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Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of AYAs aged 18–49 with cancer in Canada between January and February 2021. Data from survivors, defined as AYAs more than one year off cancer treatment, were analysed. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with psychological distress, loneliness and insomnia. Results The analysis included 384 survivors. Moderate-to-severe psychological distress was reported by 257 (68.9%) survivors and was associated with an income ≥ $60,000 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.15, 95% CI 1.11–4.17) and the presence of a pre-existing chronic physical health condition (AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.18–3.56). Loneliness was reported by 204 (54.0%) survivors and was associated with being unemployed (AOR 2.26 95%CI 1.18–4.31), pandemic causing finances to be worse (AOR 1.82, 95%CI 1.08–3.06) and the presence of a pre-pandemic mental health condition (AOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.03–3.42). Clinical insomnia was reported by 74 (19.5%) survivors and was associated with employment status as a student (AOR 3.00, 95% CI 1.08–8.29) or unemployed (AOR 3.97, 95% CI 1.46–10.83), earning $60,000 or more in the year 2020 (AOR 4.36, 95% CI 1.43–13.32), having haematologic cancer (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.05–4.70) and being single (AOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.08–5.91). Pandemic negatively affected employment, finances, physical activity, cancer care and substance use for 73.9%, 66.5%, 32.5%, 21.8% and 19.2% of survivors, respectively. Worries about finances, contracting COVID-19, cancer treatment increasing the risk of COVID-19 infection, and having poor health outcomes from contracting COVID-19 were reported by 46.0%, 45.6%, 55.0% and 47.3% of survivors, respectively. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on AYA cancer survivors, and these individuals report high levels of psychological distress, insomnia and loneliness. Implications for Cancer Survivors. Cancer survivors are at risk for worsening mental and physical health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted interventions and support programs are urgently needed to support the mental health of AYA cancer survivors and optimize their health outcomes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11764-021-01158-9.

Background Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer are at an increased risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness secondary to their cancer and its treatment. The physical distancing measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic may have further increased loneliness among this group. This study examined the prevalence of loneliness and factors associated with loneliness among AYAs with cancer during this pandemic. Methods We conducted a self-administered, online, cross-sectional survey of Canadian AYAs diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 between January and February 2021. Loneliness was measured using the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Factors associated with higher levels of loneliness were identified using multiple logistic regression. Results The analysis included 805 AYAs. The prevalence of loneliness was 52.2% [N = 419, 95% CI (confidence interval) 48.7 to 55.6%]. Individuals who were 18–25 years old [AOR (adjusted odds ratio)1.60, CI 1.03–2.47, p = 0.035], currently undergoing cancer therapy (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.03–2.07, p = 0.035), who self-disclosed the presence of a pre-pandemic mental health condition (AOR 2.09, 95% CI = 1.22–3.58, p = 0.007), or were not in a relationship (AOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.57–3.14, p

We aimed to describe the negative and positive impacts of changes in cancer care delivery due to COVID-19 pandemic for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Canada, as well as the correlates of negative impact and their perspectives on optimization of cancer care. We conducted an online, self-administered survey of AYAs with cancer living in Canada between January and February 2021. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with a negative impact on cancer care. Of the 805 participants, 173 (21.5%) experienced a negative impact on their cancer care including delays in diagnostic tests (11.9%), cancer treatment (11.4%), and appointments (11.1%). A prior diagnosis of mental or chronic physical health condition, an annual income of &lt, 20,000 CAD, ongoing cancer treatment, and province of residence were independently associated with a negative cancer care impact (p-value &lt, 0.05). The majority (n = 767, 95.2%) stated a positive impact of the changes to cancer care delivery, including the implementation of virtual healthcare visits (n = 601, 74.6%). Pandemic-related changes in cancer care delivery have unfavorably and favorably influenced AYAs with cancer. Interventions to support AYAs who are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of the pandemic, and the thoughtful integration of virtual care into cancer care delivery models is essential.

Purpose: This study describes the prevalence of fertility preservation (FP) knowledge, discussions, and engagement in a heterogeneous sample of Canadians diagnosed with cancer in young adulthood an...

