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Introduction: Cancer can disrupt participation in everyday activities, suggesting a place for occupational therapy; however, there is a need to articulate the nature, scope and available evidence supporting the occupational therapy role within cancer care. In this scoping review, we identify the breadth of practice and evidence for occupational therapy in cancer care, across all stages of the disease trajectory (diagnosis to palliation/survivorship) throughout the lifespan. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched in June 2018, for English language articles. Key words were: cancer care, OR oncolog*, OR oncologic care, OR neoplasms, OR cancer survivors, OR terminal cancer, OR cancer rehabilitation, AND occupational therap*. No date restrictions were imposed. Included were: all styles of literature including grey literature, all types of cancers and all age brackets. There were no restrictions on place of origin of papers. Following the Arksey and O'Malley (2006; International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8: 19–32) framework for scoping reviews, the first author screened titles and abstracts, and all three authors reviewed sets of the included articles. Conflicts were discussed until consensus was reached. Results: After evaluating 305 titles and abstracts and 111 full‐text articles, 89 papers were retained. Articles included research studies (n = 43), reviews (n = 15), grey literature (n = 16), practice analyses (n = 14) and an editorial (n = 1). The occupational therapy roles described were diverse, but largely descriptive in nature, with little evidence of outcomes from treatment. Furthermore, the majority of papers addressed adult populations, with few considering children, adolescents or young adults. Most papers focused on specific stages of the disease, and none addressed the disease along its full trajectory. Conclusion: Despite identifying a diverse range of occupational therapy roles in cancer care throughout the disease trajectory and across the lifespan, the need for professional discourse and research within our profession was highlighted. This was particularly evident for adolescents and young adults with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Penile cancer is an uncommon, gender-specific, malignancy that has the potential to profoundly affect physical, social, sexual and psychological functions. For most patients the method of treatment is surgery. The degree of surgical intervention is dependent on the stage of the disease at presentation. To date, relatively little is known about the impact of penile cancer surgery on psychological function and overall quality of life in men. Understanding the outcomes of treatment will influence the development of optimal methods of rehabilitation. This paper provides an outline of the context of two reviews of the existing literature: (i) a systematic review of the quantitative literature and (ii) a meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature. The implications for clinical practice, and an outline of forthcoming research are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Many cancer survivors experience difficulties returning to work. However, there have been relatively few attempts to understand why problems with employer support and work adjustment occur. This paper aims to extend previous work in two ways: first, through exploring the way in which communication and support at work effect cancer survivors on their return to work and during the post-return period; and second, by drawing on a research sample working in the United Kingdom. Methods: In all, 26 cancer survivors took part in a semi-structured telephone interview. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The analysis revealed three key findings. First, the central role of communication and support from (and between) occupational health, line managers, and colleagues was highlighted. Second, two discrete processes or periods of return to work were identified: the experience of return to work during the initial period of return and the experiences of post-return to work. Third, during the post-return period, the importance of the delayed impact of cancer on the ability to work, the lack of follow-up and monitoring, and the wear-off effect of empathy and support were highlighted as contributing to return-to-work difficulties. Conclusions: This qualitative study highlights the importance of communication within the workplace with regard to the return-to-work process and the need to provide better support and guidance to cancer survivors, line managers and colleagues. Research is required in delineating how employers without occupational health or human resources support manage the return-to-work process. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the effective exercise methods for different complications of breast cancer patients after surgery. Design: Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was carried out with no time limit until May 2020. Studies must have been randomized controlled trials of patients after breast cancer surgery, without limit to the way of exercise. Literature quality was evaluated by the modified Jadad scale. The meta‐analysis was conducted with CMA2.0 software. Results: Aerobic exercise reduced the intensity of the pain (MD = −1.043), improved shoulder flexion (MD = 3.398) and internal rotation range (MD = 3.868), lessened upper limb dysfunction (MD = −5.231) and improved muscle strength during flexion (MD = 1.076) and abduction (MD = 0.991). Shoulder elbow movement improved the range of shoulder external rotation (MD = 2.691) and reduced the incidence of arm lymphedema (RR = 0.343). Anti‐resistance exercise also lessened upper limb dysfunction (MD = − 4.094). