Kristen M. Carpenter

Traumatic Stress, Perceived Global Stress, and Life Events: Prospectively Predicting Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients.

The authors investigated the relationship between stress at initial cancer diagnosis and treatment and subsequent quality of life (QoL). Women (n = 112) randomized to the assessment-only arm of a clinical trial were initially assessed after breast cancer diagnosis and surgery and then reassessed at 4 months (during adjuvant treatment) and 12 months (postadjuvant treatment). There were 3 types of stress measured: number of stressful life events (K. A. Matthews et al., 1997), cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms (M. J. Horowitz, N. Wilner, & W. Alvarez, 1979), and perceived global stress (S. Cohen, T. Kamarck, & R. Mermelstein, 1983). Using hierarchical multiple regressions, the authors found that stress predicted both psychological and physical QoL (J. E. Ware, K. K. Snow, & M. Kosinski, 2000) at the follow-ups (all ps < .03). These findings substantiate the relationship between initial stress and later QoL and underscore the need for timely psychological intervention.

Direct and buffering effects of social support among gynecologic cancer survivors.

BackgroundThere are few studies of QoL among long-term gynecologic cancer survivors; available data suggest significant sequelae of disease and treatment. Research clarifying circumstances that improve difficult survivorship trajectories is lacking.PurposeThe present study examines whether social support moderates the relationship between physical functioning and psychological outcomes by testing the stress-buffering hypothesis.MethodsParticipants (N = 260) were gynecologic cancer survivors (cervical, n = 47; endometrial, n = 133; ovarian, n = 69; vulvar, n = 11). Compromised physical health was conceptualized as multidimensional. Social support (SNI, PSS-Fa, PSS-Fr, ISEL) was tested as a buffer of adverse psychological outcomes (IES-R, CES-D).ResultsResults for traumatic stress provided evidence for buffering; whereas social support was of general benefit for depressive symptoms. Effects varied by source and type of support.ConclusionsThese results suggest that circumstances for gynecologic cancer survivors burdened with physical symptoms may be worse for those with fewer support resources, providing needed insight into a common target of psychosocial interventions for cancer survivors.

Sexual Morbidity Associated With Poorer Psychological Adjustment Among Gynecological Cancer Survivors

Objectives: Sexual morbidity is a distressing and undertreated problem in gynecological cancer survivorship known to occur early and persist well beyond the period of physical recovery. Although often studied as a separate domain, sexuality represents an integral component of psychological adjustment and quality of life (QoL) that is adversely affected by cancer treatments. The present study tests the association between sexual morbidity, and adverse psychological adjustment and QoL outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. The participants were gynecological (cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and vulvar) cancer survivors who were partnered (N = 186), whose cancer was diagnosed 2 to 10 years previously, and who were at least 6 months post any cancer therapy. Most had been found to have early-stage disease (70%) and were treated with hysterectomy (77%), chemotherapy (43%), and/or radiotherapy (23%). Sexual morbidity was operationalized as a multidimensional construct including sexual behavior, sexual functioning, and subjective sexual satisfaction, assessed by patient self-report. Outcomes included self-reported depressive symptoms, traumatic stress symptoms, cancer-specific stress, stress about body changes, and QoL. Nurse-rated of performance status and disruptive signs/symptoms of treatment toxicity, as well as relevant sociodemographic and disease variables were collected as potential controls. Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analyses tested sexual morbidity as a predictor of poor outcomes. All statistical models were significant, accounting for 12% to 53% of the variance in psychological adjustment/QoL. Sexual morbidity covaried with worsened depressive symptoms, body change stress, and psychological QoL beyond the negative contributions of (older) age, (poorer) performance status, and (greater) fatigue. Notably, disease and treatment variables were not statistically significant correlates of psychological adjustment or QoL. Conclusions: These findings suggest that prevention or treatment of sexual morbidity might foster improved psychological adjustment/QoL. Given the high rates of sexual morbidity in this population and the connection between sexuality and broader psychological adjustment/QoL, there is a clear need for better integration of sexuality rehabilitation into routine clinical care.