We aim to investigate factors which might affect the sleep of medical students, and how they currently manage their sleep.An online survey was sent to medical students at the University of Otago.After adjusting for gender, ethnicity and age, depressive symptoms (Increased awareness and greater resources are needed to support the sleep health of medical students.

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a significant problem for individuals diagnosed with a variety of different cancers. To date, FCR has not been studied in males with breast cancer. The objective of this study was to examine the severity of FCR in males with breast cancer. Males with breast cancer participated in an anonymous online survey and completed the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form scale (FCRI-SF). A frequency analysis was used to determine the percentage of participants that fell above or below the clinical cutoff for significant FCR. Regressions explored associations between FCR, age, cancer stage, time since diagnosis, and self-health rating. Fifty-nine participants completed the FCRI-SF. The mean age of the sample was 63.5 and 93% reported their race as white. The mean FCR score was 23.9 and 61% reported clinically significant FCR. More than 80% of the sample experienced at least problematic levels of FCR. Increasing age was associated with decreased FCR. Results of this study suggest that FCR is prevalent in men with breast cancer but larger studies with representative samples should be undertaken to better assess the prevalence of FCR in this population and compare it with other groups of patients. More attention is needed to understand the psychological distress experienced by men diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.

Contains fulltext : 288352.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) OBJECTIVE: Care for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is considered the most common unmet need among cancer survivors. Yet the prevalence of FCR and predisposing factors remain inconclusive. To support targeted care, we provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and severity of FCR among cancer survivors and patients, as measured using the short form of the validated Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI-SF). We also report on associations between FCR and clinical and demographic characteristics. METHODS: This is a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis on the prevalence of FCR. In the review, we included all studies that used the FCRI-SF with adult (≥18 years) cancer survivors and patients. Date of search: 7 February 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. RESULTS: IPD were requested from 87 unique studies and provided for 46 studies comprising 11,226 participants from 13 countries. 9311 respondents were included for the main analyses. On the FCRI-SF (range 0-36), 58.8% of respondents scored ≥13, 45.1% scored ≥16 and 19.2% scored ≥22. FCR decreased with age and women reported more FCR than men. FCR was found across cancer types and continents and for all time periods since cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: FCR affects a considerable number of cancer survivors and patients. It is therefore important that healthcare providers discuss this issue with their patients and provide treatment when needed. Further research is needed to investigate how best to prevent and treat FCR and to identify other factors associated with FCR. The protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42020142185).

Insomnia and fatigue symptoms are common in breast cancer. Active cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, appears to be particularly disruptive to sleep. Yet, sleep complaints often go unrecognised and under treated within routine cancer care. The abbreviated delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) and bright light therapy (BLT) may offer accessible and cost-effective sleep treatments in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.The Sleep, Cancer and Rest (SleepCaRe) Trial is a 6-month multicentre, randomized, controlled, 2 × 2 factorial, superiority, parallel group trial. Women receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for breast cancer at tertiary Australian hospitals will be randomly assigned 1:1:1:1 to one of four, non-pharmacological sleep interventions: (a) Sleep Hygiene and Education (SHE); (b) CBTI; (c) BLT; (d) CBT-I + BLT combined and simultaneously delivered. Each sleep intervention is delivered over 6 weeks, and will comprise an introductory session, a mid-point phone call, and regular emails. The primary (insomnia, fatigue) and secondary (health-related quality of life, rest activity rhythms, sleep-related impairment) outcomes will be assessed via online questionnaires at five time-points: baseline (t0, prior to intervention), mid-point intervention (t2, Week 4), post-intervention (t3, Week 7), 3-months (t4, Week 18), and 6-months follow-up (t5, Week 30).This study will report novel data concerning the comparative and combined efficacy of CBT-I and BLT during chemotherapy. Findings will contribute to the development of evidence-based early sleep and fatigue intervention during chemotherapy for breast cancer. Clinical trial information Registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (http://anzctr.org.au/), Registration Number: ACTRN12620001133921.