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The occupational therapy profession has an essential role to play in healthy ageing that includes enabling participation, a construct that according to The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), incorporates an environmental context. Environmental barriers and enablers of participation in community‐situated activities for people over the age of 65 have been identified. To support practice, occupational therapists require assessments with demonstrated content validity including comprehensive coverage of the construct. The purpose of this scoping review study was to investigate what instruments are available to assess community participation for people over the age of 65 that included environmental factors. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted, utilising the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology. The evidence source was review articles and inclusion criteria were that they reviewed instruments to assess participation that could be used for people over the age of 65. Items extracted from included instruments were evaluated against a preset list of community‐participation and environment categories that had been developed from the ICF. Results: Twenty‐three review studies met inclusion criteria and from these 240 instruments were extracted. Twenty instruments were retained after exclusions and from these, 540 instrument items were extracted. Of these, 280 (47%) were coded as community‐participation, and only 20 (3.4%) as environment items. Fourteen of the instruments included no environment items. Conclusions: No instrument was identified that comprehensively assessed community participation including the related environmental factors. Such an instrument is required to enable occupational therapy practitioners to support healthy ageing. The development of such an instrument will strengthen the profession's capacity to develop new ways of delivering services to older adults in line with emerging ways that aged care will be delivered and to advance its essential role in healthy ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Oncology rehabilitation improves outcomes for cancer survivors but little is known about program availability in Australia. The aims of this study were: to describe oncology rehabilitation programs in Australia: determine whether the exercise component of programs is consistent with guidelines: and to explore barriers and facilitators to program implementation. Methods A sequential, explanatory mixed-methods study was completed in two phases: (1) a survey of Australian oncology rehabilitation programs; and (2) purposively sampled follow-up semistructured interviews with senior clinicians working in oncology rehabilitation who were involved with exercise prescription. Results Hospitals and/or cancer centers from 42 public hospital health networks (representing 163 hospitals) and 39 private hospitals were contacted to identify 31 oncology rehabilitation programs. All 31 surveys were returned (100% response rate). Programs were typically multidisciplinary, ran twice weekly, provided education and exercise and included self-management strategies. Exercise prescription and progression was patient centered and included a combination of resistance and aerobic training supplemented by balance, pelvic floor, and core stability exercises. Challenges to implementation included a lack of awareness of programs in the community and organizational barriers such as funding. Strong links with oncologists facilitated program referrals. Conclusion Despite evidence to support oncology rehabilitation, there are few programs in Australia and there are challenges that limit it becoming part of standard practice. Programs that exist are multidisciplinary with a focus on exercise with the majority of programs following a cardiac rehabilitation model of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims, and objectives The systematic assessment of cancer patients well-being and care needs is internationally recommended to optimize comprehensive cancer care. The Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES) is a psychometrically robust quality of life and needs assessment tool of US origin, developed in the early 1990s. This article describes Belgian patients' view on the content validity and feasibility of the CARES for use in current cancer care. Methods Participants were cancer patients recruited through media. Data were gathered in 4 focus groups (n = 26). The focus group discussions were facilitated with key questions. A moderator and an observer conducted and followed up the discussion. The audio file was transcribed verbatim and afterwards analyzed thematically. Results Participants experience concerns and needs in a wide range of life domains such as physical, emotional, cognitive, social, relational, sexual, financial, and work-related and in the interaction with care professionals. According to participants, the items of the CARES are all relevant to capture the possible life disruption that cancer patients and survivors experience. One important theme is missing in the CARES, namely, the well-being of loved ones. The completion time of the CARES was judged to be feasible, and according to participants, only a few items need a reformulation. Conclusions In general, the results of this study support the content validity and feasibility of the CARES. However, little adjustments in formulation and a few extra items are needed. The instrument can be used