JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOCIAL ONCOLOGY

Understanding the patient-spouse communication experience during chemotherapy for gastric cancer: A qualitative study
Zhou Y, Che CC, Chong MC, Hou Y, Xiao X, Liu Y and Zhao H
This study examines how patients with gastric cancer and their spouses communicate about the illness, assessing the impact of positive or negative communication on their psychological adaptation and the intimacy of their relationship as a couple.
The meaning-making process in the re-entry phase: A qualitative focus group study with patients treated for breast cancer or melanoma
Visser A, Post L, Dekker J, van Zuylen L and Konings IR
After completion of curative cancer treatment patients enter the re-entry phase, which is characterized by the task to pick up life again. While having to resume their former roles, patients experience the loss of normality and face existential concerns. A sense of meaning and purpose may help in dealing with changes in life and existential concerns. The aim of this study is to gain insight in the meaning-making process of patients treated for breast cancer or melanoma in the re-entry phase in order to develop an intervention to support picking up life after a long treatment process including systemic treatment.
Quality of life and unmet needs of late-stage and metastatic colorectal cancer survivors: An integrative review
Brown KA, Cordts KP and Lally RM
The purpose of this review was to identify and synthesize the published literature on Quality of Life (QoL) and unmet needs of late-stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] III) and metastatic (AJCC IV) CRC survivors.
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Scanxiety in survivors of pancreatic cancer
Winebrenner SE, Hall L, Hermann C and Martin RCG
To understand the scanxiety experience in pancreatic cancer (PC) survivors following curative surgical resection.
Association between positive affect, flourishing, quality of life, and psychological distress in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Amonoo HL, Daskalakis E, Lam JA, Wolfe ED, Guo M, Onyeaka HK, Newcomb RA, Barata A, Ghanime PM, Keane EP, Boardman AC, Cutler C, Pirl WF, Peteet JR, Gudenkauf LM, Lee SJ, Huffman JC and El-Jawahri A
To examine the associations between state positive psychological well-being (PPWB) constructs, mood, and quality of life (QOL) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) survivors.
Development of the Partner Version of the Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI-PV) Scale in the Context of Cancer Survivorship
Acquati C, Chen Q, Arthur EK, Reese JB and Gorman JR
This study aimed to develop the Partner Version of the Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI-PV) scale.
Adaptation and feasibility of the Swedish Promoting Resilience in Stress Management intervention targeting adolescents and young adults newly diagnosed with cancer
Ödling M, Jervaeus A, Wengström Y, Rosenberg AR, Yi-Frazier JP and Winterling J
To describe the adaptation and feasibility of the Swedish version of the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM) intervention among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) newly diagnosed with cancer.
A descriptive study of the connections between social risk and healthcare utilization with supportive oncology care
Cammy R, Banks J, Vaughan-Briggs C, Garber G, Pantilat S and Worster B
This study utilized social risk data in the electronic heath record collected as part of routine clinical practice and examined relationships with supportive oncology care contacts and healthcare utilization.
Psychosocial interventions for post-treatment haematological cancer survivors: An integrative review
Raphael D, Frey R, Moeke-Maxwell T and Gott M
To synthesize literature regarding the implementation and evaluation of psychosocial interventions designed to reduce distress in post-treatment haematological cancer survivors.
Disparities in fertility preservation discussions among sexual and gender minority cancer patients and their cancer care providers
Wilson-Shabazz IN, Wheldon CW, Hall MJ and Bass SB
Cancer providers are advised to inform their reproductive aged patients about fertility preservation given the potential for treatment-related infertility. How consistently fertility preservation discussions (FPDs) occur is understudied in sexual and gender minority (SGM) cancer patients. The effects of bias and heteronormativity may reduce the rate of FPDs. We identified the frequency and correlates of FPD in a sample of SGM cancer patients.
A bibliometric analysis of studies on death anxiety in patients with cancer
Li W, Li H, Wen J, Pang D, Lu Y and Yang H
This study evaluates the evolution and focal points of research on death anxiety among cancer patients over the last three decades, utilizing bibliometric analyses. We analyzed publications related to death anxiety among cancer patients from January 1994 to January 2024 using data from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric indicators such as the number of publications, leading countries, institutions, and research themes were examined. A total of 2,602 papers from 286 institutions across 97 countries were identified. There has been a significant increase in research interest, particularly between 2014 and 2023, with a peak in 2022. The United States and Harvard University were found to be the most prolific contributors. Major research themes include quality of life, palliative care, mental health, and cancer-specific concerns. The results highlight the rapid development in the field of death anxiety research among cancer patients, with an increase in publications and emerging research themes. However, there is limited international and institutional collaboration. The study underscores the need for enhanced cooperative efforts to advance understanding and research in this area, suggesting directions for future research.