Cancer patients vary in their comfort with the label “survivor”. Here, we explore how comfortable males with breast cancer (BC) are about accepting the label cancer “survivor”. Separate univariate logistic regressions were performed to assess whether time since diagnosis, age, treatment status, and cancer stage were associated with comfort with the “survivor” label. Of the 70 males treated for BC who participated in the study, 58% moderately-to-strongly liked the term “survivor”, 26% were neutral, and 16% moderately-to-strongly disliked the term. Of the factors we explored, only a longer time since diagnosis was significantly associated with the men endorsing a survivor identity (OR = 1.02, p = 0.05). We discuss how our findings compare with literature reports on the comfort with the label “survivor” for women with BC and men with prostate cancer. Unlike males with prostate cancer, males with BC identify as “survivors” in line with women with BC. This suggests that survivor identity is more influenced by disease type and treatments received than with sex/gender identities.

Background: University students with more permissive attitudes toward prescription medication misuse are more likely to engage in such misuse. This study investigated the factors associated with at...

CONTEXT: Pain can be a debilitating side effect of radiation therapy (RT). Data from the general population has shown that sleep disturbance can influence pain incidence and severity; however, less is known about this relationship in breast cancer patients receiving RT. OBJECTIVES: This secondary analysis examined the association of pre-treatment moderate/severe levels of sleep disturbance with subsequent RT-induced pain after adjusting for pre-RT pain. METHODS: We report on 573 female breast cancer patients undergoing RT from a previously completed phase II clinical trial for radiation dermatitis. Sleep disturbance, total pain, and pain subdomains – sensory pain, affective pain, and perceived pain intensity were assessed at pre- and post-RT. At pre-RT, patients were dichotomized into 2 groups: those with moderate/severe sleep disturbance (N=85) vs. those with no/mild sleep disturbance (control; N=488). RESULTS: At pre-RT, women with moderate/severe sleep disturbance were younger, less likely to be married, more likely to have had mastectomy and chemotherapy, and more likely to have depression/anxiety disorder and fatigue than the control group (all p’s

Background Women with breast cancer are more likely to develop cognitive impairment (CI), insomnia, fatigue, and mood disturbance than individuals with other cancers. The main objectives of this study were to establish the prevalence of CI and examine the relationships between CI, insomnia, fatigue, and mood over the first year of breast cancer treatment. Methods Participants were recruited after diagnosis and completed validated measures of insomnia, objective and perceived CI, fatigue, and mood disturbance at four time points during the first year of treatment. A random intercepts cross‐lagged panel model assessed relationships among symptoms over time. Results The sample included 98 women. Prevalence of objective CI ranged from 3.1% to 8.2% throughout the year, whereas 36.7% demonstrated a clinically meaningful decline in perceived CI from baseline to 4 months, which remained relatively stable. Greater perceived CI was associated with more fatigue (β = −0.78, z = 17.48, p, This study recruited 98 women with non metastatic breast cancer shortly after diagnosis and assessed their objective and perceived cognitive function alongside their levels of insomnia, fatigue, and mood disturbance at 4 time points: shortly after diagnosis and 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months later. Subjective impairment was more prevalent than objective impairment and both remained stable across the year. Perceived impairment in cognition was associated with fatigue and insomnia symptoms, suggesting the need for interventions that can address co‐occurring symptoms.

BACKGROUND The quality of life (QoL) among survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer may be compromised compared with that in the general population. In this study, the authors: 1) assessed for differences in QoL among a national study of AYA cancer survivors compared with the Canadian population and 2) explored the factors associated with poorer QoL in AYA cancer survivors. METHODS For the current research, data from the Young Adults With Cancer in Their Prime study were used. QoL was measured using physical and mental component scores from a 12-item short-form health status measure. A comparison group was derived from the Canadian Community Health Survey. RESULTS AYAs (n = 195; 17.8% male; mean ± SD: 35.62 ± 6.89 years on study, 6.48 ± 5.73 years from treatment) were compared with a comparison sample (n = 665; 21.2% male). Among survivors, 31.8% reported poor physical health, and 49.7% reported poor mental health. Compared with the general population, AYAs had significantly lower physical health (F[1,818] = 52.80; P = .00) and mental health (F[1,818] = 83.54; P = .00), controlling for sex and age. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that an annual income level