to obtain a comprehensive assessment of a cancer patients' overall well-being and care needs to take dedicated action in care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is the most frequent male cancer disease in the western world. Sexual dysfunction is common after prostate cancer with radiation therapy and androgen deprivation therapy, but further research is needed to determine the lived experience of couples struggling with sexual dysfunction after treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of men and their partners experiencing sexual side effects after radiation therapy and androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. In addition, to understand the role of a structured rehabilitation program on the couple's experience. Couples with persistent sexual problems were recruited among patients treated with radiotherapy or/and androgen deprivation therapy. Descriptive statistics were collected including age, race, education and work. Focus groups with each gender were conducted using open ended questions to encourage participants to talk about their experiences. Data were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological method. A total of eight couples were recruited, men age 67 years [standard deviation (SD) 6·3], women 65 years (SD 7·2). Results from the focus group interviews regarding marital relations were grouped in three themes: negative impact of sexual dysfunction on the relationship; other physical and psychological consequences of late adverse effects; communication issues and partner feelings of frustration. Results regarding the rehabilitation program were grouped in four themes: importance of peer support; importance of time and space for reflection; improved communication; optimism after rehabilitation. The couples in this study reported that the sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatment impacted their relationship and were problematic for both the men and their partners. The rehabilitation program improved the couples communication concerning sexual intimacy and issues related to prostate cancer treatment. It also offered a chance for peer support from others going through similar experiences and increased hope for navigating through sexual and intimacy issues in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of expanding cancer treatment to include the promotion of overall long-term health is emphasized in the Institute of Medicine report on delivering quality oncology care. Weight management, physical activity, and a healthy diet are key components of tertiary prevention but may be areas in which the oncologist and/or the oncology care team may be less familiar. This article reviews current diet and physical activity guidelines, the evidence supporting those recommendations, and provides an overview of practical interventions that have resulted in favorable improvements in lifestyle behavior change in cancer survivors. It also describes current lifestyle practices among cancer survivors and the role of the oncologist in helping cancer patients and survivors embark upon changes in lifestyle behaviors, and it calls for the development of partnerships between oncology providers, primary care providers, and experts in nutrition, exercise science, and behavior change to help positively orient cancer patients toward longer and healthier lives. CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65: 167-189. © 2015 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgen deprivation therapy ( ADT) remains a cornerstone in the management of patients with prostate cancer ( PCa) despite adverse effects on body composition and functional parameters. We compared the effects of football training with standard care in PCa patients managed with ADT (> 6 months). Fifty-seven men aged 67 (range: 43-74) were randomly assigned to a football group ( FG, n = 29) or a usual care control group ( CON, n = 28). The primary outcome was change in lean body mass ( LBM) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning. Secondary outcomes included changes in knee-extensor muscle strength (one repetition maximum), fat percentage, and maximal oxygen uptake ( VO2max). Mean heart rate during training was 137.7 (standard deviation 13.7) bpm or 84.6 (3.9)% HRmax. In FG, LBM increased by 0.5 kg [95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.1-0.9; P = 0.02] with no change in CON (mean group difference 0.7 kg; 95% CI 0.1-1.2; P = 0.02). Also, muscle strength increased in FG (8.9 kg; 95% CI 6.0-11.8; P < 0.001) with no change in CON (mean group difference 6.7 kg; 95% CI 2.8-10.7; P < 0.001). In FG, VO2max increased (1.0 mL/kg/min; 95% CI 0.2-1.9; P = 0.02) and fat percentage tended to decrease (0.7%; 95% CI 1.3-0.0; P = 0.06), but these changes were not significantly different from CON. In conclusion, football training over 12 weeks improved LBM and muscle strength compared with usual care in men with prostate cancer receiving ADT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence is accumulating that exercise-based rehabilitation improves physical capacity and quality of life in cancer survivors. However, recruitment and persistence of male cancer patients in rehabilitation and physical activity are low and novel health promotion strategies are warranted. