Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy

A special issue of Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729). This special issue belongs to the section "Palliative and Supportive Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 March 2022) | Viewed by 23193

Special Issue Editor

1. Leslie Diamond Chair in Cancer Survivorship, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
2. Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
3. Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control (ARCC), Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
Interests: cancer survivorship; health economics; quality of life; priority setting; public engagement

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The number of new cancer cases diagnosed each year is rising across the globe, largely as a result of growing and ageing populations. That said, due to advances in early detection, therapeutics, and cancer staging, survivorship rates have increased substantially over the past five decades. In high-income countries, almost two-thirds of cancer survivors now survive more than five years after their cancer diagnosis. Yet, many survivors live with complex physical, psychosocial, and financial impacts of their diagnosis long after treatment completion. Supporting survivors through these lifelong challenges requires a care delivery system that is effective, person- and family-centred, and sustainable, so individuals and their families not only survive cancer but flourish.

In the past three decades, cancer survivorship research has emerged as a distinct and highly interdisciplinary field. The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a forum for new research articles, evidence reviews, expert perspectives, and novel ideas on a breadth of topics related to cancer survivorship research, practice and policy. 

Examples of submissions include (but are not limited to):

  • Epidemiological and descriptive studies on the incidence and prevalence of adverse and/or late-effects, including physical, psychological, and social problems
  • Interventional and implementation studies addressing health and social problems relating to adverse and/or late effects
  • Health services and policy-related research, including cost-effectiveness analyses of cancer survivorship practice and policies
  • Methodological and measurement studies in cancer survivorship

Topics may include (but are not limited to): rehabilitation, exercise, health-related behaviors, virtual health, health equity, pandemic preparedness, return to work, quality of care, models of care, quality of life, cognitive dysfunction, sexual problems, fertility, and mental health.

Prof. Dr. Stuart Peacock
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Oncology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cancer survivor
  • survivorship
  • late effects
  • models of care
  • psychosocial
  • supportive care
  • care plan

