Jodie Villeneuve

The role of second-hand smoke exposure on smoking cessation in non-tobacco-related cancers.

Second‐hand smoke (SHS) is a significant barrier to smoking cessation after a diagnosis of cancer in patients with lung as well as head and neck cancers. In the current study, the authors evaluated the effect of SHS on smoking cessation among patients with those cancers not traditionally perceived to be strongly associated with smoking.

Lifestyle Behaviors in Elderly Cancer Survivors: A Comparison With Middle-Age Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE Improved cancer screening and treatment have led to a greater focus on cancer survivorship care. Older cancer survivors may be a unique population. We evaluated whether older cancer survivors (age ≥ 65 years) had lifestyle behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge distinct from younger survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Adult cancer survivors with diverse cancer subtypes were recruited from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). Multivariable models evaluated the effect of age on smoking, alcohol, and physical activity habits, attitudes toward and knowledge of these habits on cancer outcomes, and lifestyle information and recommendations received from health care providers, adjusted for sociodemographic and clinicopathologic covariates. RESULTS Among the 616 survivors recruited, 23% (n = 139) were older. Median follow-up since diagnosis was 24 months. Older survivors were more likely ex-smokers and less likely current smokers than younger survivors, but they were less likely to know that smoking could affect cancer treatment (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.53; P = .007) or prognosis (adjusted OR, 0.53; P = .008). Older survivors were more likely to perceive alcohol as improving overall survival (adjusted OR, 2.39; P = .02). Rates of meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity guidelines 1 year before diagnosis (adjusted OR, 0.55; P = .02) and maintaining and improving their exercise levels to meet these guidelines after diagnosis (adjusted OR, 0.48; P = .02) were lower in older survivors. Older and younger cancer survivors reported similar rates of receiving lifestyle behavior information from health care providers (P = .36 to .98). CONCLUSION Older cancer survivors reported being less aware of the impact of smoking on their overall health, more likely perceived alcohol as beneficial to survival, and were less likely to meet exercise goals compared with younger survivors. Survivorship programs need to consider age when counseling on lifestyle behaviors.

Use of iPad technology to determine cancer patient-reported preferences for and understanding of pharmacogenetic testing (PGT).

319 Background: PGT in oncology can be used to predict the efficacy and toxicity of a particular treatment in an individual. Previous work by our group has demonstrated that among cancer patients willing to undergo chemotherapy, >98% wanted PGT testing if it could identify patients who would respond to chemo. However, in the original study using a paper questionnaire, 22% of patients did not understand the concept of PGT and its clinical implications. Therefore, we have devised a simpler, more visual questionnaire in electronic format using iPad technology and simple animations. We are assessing if patient understanding using this format is increased and also if patients prefer completing the survey with this novel technology. METHODS An interim analysis of a broad cross-section of cancer patients using an iPad was performed. PGT questions related to hypothetical efficacy, toxicity, time to test results, willingness to pay as well as understanding of PGT scenarios were assessed. RESULTS 135 cancer patients (87% adjuvant, 12% metastatic; 27% breast, 25% colon, 22% heme malignancy, 23% other) attending Princess Margaret Hosptial participated. 85% of patients accepted chemo that had a 5% absolute improvement in survival and <10% chance of side effects. 94% of patients chose to have PGT if it could identify subsets of patients who would benefit from chemo. The median that patients were willing to pay for PGT was

Patterns, perceptions, and perceived barriers to physical activity in adult cancer survivors

250 (range

Complementary and alternative medicine and other health behaviors.

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Use of online resources by patients with cancer: The Canadian experience.

5,000), however the median that patients felt was a reasonable price was

Patient preference: a comparison of electronic patient‐completed questionnaires with paper among cancer patients

100 (

Patterns, perceptions and their association with changes in alcohol consumption in cancer survivors: XXXX

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The role of social exposure to smoking on smoking cessation in adult cancer survivors.

5,000). 11% of patients admitted that they did not understand the concept of PGT and its clinical implications. CONCLUSIONS Almost all patients who were willing to undergo chemo were also willing to accept PGT. Fewer patients in this study compared with our original paper directed questionnaire described themselves as lacking an understanding of PGT (11% versus 22% respectively), suggesting that survey administration on an iPad with a visual characterization of question scenarios improved understanding. Final data from over 300 patients will be analyzed in the fall, which would include data on patient attitudes on use of such technology for communication and decision making.

Comparing elderly and non-elderly adult cancer survivors: Differences in modifiable behaviours of smoking and alcohol cessation and physical activity.

PurposePhysical activity (PA) during and after cancer treatment is associated with improved cancer- and non-cancer-related outcomes. We assessed for predictors of change in PA levels among cancer survivors.MethodsAdult cancer survivors from a comprehensive cancer center completed a one-time questionnaire retrospectively assessing PA levels before, during, and after cancer treatment along with their perceptions of PA. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the association of clinico-demographics variables and perceptions of PA with changes in whether patients were meeting PA guidelines after cancer diagnosis.ResultsAmong the 1003 patients, 319 (32%) met moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) guidelines before diagnosis. Among those meeting guidelines before diagnosis, 50% still met guidelines after treatment; 12% not meeting MVPA guidelines initially met them after treatment/at follow-up. Among patients meeting guidelines before diagnosis, better ECOG performance status at follow-up, receiving curative therapy, and spending a longer time on PA initially were each associated with meeting guidelines at follow-up. After controlling for other variables, perceiving that PA improves quality of life (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 11.09, 95%CI [1.42–86.64], P = 0.02) and overall survival (aOR = 8.52, 95%CI [1.12–64.71], P = 0.04) was each associated with meeting MVPA guidelines during/after treatment, in patients who did not meet guidelines initially. Only 13% reported receiving counseling, which was not associated with PA levels. Common reported barriers to PA included fatigue, lacking motivation, and being too busy.ConclusionsPatient perceptions of PA benefits are strongly associated with improving PA levels after a cancer diagnosis. Clinician counseling should focus on patient education and changing patient perceptions.