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the meaning of recreational football as a team and interaction-oriented health-promoting activity in men with prostate cancer ( n = 26). Qualitative data were collected through six focus group interviews ( n = 4-6) and 20 h of participant observations. The two data sets were analyzed using framework analysis. The analysis produced 11 subthemes that were structured into three overarching themes: (a) motivational drivers; (b) united in sport; and (c) confirmation of own capacity. The findings indicated that participants regarded football as a welcome opportunity to regain control and acquire a sense of responsibility for own health without assuming the patient role, and football training legitimized and promoted mutual caring behavior in a male-oriented context. In conclusion, the study suggests that football, due to its cultural representation of masculine ideals, may be a potent and unique strategy for increasing recruitment and adherence to physical activity in prostate cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The introduction of multimodal or fast track ( FT) rehabilitation and laparoscopy in colorectal surgery has improved patient recovery and shortened hospital stay ( HS). This study aimed to determine the influence of laparoscopic or open surgery on the postoperative recovery of colorectal cancer patients having a conventional care ( CC) or FT protocol in the postoperative period. Method A multicentre prospective study was controlled with a retrospective group. The prospective group included 300 patients having elective colorectal resection for cancer. The retrospective control group included 201 patients with the same characteristics who were treated before the introduction of the programme. The patients were divided into four groups including laparoscopy + FT, open surgery + FT, laparoscopy + CC, and open surgery + CC. The primary end-points were HS and morbidity. Secondary end-points included mortality and reoperation rates. Results The overall median HS was 7 days. The median HS for laparoscopy + FT was 5 days, open + FT 6 days, laparoscopy + CC 9 days and open + CC 10 days ( P < 0.001). In the regression model the laparoscopy + FT group had the greatest reduction in HS ( P < 0.001). A significant reduction in HS was observed in the laparoscopy + FT group compared with laparoscopy + CC ( P < 0.001). The overall patient morbidity was 30.6%. The logistic regression model adjusted for propensity score showed no statistically significant differences between the study groups regarding all other end-points. Conclusion Colorectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery within a multimodal rehabilitation protocol experienced the shortest HS and the lowest morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer patients experience loss of physical capacity, dyspnea, pain, reduced energy and psychological distress. The aim of this study was to explore feasibility, health benefits and barriers of exercise in former sedentary patients with advanced stage lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (III-IV) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (ED), undergoing chemotherapy. The intervention consisted of a hospital-based, supervised, group exercise and relaxation program comprising resistance-, cardiovascular- and relaxation training 4 h weekly, 6 weeks, and a concurrent unsupervised home-based exercise program. An explorative study using individual semi-structured interviews ( n=15) and one focus group interview ( n=8) was conducted among the participants. Throughout the intervention the patients experienced increased muscle strength, improvement in wellbeing, breathlessness and energy. The group exercise and relaxation intervention showed an adherence rate of 76%, whereas the patients failed to comply with the home-based exercise. The hospital-based intervention initiated at time of diagnosis encouraged former sedentary lung cancer patients to participation and was undertaken safely by cancer patients with advanced stages of disease, during treatment. The patients experienced physical, functional and emotional benefits. This study confirmed that supervised training in peer-groups was beneficial, even in a cancer population with full-blown symptom burden and poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's experience of breast cancer is complex, affecting all aspects of life during and after treatment. Patients' perspectives about common impairments and functional limitations secondary to breast cancer treatment, including upper extremity motion restriction, lymphedema, fatigue, weight gain, pain, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, are addressed. Women often report being uninformed regarding these side effects and surprised that they do not always disappear after treatment, but remain part of their lives. Breast cancer patients express strong, unmet needs for education, information, and intervention for these side effects. Evidence suggests that rehabilitation and exercise are effective in preventing and managing many physical side effects of breast cancer treatment. Nevertheless, few women are referred to rehabilitation during or after treatment, and fewer receive baseline assessments of impairment and function to facilitate early detection of impairment and functional limitations. The prospective surveillance model of rehabilitation will serve the needs of women with breast cancer by providing education and information about treatment side effects, reducing the incidence and burden of side effects through early identification and treatment, and enhancing access to timely rehabilitation. Integration of exercise as a component of the model benefits patients at every phase of survivorship, by addressing individual concerns about exercise during and after treatment and highlighting the important contribution of exercise to overall health and survival. The prospective surveillance model of rehabilitation can meet the evident and often expressed needs of survivors