Sexual dysfunction and insomnia are common side effects of prostate cancer (PCa) treatment, but the link between these symptoms has not been explored. We explore here the association between various sexual parameters and insomnia symptoms in PCa patients. Data were collected via an online survey with recruitment through various PCa organizations. One hundred and forty two patients (age = 67.3 ± 8.9 years) completed the survey. The majority were in a relationship (84.6%), of Caucasian ethnicity (83.1%), and 33% had previously received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Control variables-age, number of comorbidities, past ADT use, body mass index, depression, anxiety, fatigue and daytime sleepiness-explained 58.2% of the variance for insomnia symptoms. Including orgasm difficulty in the models accounted for an additional 2.1% in the variance in insomnia symptoms. Conversely, the control variables listed above together with insomnia symptoms predicted 37.7% of the overall variance in orgasm difficulty in PCa patients. These data suggest that sexual rehabilitation programs for PCa patients should assess insomnia symptoms, and therapies to improve sexual function or sleep quality may be beneficial in both functions given the relationship between sleep and orgasm functions in this population.

The purpose of this study was to describe body image among young adult (YA) cancer survivors and examine relationships between body image and personal, medical, and psychosocial variables. Methods:...

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly altered the behavior of adolescents and young adults with cancer. No data exists as to the impact of gender on adherence of individuals with cancer to COVID-19 related public health guidelines and their preferred methods of receiving COVID-19 related information. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adolescents and young adults with cancer. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess differences in adherence to COVID-19 preventative behaviors, and differences in preferred information sources of COVID-19 related information between men and women. Results Among 633 participants, adherence to key preventative measures was 44.9-58.8% for males and 53.4-68.1% for females. After adjusting for key confounding variables in multivariable analysis, males were less likely to adhere to frequent hand washing (AOR 1.45, CI 1.03-2.03), not touching face (AOR 1.82, CI 1.29-2.56) and social distancing (AOR 1.93, CI 1.37-2.71) than females. Both genders preferred to receive information from their cancer institutes and social media. Discussion: Gender-specific interventions are needed to improve adherence amongst males to COVID-19 precautionary measures. Information should be disseminated via cancer institutes and social media as these are the preferred sources of COVID-19 related information., Graphical Abstract

Insomnia negatively affects quality of life in cancer survivors. Expectations of insomnia treatment efficacy may influence response to intervention. We sought to determine whether pre-treatment outcome expectancy predicts response to two non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia among cancer survivors.We analyzed data from a randomized clinical trial that compared acupuncture versus cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in cancer survivors. Patient expectancy was measured by the Mao Treatment Expectancy Scale (MTES) at baseline. Insomnia severity was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at treatment completion (week 8). Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between pre-treatment expectancy and ISI score at week, 8 adjusting for co-variates.Expectancy for acupuncture and CBT-I were similar at baseline (acupuncture: 13.3 ± 4.0; CBT-I: 13.2 ± 2.9, p = 0.17). Greater baseline expectancy scores were associated with a greater and statistically significant insomnia severity reduction at week 8 in the acupuncture group (beta coefficients [Coef.] = - 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = - 0.6 to - 0.1, p = 0.016) adjusted for co-variates. Baseline expectancy was not statistically associated with insomnia severity reduction in the CBT-I group (Coef. = - 0.2, 95% CI = - 0.7 to 0.2, p = 0.31). High expectancy was significantly associated with greater proportion of treatment responders at week 8 in the acupuncture group (76% vs. 38%, p = 0.001) but not in the CBT-I group (83% vs. 70%, p = 0.21).Higher pre-treatment outcome expectancy predicted significantly greater insomnia improvement in patients receiving acupuncture but not in those receiving CBT-I.Aligning treatment provision with expected outcomes may lead to personalized non-pharmacological insomnia management for cancer survivors.