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 636 KiB  
Article
Self-Employed Canadians’ Experiences with Cancer and Work: A Qualitative Study
by Christine Maheu, Maureen Parkinson, Caitlin Wong, Fatima Yashmin and Caroline Longpré
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(5), 4586-4602; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/curroncol30050347 - 29 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1738
Abstract
Self-employed individuals with cancer face unique challenges that have not been fully explored in previous research. For example, while some studies conducted in Europe have suggested that self-employed workers with cancer experience more adverse health and work-related outcomes compared to salaried workers, the [...] Read more.
Self-employed individuals with cancer face unique challenges that have not been fully explored in previous research. For example, while some studies conducted in Europe have suggested that self-employed workers with cancer experience more adverse health and work-related outcomes compared to salaried workers, the specific manners in which cancer affects the health, work, and businesses of self-employed individuals remain inadequately understood. This lack of understanding represents a crucial gap in the literature, as self-employed individuals make up a significant portion of the workforce in many countries, including Canada. To address this gap, a qualitative interpretive description study was undertaken to explore the experiences of 23 self-employed Canadians diagnosed with cancer from six provinces, with the aim of generating insights into the unique challenges faced by this population. The interviews were conducted in the language chosen by the participants from the two official languages of Canada, namely English and French. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four major themes and twelve subthemes were generated from the participants’ shared accounts that reflected the impact of cancer on self-employed Canadians’ physical, cognitive, and psychological function, affecting their work ability and their ability to maintain their business and financial well-being. Participants in the study also shared strategies they used to continue working and maintain their business during their cancer experience. This study sheds light on the impact of cancer on self-employed individuals and provides insight into the experiences of self-employed individuals with cancer that can inform the development of interventions to support this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy)
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18 pages, 3998 KiB  
Article
Persisting Deficits in Health-Related Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Survivors 14–24 Years Post-Diagnosis: A Population-Based Study
by Melissa S. Y. Thong, Daniela Doege, Linda Weißer, Lena Koch-Gallenkamp, Lina Jansen, Heike Bertram, Andrea Eberle, Bernd Holleczek, Alice Nennecke, Annika Waldmann, Sylke Ruth Zeissig, Hermann Brenner and Volker Arndt
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(3), 3373-3390; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/curroncol30030257 - 14 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1992
Abstract
(1) Background: The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors >10 years post-diagnosis is understudied. We aimed to compare the HRQOL of CRC survivors 14–24 years post-diagnosis to that of age- and sex-matched non-cancer controls, stratified by demographic and clinical [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors >10 years post-diagnosis is understudied. We aimed to compare the HRQOL of CRC survivors 14–24 years post-diagnosis to that of age- and sex-matched non-cancer controls, stratified by demographic and clinical factors. (2) Methods: We used data from 506 long-term CRC survivors and 1489 controls recruited from German population-based multi-regional studies. HRQOL was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire. We estimated differences in the HRQOL of CRC survivors and controls with multiple regression, adjusted for age at survey, sex, and education, where appropriate. (3) Results: CRC survivors reported poorer social functioning but better health status/QOL than controls. CRC survivors, in general, had higher levels of symptom burden, and in particular diarrhea and constipation, regardless of demographic or clinical factors. In stratified analyses, HRQOL differed by age, sex, cancer type, and having a permanent stoma. (4) Conclusions: Although CRC survivors may have a comparable health status/QOL to controls 14–24 years after diagnosis, they still live with persistent bowel dysfunction that can negatively impact aspects of functioning. Healthcare providers should provide timely and adapted follow-up care to ameliorate potential long-term suffering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy)
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8 pages, 494 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Cancer Survivorship Care: Examination of Factors Associated with Transition to Primary Care
by Som. D. Mukherjee, Daryl Bainbridge, Christopher Hillis and Jonathan Sussman
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(3), 2743-2750; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/curroncol30030207 - 24 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Healthcare systems in Canada and elsewhere have identified the need to develop methods to effectively and safely transition appropriate cancer survivors to primary care. It is generally accepted that survivors with a low risk of adverse events, including recurrence and toxicity, should be [...] Read more.
Healthcare systems in Canada and elsewhere have identified the need to develop methods to effectively and safely transition appropriate cancer survivors to primary care. It is generally accepted that survivors with a low risk of adverse events, including recurrence and toxicity, should be more systematically identified and offered transition. There remains a lack of clarity about what constitutes an appropriate profile that would assist greater application in practice. To address this gap, we examined the clinical profiles of patients that were transitioned from a large regional cancer centre to the community. The factors examined included disease site, clinical stage, time since diagnosis/first consult, cancer treatments, and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores. In total, 2604 patients were identified as transitioned between 2013 and 2020. These patients tended to have common cancers (e.g., breast, endometrium, colorectal) that were generally of lower stage. Half of the patients had received chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment. Nearly one-third of survivors were transitioned within a year of first consult and a third after five years. Most patients reported minimal symptoms based on ESAS scores prior to being transitioned. This study represents one of the first to analyze the types of cancer patients that are being selected for transition to primary care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy)
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13 pages, 263 KiB  
Article
Understanding Cancer Survivors’ Needs and Experiences Returning to Work Post-Treatment: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study
by Robin Urquhart, Sarah Scruton and Cynthia Kendell
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(5), 3013-3025; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/curroncol29050245 - 23 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2011
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to understand Canadian cancer survivors’ experiences during the return-to-work (RTW) process. Methods: A prospective qualitative longitudinal design was employed using the principles of phenomenological inquiry. Cancer survivors took part in three in-depth interviews: at the end of treatment, and [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to understand Canadian cancer survivors’ experiences during the return-to-work (RTW) process. Methods: A prospective qualitative longitudinal design was employed using the principles of phenomenological inquiry. Cancer survivors took part in three in-depth interviews: at the end of treatment, and 3 and 9 months after the first interview. Transcripts were analyzed using constant comparative analysis, guided by the Cancer and Work model. Results: A total of 38 in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants. The resultant themes were: (1) supports received or desired to enable RTW; (2) others’ limited understanding of the long-term impacts of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment; (3) worries and self-doubts about returning to work; and (4) changing perspectives on life and work after cancer. Conclusions: Cancer patients returning to work after treatment often experience challenges throughout the process, including varying levels of support from others and a range of ongoing effects and motivation to RTW. There is a clear gap in terms of the professional supports available to these individuals. Future research should focus on investigating how to improve both quality and accessibility of supports in a way that is personalized to the individual. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy)
16 pages, 669 KiB  
Article
Motivation to Consent and Adhere to the FORT Randomized Controlled Trial
by Christine Maheu, Valerie Lok, Jacqueline Galica, Mali Tse, Emma Maltus, Lauriane Giguère, Wing Lam Tock and Sophie Lebel
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(4), 2848-2863; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/curroncol29040232 - 17 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2110
Abstract
The aim of this qualitative study was to identify the motivational factors that influence cancer survivors to participate and adhere to the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) FORT randomized controlled trial (RCT). Fifteen women diagnosed with breast and gynecological cancer who took part [...] Read more.