Survey of families' psychosocial needs in the context of pediatric cancer: a first step toward the participatory development of a group intervention
Rivard M, Tremblay J, Mestari Z, Desjardins L, Bergeron É and Lefebvre C
Pediatric cancer is associated with stressors that increase the risk for distress across family members. Psychosocial support varies and may not meet family needs and preferences. This study investigated family members' points of view regarding psychosocial service needs, as a first step of a large participative research project aiming to develop interventions grounded in key stakeholders' perspectives.
Understanding and tackling cancer inequities: What opportunities does intersectionality offer researchers, policymakers, and providers? A scoping review
Estupiñán Fdez de Mesa M, Marcu A, Ream E and Whitaker KL
We summarised the international evidence relating to the role of intersectionality in patients' lived experience of inequities along the cancer care pathway. We produced guidance to use intersectionality in future research.
The role of emotion regulation through mindfulness in oncological patients: A pilot study
Yélamos Agua C, Luque Suárez S, Ruesga García M, Sepulcre Canto R, Angulo Belisario R, Hernandez Baute T, Hortelano Luna C, Izárbez Loriente S, Márquez Fernández M, Parejo Espinar M, Sánchez Jiménez MI, San José García R and Berzal Pérez E
Traditional MBSR or MBTC programs do not delve deeply enough into emotional regulation, which is especially relevant in oncological patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the benefits of a mindfulness-based emotion regulation program in adult oncological patients.
Using a community-engaged research process to plan, implement, and evaluate a cancer education program to improve knowledge and screening intentions among African American men
George W, Miller M, Stewart EC, Wilus D, Campbell L, Barlow BC, Mayo-Gamble TL, Barajas C, Hill C, Johnson V, Reed L, Williams J and Cunningham-Erves J
We assessed acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a culturally appropriate, cancer education program to improve cancer knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and screening intentions for oropharynx, colon, and prostate cancers among African American men. We detailed the community-engaged research process used for African American men to design, implement, and evaluate the program.
Experiencing the COVID-19 health crisis: Quality of life of young to mid-life hematology patients
Belnez A, Bauquier C, Piton M, Fayard O, Golfier C, Besson C, Ghesquières H and Préau M
This study questions the quality of life of young to mid-life hematology patients during lockdowns in France.
Subjective well-being among Iranian breast cancer patients: Exploring the influential role of psychological capital
Mohsenipouya H, Motallebi Z, Mousavinasab N, Sangani A, Roy N and Mamun MA
Breast cancer is a prevalent and emotionally challenging condition that profoundly affects women worldwide. Effectively managing the mental and emotional dimensions of this disease is crucial for the holistic well-being of patients. Psychological capital (PsyCap) has emerged as a pivotal psychological construct with the potential to effectively address these challenges. This study aims to explore the influential role of PsyCap and its constructs on the subjective well-being (SWB) of Iranian breast cancer patients.
A powerful safety net: Social support moderates the association of quality of life deficits with suicidal ideation in long-term childhood cancer survivors
Schwinn T, Hirschmiller J, Brähler E, Merzenich H, Faber J, Wild PS, Beutel ME and Ernst M
Cancer survivors are at risk for suicidality. We aimed to expand the knowledge about protective factors and their interplay with risk factors by testing social support as a modifier of the association of Quality of Life (QoL) deficits with suicidal ideation.
A pre-post evaluation of a digital intervention to improve psychosocial outcomes of caregivers of people living with cancer in Vietnam
Santin O, Thi Ho H, Bui CL, Thi Nguyen H, Ta HQ, Tran NT, Hoang MV, Dang THQ, Pham TM, Pham HN, Thi Chau H, Nguyen HTK, Vo KV, Pham TT, Dao LHT, Ho DX and Schofield P
To evaluate a co-designed intervention using digital resources "Vietnam Cancer Caring Coping" (V-CCC) on the health literacy, depression, and quality of life of caregivers supporting a cancer patient in oncology hospitals in Vietnam.
The essential and evolving nature of oncology social work: Accomplishments and impact, 2010-present
Zebrack B, Schapmire T, Damaskos P, Grignon M and Smith SK
This paper demonstrates the essential nature of oncology social work and the critical role that oncology social workers (OSWs) play in the achievement of high-quality cancer care that improves patient outcomes, contains cost, advances population health, reduces provider burn-out among healthcare providers, and does it in a manner that addresses disparities and achieves equity. To this end, this paper's purpose is two-fold: (1) to review and demonstrate OSW contributions to the advancement of comprehensive cancer care over the last 15 years, and (2) to consider next steps for the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) and the Oncology Social Work profession to achieve its mission and calling. To enhance the viability and security of OSWs and the professional organizations that support them, this report summarizes a breadth and depth of work and includes recommendations for the profession.