Sexual Well-Being Among Partnered Women With Breast Cancer Recurrence

PURPOSE A womans risk for sexual disruption after breast cancer recurrence has received little clinical or research attention. PATIENTS AND METHODS Breast cancer patients recently diagnosed with recurrence (n = 60) were initially assessed at baseline and completed follow-ups at 4, 8, and 12 months. They were compared by age, stage, and duration and frequency of follow-up with matched patients who remained disease free (n = 120). Using linear mixed modeling, the groups were compared in their trajectories of change on measures of sexuality, relationship satisfaction, cancer-specific stress, and physical functioning. Recurrence subgroups, those with locoregional versus distant disease and those younger versus older than 52 years, were also compared. RESULTS At baseline, the recurrence group had significantly lower intercourse frequency and physical functioning compared with the disease-free group and these differences were maintained. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of kissing or sexual and relationship satisfactions. For the recurrence group patients, the heightened stress of the diagnostic/early recurrence treatment period declined to the lower disease-free levels by 12 months. This effect was largely due to improvement of the patients with distant disease. Finally, sexual changes were most notable for younger patients. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal, controlled study of sexuality-sexuality in the context of other quality of life domains-for women coping with recurrence. Despite disruption, patients maintained their sexual lives. Younger and distant recurrence patients, however, may have greatest risk of sexual disruption. The factors contributing to sexual disruption remain unknown, and studies investigating strategies to help patients maintain this aspect of quality of life are needed.

Peer-to-Peer Communication, Cancer Prevention, and the Internet

Online communication among patients and consumers through support groups, discussion boards, and knowledge resources is becoming more common. In this article, the summary of a workgroup discussion, we discuss key methods through which such web-based peer-to-peer communication may affect health promotion and disease prevention behavior (exchanges of information, emotional and instrumental support, and establishment of group norms and models). We also discuss several theoretical models for studying online peer communication, including social theory, health communication models, and health behavior models. Although online peer communication about health and disease is very common, research evaluating effects on health behaviors, mediators, and outcomes is still relatively sparse. We suggest that future research in this field should include formative evaluation and studies of effects on mediators of behavior change, behaviors, and outcomes. It also will be important to examine spontaneously emerging peer communication efforts to see how they can be integrated with theory-based efforts initiated by researchers.

Burnout and associated factors among members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology

OBJECTIVE Burnout is specific to the work domain and in physicians is indicative of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization in relationships with coworkers and detachment from patients, and a sense of inadequacy or low personal accomplishment. The purpose of this study was to determine the burnout rate among gynecologic oncologists and evaluate other personal, professional, and psychosocial factors associated with this condition. STUDY DESIGN This study used a cross-sectional design. Current members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology were sent an anonymous email survey including 76 items measuring burnout, psychosocial distress, career satisfaction, and quality of life. RESULTS A total of 1086 members were invited, 436 (40.1%) responded, and 369 (84.6%) of those completed the survey. Of physicians, 30% scored high for emotional exhaustion, 10% high for depersonalization, and 11% low for personal accomplishment. Overall, 32% of physicians scored above clinical cutoffs indicating burnout. In all, 33% screened positive for depression, 13% endorsed a history of suicidal ideation, 15% screened positive for alcohol abuse, and 34% reported impaired quality of life. Nonetheless, 70% reported high levels of personal accomplishment, and results suggested most were satisfied with their careers, as 89% would enter medicine again and 61% would encourage their child to enter medicine. Respondents with high burnout scores were less likely to report they would become a physician again (P = .002) or encourage a child to enter medicine (P < .001), and more likely to screen positive for depression (P < .001), alcohol abuse (P = .006), history of suicidal ideation (P < .001), and impaired quality of life (P < .001). CONCLUSION Burnout is a significant problem associated with psychosocial distress and lower levels of career satisfaction in gynecologic oncologists. Burnout in obstetrics-gynecology and gynecologic oncology is of particular concern as young age and female gender are often identified as risk factors for this significant problem. Interventions targeted at improving quality of life, treatment of depression, or alcohol abuse may have an impact on burnout. However, significant barriers may exist as 44.5% of respondents in this study reported that they would be reluctant to seek medical care for depression, substance use, or other mental health issues due to concerns about their medical license.

