Psychological distress among prostate cancer survivors in South Korea: A nationwide population-based, longitudinal study

Analysis of distress in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: A multicenter prospective study

PURPOSE

To analyze the degree of psychological distress experienced pre- and postoperatively in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy without history of psychiatric disorders were included in this study. The degree of psychological distress was evaluated using hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and distress thermometer (DT) questionnaires preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Distress was high preoperatively and decreased over the entire period. In addition, HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression scores showed an improved severity, shifting from an abnormal state to a borderline state in some patients. However, the DT score, including emotional problems, spiritual concerns, physical problems, family problems, and practical problems, was slightly higher at 1 month postoperatively compared to preoperatively. Furthermore, even at 12 months postoperatively, about one fifth of patients surveyed had a DT score of 4 or higher, requiring psychiatric intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Before and after radical prostatectomy, a significant number of patients complained of distress such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and they needed help from a specialist because of psychological distress even 12 months postoperatively. Therefore, a close evaluation of the patient's psychological distress and supportive treatment are needed during the entire pre- and postoperative period.

Efficacy in urinary symptom burden, psychological distress, and self-efficacy of education-enhanced interventions in prostate cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, prostate cancer is both the second-most diagnosed cancer and most common solid tumor in men. Prostate cancer patients present with a symptom burden that is compounded by the impact of medical oncology treatment, affecting different domains of their perceived health status. Education active techniques are a key role in chronic disease to increase participation in their recovery.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the current review was to examine the efficacy of education-enhanced in urinary symptom burden, psychological distress, and self-efficacy in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.

METHODS

A wide search of the literature was conducted for articles from their inception to June 2022. Only randomized controlled trials were included. Data extraction and methodologic quality assessment of the studies were carried out by two reviewers. We previously registered the protocol of this systematic review on PROSPERO (CRD42022331954).

RESULTS

A total of six studies were included in the study. After education-enhanced intervention showed significant improvements in any of perceived urinary symptom burden, one in psychological distress, and one in self-efficacy in the experimental group. The meta-analysis showed that education-enhanced interventions have a significant effect on depression.

CONCLUSION

Education-enhanced could have positive effects on urinary symptom burden, psychological distress, and self-efficacy in prostate cancer survivors. Our review was unable to demonstrate the best timing to apply education-enhanced strategies.

Construction of a cutoff and fusion model of breast cancer patients in family: a grounded theory study

PURPOSE

To construct a coping model for interactions between breast cancer patients and their families across the disease trajectory using the patients' voice, and to establish a mechanism for restoring family balance when faced with stresses related to breast cancer.

METHODS

This study employed a longitudinal qualitative study design using constructivist grounded theory. We divided breast cancer trajectory into four periods: suspicion, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. We then interviewed patients during each of these periods.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with breast cancer were interviewed. A cutoff and fusion model of the breast cancer patient's interactions with her family contained three coping themes: independence, coexistence, and interconversion. The coping trajectory of breast cancer patients in their families has specific themes in each period, such as anxiety, information, emotion, and experience.

CONCLUSION

We constructed a cutoff and fusion model of breast cancer patients' coping trajectory in their families. This model not only explains the opposite, coexistent, and interconvertible relationship between cutoff and fusion but also the specific challenges requiring cutoff and fusion during the four periods. Our findings highlight the dynamic balance of cutoff and fusion for patients' coping in their families.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This model helps clinical staff understand the coping of breast cancer patients in their families. When providing family education, clinical staff should suggest that they not only provide support to the patient but give each other space as well.

Racial Disparities and Mental Health Effects Within Prostate Cancer

Disparities in prostate cancer (PCa) exist at all stages: screening, diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and mortality. Although there are a multitude of complex biological (e.g., genetics, age at diagnosis, PSA levels, Gleason score) and nonbiological (e.g., socioeconomic status, education level, health literacy) factors that contribute to PCa disparities, nonbiological factors may play a more significant role. One understudied aspect influencing PCa patients is mental health related to the quality of life. Overall, PCa patients report poorer mental health than non-PCa patients and have a higher incidence of depression and anxiety. Racial disparities in mental health, specifically in PCa patients, and how poor mental health impacts overall PCa outcomes require further study.