Research examining the link between media attention and breast cancer concern has been frequently conducted with middle/old-age women, even though young women (

The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly distressing for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer. High levels of distress are associated with sleep disturbances. This study examined the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in AYAs during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified factors related to greater insomnia severity.An online survey was administered to Canadian AYAs (N = 805) diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years from January to February 2021.The primary measure was the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Univariable and multivariable binomial logistic regression examined demographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with significant insomnia symptoms (ISI score ≥12).Three hundred twelve (38.8%) participants reported insomnia symptoms. In the multivariable model, severe psychological distress (ie, depression and anxiety; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 28.75, p ≤.001), having a pre-existing mental health condition (AOR = 1.92, p = .03), worsened mental health during the pandemic (AOR = 1.73, p = .02), finished cancer treatment ≥1 year ago (AOR = 1.72, p = .03), and experiencing no changes to schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.18, p = .004) were associated with significant insomnia symptoms. Standardized coefficients also indicated that worrying about possible disruptions to cancer care and being a homemaker/caretaker contributed to insomnia symptoms.Nearly 40% of AYAs with cancer reported insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Insomnia was associated with potentially modifiable factors such as psychological distress, highlighting possible targets for intervention.

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) among cancer survivors and explored its effect on comorbid symptoms. Studies were included if they assessed the efficacy of CBT-I in adults diagnosed with cancer published prior to August 2020. The primary outcome was insomnia severity. The protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020169986). Twenty-two studies met eligibility criteria. CBT-I significantly improved insomnia severity (g = 0.78) with durable benefits at 3- and 6-month follow-up. CBT-I produced significant small to large effects for diary-measured sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, sleep onset latency, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and overall quality of life. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant difference between in-person and self-help CBT-I. Overall, CBT-I is a robustly efficacious and durable treatment for insomnia among cancer survivors and can produce concomitant benefits on other symptoms. Implementation efforts are needed to ensure that people with cancer have access to CBT-I as the recommended first-line treatment for insomnia.

A cancer diagnosis can motivate people to modify behaviors believed to influence prognosis or recurrence risk, including their eating habits. Orthorexia is a type of disordered eating that involves an extreme fixation on healthy eating. The current study examined: 1) the presence of orthorexia symptoms and disordered eating behavior in young adult women with cancer; 2) factors associated with orthorexia and disordered eating behaviors; and 3) the type and frequency of eating behavior changes made following cancer diagnosis.Young adult women with cancer participated in an online survey. The Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale measured orthorexia symptoms and the Eating Habits Questionnaire assessed disordered eating behaviors. Fear of cancer recurrence, body image satisfaction, intolerance of uncertainty, internet use, and eating habit changes were also assessed.Of participants (N = 93), 36.7 % scored in the clinical range for orthorexia symptoms. A greater perceived knowledge of nutrition was related to higher cancer-related body image dissatisfaction (p = .03) and more years of education (p = .001). Approaching statistical significance (p = .05) were a positive correlation between intolerance of uncertainty and orthorexia symptom severity, a positive correlation between fear of cancer recurrence and problems associated with eating habits, and a negative correlation between internet use and positive emotions associated with healthy eating habits. Overall, 44.1 % of young adult women changed their eating habits since their cancer diagnosis and 69.9 % intended to in the next year.Young adult women with cancer show elevated orthorexia symptoms and disordered eating behaviors, which are associated with potentially modifiable psychosocial factors.

This study investigated prevalence of psychological distress, factors associated with distress, and experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also compared distress in this group to previously surveyed Canadian AYAs with cancer in 2018 by the Young Adults with Cancer in their Prime (YACPRIME) study.A cross-sectional, online, self-administered survey of AYAs diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years of age was conducted. Psychological distress was measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Associations between variables and high psychological distress (K10 ≥ 25), and comparison of prevalence of psychological distress with the YACPRIME study were done using multivariable logistic regression. Summative qualitative content analysis analyzed participant experiences during this pandemic.We included 805 participants. High psychological distress was present in over two-thirds of the group (68.0%; 95% CI, 64.7%-71.2%). Employment impact during pandemic (AOR (adjusted odds ratio), 2.16; 95% CI, 1.41-3.31) and hematologic malignancy (AOR, 1.76; 95% CI 1.08-2.97) were associated with higher psychological distress, while older age [AOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99] and personal income$40,000 (AOR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.24-0.58) were associated with lower distress. Adjusted odds of experiencing psychological distress among AYAs with cancer during pandemic compared to pre-pandemic years was 1.85 (95% CI: 1.36-2.53). Overarching themes of pandemic experiences included: inferior quality of life, impairment of cancer care, COVID-19 related concerns and extreme social isolation.AYAs diagnosed with cancer are experiencing high psychological distress during this pandemic. Distress screening and evidence-based interventions to alleviate distress are essential.