for information, guidance, and intervention-thus addressing, and potentially improving, overall quality of life for individuals diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer. Cancer 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant proportion of adult breast cancer survivors experience deficits in function and restriction in participation in life roles that may remain many years after diagnosis. Function is a complex construct that takes into account the interactions between an individual, their health condition, and the social and personal context in which they live. Research to date on limitations in activities of daily living, upper extremity function, and functional capacity in breast cancer survivors illustrates the need for prospective measurement of function using measures that are sensitive to the unique issues of breast cancer survivors and the need for the development of effective rehabilitation interventions to improve function. Limitations in function have a significant impact on quality of life, but less is known about the implications on return to work and survival, as well as the impact of other comorbidities and aging on the function limitations in breast cancer survivors. This review provides a rationale for the integration of measures of function into breast cancer care to more fully appreciate the functional limitations associated with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment and to aid in the development of better rehabilitation care for breast cancer survivors. Cancer 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cancer can affect a great number of individuals and is the second leading cause of death in the United States, the number of individuals admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation units with impairments primarily as the result of cancer diagnoses remains small. There is a lack of awareness among health care providers as to the functional loss that can be associated with cancer and the potential benefits of inpatient rehabilitation. Furthermore, financial pressures from third-party payors may dissuade the admission of patients with cancer for inpatient rehabilitation. This is a narrative review of the literature with respect to the efficacy and potential benefits of inpatient rehabilitation for patients with cancer. The findings of studies on the rehabilitation of general cancer populations are presented, with a focus on functional outcomes, medical complications and transfer rates, and common symptoms encountered during inpatient rehabilitation. Studies that focus on tumors involving the brain and spinal cord are separately analyzed. Functional outcomes by tumor location are reviewed with respect to tumor type, recurrence, and comparison with nontumor diagnoses. In addition, the effects of concomitant treatments on functional outcomes and possible correlations of survival with functional outcome are presented. Justification for admission of patients with cancer diagnoses to inpatient rehabilitation units, as well as implications for management of these patients during their rehabilitation stay, will be summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have reported prospective data on psychosocial outcomes after genetic counselling in families with suspected hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). This prospective study examines the impact of multidisciplinary risk counselling on the psychosocial outcome of 139 affected cancer patients and 233 family members without cancer at risk for HNPCC. Participants completed questionnaires specific to HNPCC before and 8 weeks after attending the familial cancer clinic. Affected patients’ levels of distress were closely related to their health status and exceeded that of unaffected individuals, as did worry regarding their relatives’ risk. A significant reduction in general anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), distress specific to familial CRC (Impact of Events Scale) and general cancer worry (Distress Hereditary Disorder) was demonstrated after counselling in both affected patients and unaffected individuals. Reduction in distress was more pronounced in affected patients given a high risk of HNPCC compared with those at intermediate risk. Among unaffected individuals, distress declined regardless of what clinical risk they were assigned. Their perceptions of risk and cancer-related threat declined, while confidence in effective surveillance increased. These results suggest the beneficial effects of multidisciplinary counselling even when high-risk information is conveyed. A patient’s previous cancer experience is likely to contribute to clinically relevant distress (15% of those patients), indicating the need for appropriate counselling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A very brief historical review on the identification of neurocognitive deficits in patients treated for a pediatric malignancy that involved CNS disease, treatment, or a combination is provided. This review is particularly directed toward providing a foundation upon which the introduction of specific brain injury rehabilitation efforts and subsequent research were introduced into this population of patients. Three primary methods by which clinicians and researchers have attempted to improve neurocognitive functioning with survivors of pediatric cancer that have suffered a CNS insult are identified. From a pharmacological perspective, research is reviewed that documents the potential beneficial effects of stimulant medication. Results of two drug trials that used double-blind crossover methodology are reviewed, and it is highly likely that medications may be of significant benefit to pediatric cancer survivors who are experiencing attentional deficits, impairment in social functioning, and also declines in academic achievement. We next describe psychologically based brain injury rehabilitation efforts, including on-treatment schooling and reentry, within the survivor population. A phase III clinical trial of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach is discussed in detail. New directions in the area of brain injury rehabilitation for childhood cancer survivors are presented, and the need for professionals in this area to work toward a team approach is emphasized. