Coping

Abstract: As the concept of distress as the 6th vital sign gains strength in cancer care, research on the experience of patients is critical. This study longitudinally examined patients’ physical and psychosocial concerns over the year following diagnosis.

Methods: Between July 2007 and February 2008, patients attending a large tertiary cancer centre were recruited to participate in a study examining their levels of distress, pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety over a year.

Abstract: For families under stress, positive grandparental relationships provide a valued ‘safety net’. However, coping with family stressors can place a heavy burden on older individuals who may be experiencing declining health/energy themselves. This mixed-methods study assessed the prevalence of distress in grandparents of children with, and without, cancer, aiming to identify predictors of grandparental distress and quantify their barriers to care.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to provide insight into the following: (a) the perceived level of, satisfaction with, and helpfulness of received information and unmet information needs among thyroid cancer (TC) survivors and (b) the relation between unmet information needs and impact of cancer (IOC).

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between negative religious coping (NRC) and suicidal ideation in patients with advanced cancer, controlling for demographic and disease characteristics and risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation.

Abstract: Managing distress has become crucial in optimized cancer care. Psychoeducation using tablet PCs has potential as a novel intervention to reduce distress in cancer patients. We examined the benefit of a single-session psychoeducation using a tablet PC during chemotherapy.

 Abstract: This study examined the associations between breast cancer survivors’ capacity to adjust to unattainable goals (through goal disengagement and goal reengagement), health-related self-protection (e.g., positive reappraisals), and low-grade systemic inflammation (i.e., C-reactive protein [CRP]).

Abstract: Evidence shows that smoking is a major cause of cancer, and cancer patients who con- tinue smoking are at greater risk for all causes of mortality, cancer recurrence, and second primary cancers. Nevertheless, many cancer patients still smoke and are not willing to quit. This study aimed at understanding the needs and concerns of current and ex-smoking cancer patients, including their risk perceptions, and the behavior and attitudes related to smoking.

Abstract: Recent years have witnessed a rapid acceleration in the recognition and documentation of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS) in childhood cancer survivors and their parents. However, applicability of PTSD both diagnostically and conceptually to cancer-related traumatic responses remains poorly articulated within the current literature. Following an outline of childhood cancer and PTSD, this paper critically examines the applicability of such a diagnosis to this clinical population.