The psychosocial needs and experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people is an understudied area of oncology research. In response to calls to action from past researchers, we conducted a scoping review, which included published and gray literature. From the included articles, the following key themes were identified: (1) lack of coordination between gender-affirming care and cancer care; (2) impact of cancer care on gender affirmation; (3) navigating gendered assumptions; (4) variation in providers' understanding of the needs of TGD patients; and (5) lack of TGD-specific cancer resources. Following this review, we consulted 18 key stakeholders with TGD-relevant personal and/or professional experience to gain further insight into issues that were not encompassed by the original themes. Based on these themes and stakeholder feedback, we offer recommendations for future research and clinical practice to increase awareness of the psychosocial needs of TGD people who have been diagnosed with cancer and to improve patient care.

PurposeInsomnia symptoms are commonly experienced by men after prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. Here we explored how sleep hygiene behaviours and psychological symptoms are associated with insomnia symptoms in PCa patients.MethodsAn online survey was posted on social media and sent to mailing lists of PCa and general cancer organisations. The survey collected information on demographic, sleep hygiene and psychological symptoms using validated questionnaires. ResultsData from 142 participants were compared based on the absence (age = 68.3 ± 8.9 years) and presence (age = 66.6 ± 9.0 years) of insomnia symptoms. Participants with insomnia symptoms had significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness as well as poorer sleep hygiene than those without insomnia symptoms. Control variables (age, comorbidities, ADT experience and BMI) accounted for 12.5% of the variance in insomnia symptoms. Adding sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety, depressive symptoms to the model explained an additional 45.1% of the variance in insomnia symptoms. Further, including the sleep hygiene item “I think, plan, or worry when I am in bed” and “I sleep in an uncomfortable bedroom” explained an additional 3.6% of the variance in insomnia symptoms. Conclusions Poor sleep hygiene, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, anxiety, depressive symptoms were all associated with worse insomnia symptoms in PCa patients. Improving sleep hygiene and treating psychological conditions may potentially help prevent and/or alleviate insomnia symptoms in PCa patients.

BACKGROUND Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) may affect cognitive function in men with prostate cancer (PCa). This study examined whether insomnia symptoms mediate the relationship between ADT and perceived cognitive function and whether depressive symptoms, fatigue severity, and physical activity moderate the strength of this relationship. METHODS This was a prospective study of ADT recipients (n = 83) who were matched with control patients with PCa who were not on ADT (n = 92) and with controls with no history of cancer (n = 112) over a 2-year follow-up period. Perceived cognitive function and satisfaction were assessed with the Everyday Cognition Scale. Insomnia was assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index. Multilevel mediation analyses were conducted to estimate the indirect effect of ADT on perceived cognitive function through insomnia symptoms. Exploratory moderated mediation analyses assessed whether the indirect effect of ADT on perceived cognitive function through insomnia symptoms was dependent on levels of fatigue, depression, or physical activity. RESULTS Insomnia symptoms significantly mediated the relationship between receipt of ADT and perceived cognitive function (P < .001) and satisfaction with cognition (P < .001) after controlling for comorbidities. Men with greater fatigue had a more pronounced association of ADT with insomnia severity. Men with greater depressive symptoms had a stronger association between insomnia severity and worse perceived cognitive function. Physical activity was not a significant moderator of the relationship between ADT and perceived cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS Insomnia influenced the relationship between ADT and perceived cognitive abilities. Interventions to address insomnia, fatigue, and depression may improve perceived cognitive function.