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2008;14:251–258. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the remarkable achievements in survival, there is a growing recognition that pediatric cancer survivors are faced with a variety of chronic health problems that may be exacerbated by maladaptive health behaviors. The purpose of the present study was to examine the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in understanding adolescent survivors' motivation to engage in physical activity. A group of adolescent cancer survivors recalled their beliefs, attitudes, norms, perceptions of control, intentions and post-treatment physical activity behaviors using a self-administered, mailed questionnaire in a retrospective design. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the TPB explained 29.1% of the variance in physical activity behavior, with the significant independent correlates being intention (β=0.31,p=0.023) and self-efficacy (β=0.42,p=0.04). For intention, 33.7% of the variance was explained by the TPB, with affective attitude (β=0.32,p=0.016) and instrumental attitude (β=0.31, p=0.037) making significant unique contributions. The present study has provided some of the first data toward understanding physical activity behavior in adolescent cancer survivors. Specifically, the results suggest that interventions designed to promote physical activity in this population should focus on the development of a positive attitude as well as fostering an enhanced sense of self-efficacy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internet provides new ways of forming social relationships among people with breast cancer and is increasingly used for this purpose. This qualitative study, using ethnographic case-study method, aimed to explore how support groups on the internet can break the social isolation that follows cancer and chronic pain, by analysing the storytelling emerging on the Scandinavian Breast Cancer Mailing list. Using participant observation and face-to-face or online interviews of participants, we investigated the motivations of 15 women who chose the internet to counteract social isolation after breast cancer. The results showed that the women were empowered by the exchanges of knowledge and experience within the support group. The internet was considered a means for finding ways of living with breast cancer. Our study suggests that internet support groups have important potential for the rehabilitation of cancer patients. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tumor Biology Center is an innovative model institution for cancer treatment and research which includes basic and applied research institutions and two different types of clinics: an acute care hospital (80 beds) and a rehabilitation hospital (120 beds). The department for psycho-oncology is an integrated part of the two hospitals and consists of a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, a social worker, a music therapist, an art therapist and an occupational therapist The psychosocial care program uses different kinds of group therapy, as well as counselling and psychotherapy with the patients and their spouses. The psychosocial treatment approach is patient-oriented and aimed at the improvement of the patients coping skills and the psychological management of cancer-referred symptoms such as -, anxiety or side effects of chemotherapy. The programs are described with regard to the psychosomatic treatment approach of the whole center and the peculiarities of the two different settings (acute care and rehabilitation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using two different factor structures for the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale, the present study examined the relationship between mental attitude and emotional adjustment in a sample of 58 cancer patients. Analyses, using the original Watson MAC subscales, showed that: (a) fighting spirit was associated with better emotional adjustment, whereas hopelessness/helplessness and anxious preoccupation were associated with poor emotional adjustment, and (b) subjects with low fighting spirit, high hopelessness/helplessness and moderate anxious preoccupation also had high levels of emotional distress. Analysis, on the alternative Schwartz MAC subscales, showed that: (a) positive reappraisal was associated with better emotional adjustment, whereas hopelessness was associated with poor emotional adjustment and (b) subjects with low hopelessness, high positive reappraisal, high positive attitude and high vigilant participation also had lower levels of emotional distress. However, for both factor structures, certain subscales showed a weak association to mood. Overall, the results validate both MAC factor structures, but highlight the need for additional refinement of the MAC scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts on medical topics which include the role of chemotherapy in endometrial cancer, cancer survivorship and molecular subtype analysis of ovarian cancer.