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van den Hoek Bos- DW, Tuinman MA, Hillen MA, Huijgens FL, Kurpershoek E, Calaminus G, Kaatsch P, Hagedoorn M, Lehmann V. DISCLOSING A HISTORY OF CHILDHOOD CANCER TO ROMANTIC PARTNERS. Psychooncology 2023. [PMID: 36998113 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe young adult childhood cancer survivors' disclosure of their cancer history (i.e., disclosure behavior, difficulty, and timing), perceived partner responses, and associations with relationship status satisfaction. METHODS German long-term survivors of childhood cancer (N=509; response rate: 31.3%, age 21-26, 59.7% female) completed a registry-based nationwide survey (embedded mixed methods design, including closed and open-ended questions) on measures about disclosure history (behavior, difficulty, and timing), partner responses, and relationship status satisfaction. Statistical (χ2 -, t-, or F-tests) and qualitative analyses were conducted. RESULTS Half of all survivors always disclosed their cancer history to romantic partners. Thereby, three themes for considering (non-)disclosure were identified: Survivors' attitudes, having integrated cancer as part of their identity, and anticipated effects on romantic relationships. About 40% indicated having no difficulties with disclosing their cancer history. The timing of disclosure varied, with most survivors disclosing after a few dates. Facilitators of disclosure were the visibility of their former illness (e.g., scars), having trust in a (potential) partner, getting older/mature, and previous positive experiences with disclosure. Few survivors (13.8%) had ever experienced negative responses from dating partners. Yet, those who had negative experiences, found it more difficult to disclose their cancer history. Survivors were overall rather satisfied with their relationship status, with partnered survivors reporting greater satisfaction than singles (Hedge's g=1.68); and particularly partnered survivors with past positive responses being most satisfied. CONCLUSIONS Young adult childhood cancer survivors appear rather open in disclosing their cancer history to (potential) romantic partners, and few experienced negative responses. Psycho-educational programs may emphasize such findings in helping to prevent fear of disclosure or avoidance of dating and disclosure among survivors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W van den Hoek Bos-
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Quality of Care program, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M A Tuinman
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M A Hillen
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Quality of Care program, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F L Huijgens
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Quality of Care program, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Kurpershoek
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Quality of Care program, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Calaminus
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - P Kaatsch
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, University Medical Center Mainz, German Childhood Cancer Registry (GCCR), Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), Mainz, Germany
| | - M Hagedoorn
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - V Lehmann
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kurpershoek E, Hillen MA, Medendorp NM, de Bie RMA, de Visser M, Dijk JM. Advanced Care Planning in Parkinson's Disease: In-depth Interviews With Patients on Experiences and Needs. Front Neurol 2021; 12:683094. [PMID: 34393972 PMCID: PMC8355553 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.683094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Advance care planning (ACP) is an iterative process of discussing the needs, wishes, and preferences of patients regarding disease-specific and end-of-life issues. There is ample evidence that ACP improves the quality of life and promotes the autonomy of patients with cancer and motor neuron disease who have a high disease burden and shortened life expectancy. In Parkinson's disease (PD) though, knowledge about the experiences and preferences of patients regarding ACP is scarce, despite the major disease burden associated with PD. Aim: This study aims to explore the experiences, needs, and preferences of PD patients regarding the content and timing of ACP. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposively selected sample of patients diagnosed with PD. Using a semi-structured topic list, the participants were asked about their prospects for a future living with PD and with whom they wanted to discuss this. Qualitative analysis was performed in parallel with data collection using a data-driven constant comparative approach. The transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed by two researchers using MAXQDA software. Results: Of all 20 patients (13 males; age 47–82; disease duration 1–27 years), most expressed a wish to talk about ACP with a healthcare provider, enabling them to anticipate the uncertain future. The majority of patients preferred their healthcare provider to initiate the discussion on ACP, preferably at an early stage of the disease. Nearly all patients expressed the wish to receive more information regarding the long-term impact of PD, although, the preferred timing varied between patients. They also perceived that their neurologist was primarily focused on medication and had little time to address their need for a more holistic approach toward living with PD. Conclusion: Our results suggest that PD patients are in need of discussing ACP with their healthcare provider (HCP), even in the early stages of the disease. In addition, PD patients perceive a lack of information on their disease course and miss guidance on available supportive care. We recommend HCPs to inquire the information requirements and preferences of patients regarding ACP regularly, starting soon after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kurpershoek
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marij A Hillen
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Niki M Medendorp
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rob M A de Bie
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marianne de Visser
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joke M Dijk
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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