The aim of this qualitative study was to identify the motivational factors that influence cancer survivors to participate and adhere to the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) FORT randomized controlled trial (RCT). Fifteen women diagnosed with breast and gynecological cancer who took part in the FORT RCT were interviewed about their experience to consent and adhere to the trial. The transcribed interviews were content analyzed within a relational autonomy framework. The analysis revealed that the participants’ motivation to consent and adhere to the FORT RCT was structured around thirteen subthemes grouped into four overarching themes: (1) Personal Influential Factors; (2) Societal Motivations; (3) Structural Influences; and (4) Gains in Emotional Support. The unique structures of the trial such as the group format, the friendships formed with other participants in their group and with the group leaders, and the right timing of the trial within their cancer survivorship trajectory all contributed to their motivation to consent and adhere to the FORT RCT. While their initial motivation to participate was mostly altruistic, it was their personal gains obtained over the course of the trial that contributed to their adherence. Potential gains in emotional and social support from psycho-oncology trials should be capitalized when approaching future participants as a mean to improve on motivations to consent and adhere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy)
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19 pages, 566 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Post-Treatment Concerns of Cancer Survivors with Five Common Cancers: Exploring the Alberta Results from the Pan-Canadian Transitions Study
by Claire Link, Andrea DeIure and Linda Watson
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(4), 2662-2680; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/curroncol29040218 - 12 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2288
Abstract
As the rates of cancer incidence and survival increase in Canada, more patients are living in the post-treatment survivorship phase of their cancer journey. Identifying cancer survivors’ concerns and unmet needs is important so that health care teams can provide relevant information, supports, [...] Read more.
As the rates of cancer incidence and survival increase in Canada, more patients are living in the post-treatment survivorship phase of their cancer journey. Identifying cancer survivors’ concerns and unmet needs is important so that health care teams can provide relevant information, supports, and resources. Secondary data analysis was carried out on the Alberta patient sample from the 2016 Pan-Canadian Transitions Study survey, designed by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. The top concerns for patients treated for five different cancers were examined descriptively and compared. A question about information that patients received post-treatment was also descriptively analyzed. Binary logistic regressions were conducted for each tumour group, using the top three concerns for each group as outcomes and a variety of demographic factors as independent variables. There were 1833 valid respondents in the Alberta sample. Fatigue and anxiety were top concerns for multiple tumour groups. Most patients received more information about treatment side effects than about signs of recurrence and community resources. Within certain tumour groups, younger patients had higher odds of having concerns, particularly anxiety. Awareness of the common and unique concerns experienced by cancer survivors post-treatment enables health care providers to tailor care and resources to help patients manage their symptoms and concerns. These findings address gaps in knowledge around the cancer survivorship phase and may be applicable to cancer programs and primary care providers in Alberta and beyond. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy)
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13 pages, 271 KiB  
Article
Mental Health Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Cancer Survivors Who Endorse Cannabis: Results from the COVID-19 Cannabis Health Study
by Diane L. Rodriguez, Denise C. Vidot, Marlene Camacho-Rivera and Jessica Y. Islam
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(3), 2106-2118; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/curroncol29030170 - 19 Mar 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2173
Abstract
Our objective was to examine the prevalence of mental health symptoms and the behavioral impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer survivors who endorse cannabis. Participants included 158 adults (≥18 years) who self-reported medicinal cannabis use and responded to our internet-based questionnaire (21 [...] Read more.
Our objective was to examine the prevalence of mental health symptoms and the behavioral impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer survivors who endorse cannabis. Participants included 158 adults (≥18 years) who self-reported medicinal cannabis use and responded to our internet-based questionnaire (21 March 2020–24 March 2021). Data included 79 cancer survivors and 79 age-matched adults without a history of cancer. Descriptive statistics were used to compare demographics, the prevalence of generalized anxiety (GAD-7), depression (CES-D-10), and changes in behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic by cancer survivorship status. Overall, 60.8% and 48.1% of cancer survivors self-reported the use of cannabis to manage their anxiety and depression, respectively. Probable clinical depression (CES-D-10 score ≥ 10) and anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥ 10) were identified in 50.7% and 38.9% of cancer survivors, respectively. Cancer survivors were more likely to report that their anxiety symptoms made it very or extremely difficult to work, take care of home, or get along with others than their counterparts. Cancer survivors with anxiety and/or depression were more likely to fear giving COVID-19 to someone else (47.5% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.023) and to fear being diagnosed with COVID-19 (77.5% vs. 38.5%, p < 0.001) compared to cancer survivors without anxiety and depression symptoms. Further research is recommended to evaluate the use of cannabis as palliative care to improve mental health among cancer survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy)
10 pages, 224 KiB  
Article
Visualizing the Invisible—The Needs and Wishes of Childhood Cancer Survivors for Digitally Mediated Emotional Peer Support
by Stefan Nilsson, Ylva Hård af Segerstad and Maria Olsson
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(2), 1269-1278; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/curroncol29020108 - 20 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1820
Abstract
This study aims to identify the needs and wishes of childhood cancer long-term survivors for digitally mediated emotional peer support. Survivors of childhood cancer (six men, seven women) aged 19–33, participated in semi-structured interviews (November–December 2020). Age of diagnosis ranged from 1 to [...] Read more.
This study aims to identify the needs and wishes of childhood cancer long-term survivors for digitally mediated emotional peer support. Survivors of childhood cancer (six men, seven women) aged 19–33, participated in semi-structured interviews (November–December 2020). Age of diagnosis ranged from 1 to 13 years. The interviews lasted between 45 and 85 min. A thematic analysis was used to identify three themes for needs: processing long-term complications of cancer treatment, processing psychosocial health and meeting others who share similar experiences; and another three themes reflecting wishes: digital tools for connecting with people who had had similar experiences, different modes of communication and a safe place with varying degrees of anonymity. The findings emphasized the needs and wishes of childhood cancer survivors to meet others who had had similar experiences using a digital tool that offered a secure place, with options for a variety of communication methods and levels of anonymity. Peer support can serve as an important complement to professional psychosocial support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy)
14 pages, 762 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Attitudes and Beliefs of Oncologists Regarding the Transitioning and Sharing of Survivorship Care
by Courtney H. Coschi, Daryl Bainbridge and Jonathan Sussman
Curr. Oncol. 2021, 28(6), 5452-5465; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/curroncol28060454 - 19 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2051
Abstract
Transitioning survivorship care from oncologists to primary care physicians (PCPs) is a reasonable alternative to oncologist-led care. This study assessed oncologists’ attitudes and beliefs regarding sharing/transitioning survivorship care. A prospective survey of oncologists within a regional cancer program assessing self-reported barriers and facilitators [...] Read more.
Transitioning survivorship care from oncologists to primary care physicians (PCPs) is a reasonable alternative to oncologist-led care. This study assessed oncologists’ attitudes and beliefs regarding sharing/transitioning survivorship care. A prospective survey of oncologists within a regional cancer program assessing self-reported barriers and facilitators to sharing/transitioning survivorship care was disseminated. In total, 63% (n = 39) of surveyed oncologists responded. Patient preference (89%) and anxiety (84%) are key to transition of care decisions; reduced remuneration (95%) and fewer longitudinal relationships (63%) do not contribute. Oncologists agreed that more patients could be shared/transitioned. Barriers include treatment-related toxicities (82% agree), tumor-specific factors (60–90% agree) and perception of PCP willingness to participate in survivorship care (47% agree). Oncologists appear willing to share/transition more survivors to PCPs, though barriers exist that warrant further study. Understanding these issues is critical to developing policies supporting comprehensive survivorship care models that address both cancer and non-cancer health needs. The demonstrated feasibility of this project warrants a larger-scale survey of oncologists with respect to the transition of survivorship care to PCPs, to further inform effective interventions to support high-quality survivorship care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy)
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Review

