < 0.001), and perceived barriers (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.008) decreased. The number of symptoms for which women anticipated seeking help promptly increased (p < 0.001). Changes in knowledge (OR 4.21, 95 % CI 1.95-9.13) and perceived barriers (OR 4.60, 95 % CI 1.91-11.04) were independently associated with increased help-seeking. Conclusion Increased symptom knowledge and lowered perceived barriers were related to increased prompt anticipated help-seeking. This occurred without an increase in anxiety. This intervention is effective in altering knowledge, beliefs and help-seeking intentions for gynaecological cancer symptoms, at least in the short-term, and should be trialled in primary care. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3032-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Morris
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.,Present address: Cancer Research UK Cancer Survival Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Claire Friedemann Smith
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Emily Boxell
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Jane Wardle
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Alice Simon
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.,Present address: Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, City University London, London, UK
| | - Jo Waller
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
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32
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Whitaker KL, Cromme S, Winstanley K, Renzi C, Wardle J. Emotional responses to the experience of cancer 'alarm' symptoms. Psychooncology 2016; 25:567-73. [PMID: 26358401 PMCID: PMC4832579 DOI: 10.1002/pon.3964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To qualitatively explore associations between emotional responses to experience of cancer 'alarm' symptoms and help-seeking in a community sample of adults. METHOD Interviewees (n = 62) were recruited from a community sample (n = 2042) of adults aged ≥50 years, who had completed a health survey that included a list of cancer alarm symptoms. Participants who had reported an alarm symptom both at baseline and 3-month follow-up (n = 271), and who had consented to contact (n = 215), constituted the pool for invitations to interview. RESULTS Over a third of participants (37%) described an emotional response to their symptom experience. In all these cases, there was evidence of awareness of the risk of cancer. Emotional responses were usually either classified as mild ('worry') or severe ('fear'). Worry was often described in the context of a desire to seek medical help, either to rule out cancer or to minimise patient delay. In contrast, the 'fear' group described associations with death, the perceived incurability of cancer, and the consequence of a cancer diagnosis. Where the emotional reaction was fear, medical contact was seen as something to be avoided either because it had no value or because it was preferable not to be told a diagnosis. CONCLUSION In this community sample, worry about the possibility of cancer was associated with help-seeking, either for reassurance or as part of a 'sensible' strategy to deal with the risk. In contrast, fear was associated with avoiding help-seeking or even thinking about cancer, which could lead to prolonged help-seeking intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Whitaker
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, UK
| | - S Cromme
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK
| | - K Winstanley
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK
| | - C Renzi
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK
| | - J Wardle
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK
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33
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Vrinten C, Wardle J, Marlow LA. Cancer fear and fatalism among ethnic minority women in the United Kingdom. Br J Cancer 2016; 114:597-604. [PMID: 26867159 PMCID: PMC4782206 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer fear and fatalism are believed to be higher in ethnic minorities and may contribute to lower engagement with cancer prevention and early detection. We explored the levels of cancer fear and fatalism in six ethnic groups in the United Kingdom and examined the contribution of acculturation and general fatalism. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 720 White British, Caribbean, African, Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi women (120 of each) was conducted. Three items assessed cancer fear and two cancer fatalism. Acculturation was assessed using (self-reported) migration status, ability to speak English, and understanding of health leaflets; general fatalism with a standard measure. Results: Relative to White British women, African and Indian women were more fearful of cancer, Bangladeshi women less fearful, and Pakistani and Caribbean women were similar to White British women. Cancer fatalism was higher in all the ethnic minority groups compared with White British women. Less acculturated women were less likely to worry (ORs 0.21–0.45, all P<0.05) or feel particularly afraid (ORs 0.11–0.31, all P<0.05) but more likely to feel uncomfortable about cancer (ORs 1.97–3.03, all P<0.05). Lower acculturation (ORs 4.30–17.27, P<0.05) and general fatalism (OR 2.29, P<0.05) were associated with the belief that cancer is predetermined. Conclusions: In general, cancer fear and fatalism are more prevalent among ethnic minority than White British women and even more so in less acculturated ethnic minorities. This may affect their participation in cancer prevention and early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Vrinten
- Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCL, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jane Wardle
- Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCL, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Laura Av Marlow
- Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCL, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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