Coping

Abstract: In the context of increasing prostate cancer survivorship, evidence of unmet supportive care needs and growing economic health-care restraints, this review examined and evaluated best approaches for developing self-management programmes to meet men’s survivorship needs.

Abstract: ‘Fighting spirit’ in early-stage cancer comprises optimism about prognosis, a belief that the disease and/or its effects are controllable, and a determination to cope with the situation using various active coping methods. It is associated with better adjustment. In advanced cancer, the usefulness of this coping style is contentious. This systematic review identified eight studies that investigated these qualities in advanced cancer.

Abstract: The Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale was validated on a heterogeneous French sample of 317 cancer patients. Internal consistency was satisfactory for the original subscales (a coefficients=0.62–0.80), except for the Fatalism subscale (a=0.40). The intercorrelations of the subscales and the correlations between the subscales and Anxiety and Depression criteria were congruent with the values reported in the literature. Multidimensional Scaling revealed three positive and three negative subsets of items revealing adjustment to cancer.

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.