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16 pages, 312 KiB  
Review
A Narrative Review on the Collection and Use of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cancer Survivorship Care with Emphasis on Symptom Monitoring
by Corina J. G. van den Hurk, Floortje Mols, Manuela Eicher, Raymond J. Chan, Annemarie Becker, Gijs Geleijnse, Iris Walraven, Annemarie Coolbrandt, Maryam Lustberg, Galina Velikova, Andreas Charalambous, Bogda Koczwara, Doris Howell, Ethan M. Basch and Lonneke V. van de Poll-Franse
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(6), 4370-4385; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/curroncol29060349 - 17 Jun 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3923
Abstract
Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) applications promise great added value for improving symptom management and health-related quality of life. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the collection and use of ePROs for cancer survivorship care, with an emphasis on ePRO-symptom monitoring. [...] Read more.
Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) applications promise great added value for improving symptom management and health-related quality of life. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the collection and use of ePROs for cancer survivorship care, with an emphasis on ePRO-symptom monitoring. It offers many different perspectives from research settings, while current implementation in routine care is ongoing. ePRO collection optimizes survivorship care by providing insight into the patients’ well-being and prioritizing their unmet needs during the whole trajectory from diagnosis to end-of-life. ePRO-symptom monitoring can contribute to timely health risk detection and subsequently allow earlier intervention. Detection is optimized by automatically generated alerts that vary from simple to complex and multilayered. Using ePRO-symptoms during in-hospital consultation enhances the patients’ conversation with the health care provider before making informed decisions about treatments, other interventions, or self-management. ePRO(-symptoms) entail specific implementation issues and complementary ethics considerations. The latter is due to privacy concerns, digital divide, and scarcity of adequately representative data for particular groups of patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Survivorship Research, Practice and Policy)
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