The gynecologic oncology consult: symptom presentation and concurrent symptoms of depression and anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: To detail the relationship of gynecologic symptoms and sociodemographic variables to depression and anxiety reports among women who were referred to gynecologic oncologists for evaluation. METHODS: Consecutive patients (N = 151) from an National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center were accrued and participated on the day of consultation. Patients completed measures assessing depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory) symptoms, common gynecologic signs/symptoms, and sociodemographic characteristics. Patients were followed up and subsequent diagnoses yielded 73 (48%) cancer and 78 (52%) benign cases. RESULTS: Descriptive analyses revealed that the cancer group was significantly older (52 versus 45 years) than the benign group, and variables correlated with age also differed significantly, with the cancer sample more likely to be postmenopausal, unemployed, and if employed, working fewer hours per week. Importantly, the groups did not differ on reports of depressive, anxiety, or gynecologic symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses, collapsing across groups, yielded significant correlates of emotional distress. Women who were older, without a spouse/partner, and who had more gynecologic symptoms had higher levels of both depressive and anxiety symptoms. Among the women who did have a partner, those with relationships of longer duration reported lower levels of depression/anxiety CONCLUSION: Reports of clinically significant depressive (42%) and anxiety symptoms (30%) were high. The number of gynecologic symptoms was reliably correlated with emotional distress. Age and absence of partner may have conferred added vulnerability. For those women with partners, lengthier relationships appeared to offer protection from both depressive and anxiety symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III

Cancer and Patient-Physician Communication

As patients are increasingly involved in the selection of their care, communication between health care providers and patients takes on new importance. The present article reviews the most common approaches to improve patient communication, distinguishing among patient-directed and provider-directed approaches, as well as introducing multimedia programs designed to enhance communication. We conclude by delineating new critical areas for future research including peer-to-peer patient communication and the challenges brought on by new technologies.

How to ask and what to do: A guide for clinical inquiry and intervention regarding female sexual health after cancer

Purpose of reviewAs the number of female cancer survivors continues to grow, there is a growing need to bridge the gap between the high rate of womens cancer-related sexual dysfunction and the lack of attention and intervention available to the majority of survivors who suffer from sexual problems. Previously identified barriers that hinder communication for providers include limited time, lack of preparation, and a lack of patient resources and access to appropriate referral sources. Recent findingsThis study brings together a recently developed model for approaching clinical inquiry about sexual health with a brief problem checklist that has been adapted for use for female cancer survivors, as well as practical evidence-based strategies on how to address concerns identified on the checklist. Examples of patient education sheets are provided as well as strategies for building a referral network. SummaryBy providing access to a concise and efficient tool for clinical inquiry, as well as targeted material resources and practical health-promoting strategies based on recent evidence-based findings, we hope to begin eliminating the barriers that hamper oncology providers from addressing the topic of sexual/vaginal health after cancer.

Is bariatric surgery an option for women with gynecologic cancer? Examining weight loss counseling practices and training among gynecologic oncology providers

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate gynecologic oncology provider (GOP) practices regarding weight loss (WL) counseling, and to assess their willingness to initiate weight loss interventions, specifically bariatric surgery (WLS). METHODS Members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology were invited to complete an online survey of 49 items assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to WL counseling. RESULTS A total of 454 participants initiated the survey, yielding a response rate of 30%. The majority of respondents (85%) were practicing GOP or fellows. A majority of responders reported that >50% of their patient population is clinically obese (BMI ≥ 30). Only 10% reported having any formal training in WL counseling, most often in medical school or residency. Providers who feel adequate about WL counseling were more likely to offer multiple WL options to their patients (p<.05). Over 90% of responders believe that WLS is an effective WL option and is more effective than self-directed diet and medical management of obesity. Providers who were more comfortable with WL counseling were significantly more likely to recommend WLS (p<.01). Approximately 75% of respondents expressed interest in clinical trials evaluating WLS in obese cancer survivors. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that GOP appreciate the importance of WL counseling, but often fail to provide it. Our results demonstrate the paucity of formal obesity training in oncology. Providers seem willing to recommend WLS as an option to their patients but also in clinical trials examining gynecologic cancer outcomes in women treated with BS.