Insomnia symptoms are commonly experienced by men after prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. Here we explored how sleep hygiene behaviours and psychological symptoms are associated with insomnia symptoms in PCa patients.An online survey was posted on social media and sent to mailing lists of PCa and general cancer organisations. The survey collected information on demographic, sleep hygiene, and psychological symptoms using validated questionnaires.Data from 142 participants were compared based on the absence (age = 68.3 ± 8.9 years) and presence (age = 66.6 ± 9.0 years) of insomnia symptoms. Participants with insomnia symptoms had significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleepiness as well as poorer sleep hygiene than those without insomnia symptoms. Control variables (age, number of comorbidities, and BMI) accounted for 11.9% of the variance in insomnia symptoms. Including treatment history contributed to an additional 1.6% of the variance in insomnia symptoms. Adding sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms to the model explained an additional 44.6% of the variance in insomnia symptoms. Furthermore, including the sleep hygiene item 'I think, plan, or worry when I am in bed' and 'I sleep in an uncomfortable bedroom' explained an additional 3.6% of the variance in insomnia symptoms.Poor sleep hygiene, fatigue, sleepiness, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were all associated with worse insomnia symptoms in PCa patients. Improving sleep hygiene and treating psychological conditions may potentially help prevent and/or alleviate insomnia symptoms in PCa patients.

Chronotype is related to mental health, with evening chronotypes being more susceptible to psychological disorders than intermediate and morning types. The present study investigated the relationship between chronotype, mental health, sleep quality, and social support in Canadian young adults. We surveyed 3160 university students aged 18-35 years. Participants completed the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Medical Outcomes Study - Social Support Survey. We conducted Bonferroni-corrected one-way analyses of covariance with post hoc paired comparisons to determine the relationship between the aforementioned variables, with age and sex as covariates. We further looked at the moderation of social support on the relationship between chronotype and sleep quality. Overall, 55%, 36% and 9% of participants were classified as intermediate, evening and morning types, respectively. There was a significant difference between chronotype on levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep quality, with evening types reporting more severe symptomology than morning-types and intermediate types. Morning types reported greater levels of overall social support and mindfulness. Evening types reported the lowest levels of all types of social support. Social support did not moderate the relationship between chronotype and sleep quality. This study further demonstrates the association between worse psychological well-being and eveningness and between more social support, and mindfulness in morning chronotype young adults. Education and intervention are warranted to help evening chronotypes manage the potential negative features of their circadian rhythm, as well as to cultivate a greater sense of social support and mindfulness.

Sleep disturbance and insomnia are prevalent problems for the more than 15 million cancer survivors in the United States. If not addressed, poor-quality sleep can negatively impact physical and psychological recovery from cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cancer survivors are increasingly turning to integrative therapies to improve sleep and optimize their health. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence for the use of nonpharmacological integrative therapies to improve sleep health in cancer patients. Therapies are grouped into the following categories: cognitive-behavioral, meditative (e.g., mindfulness-based interventions, yoga, qigong/tai chi), and body based (e.g., acupuncture, acupressure, massage, reflexology). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, mindfulness-based therapies, qigong/tai chi, and acupuncture have the most evidence for improving sleep and insomnia, whereas yoga, acupressure, massage, and reflexology are still being investigated or building their evidence base. Several areas of strength are identified, gaps in the literature are highlighted, and recommendations for improving future research are provided.

Mindfulness-based therapies (MBTs) are increasingly being investigated as a treatment for insomnia and general sleep disturbance, but significant gaps remain in the evidence base. In this article, the authors present (1) a unifying psychological process model that relates mindfulness to sleep; (2) a systematic review of the literature reporting on trials of MBTs for insomnia and sleep disturbance, which includes an assessment of quality of trial reporting, adaptation of MBTs for sleep, and whether mindfulness practice was associated with effects observed; and (3) a meta-analysis of MBTs for insomnia and sleep disturbance compared with attention/education and waitlist control groups.

OBJECTIVES: Insomnia is common among cancer survivors, yet survivors’ beliefs about their insomnia following cancer are largely unknown. This study describes cancer survivors’ causal attributions of insomnia and whether these beliefs differ by sociodemographic characteristics. PARTICIPANTS: 160 cancer survivors meeting diagnostic criteria for insomnia disorder. METHODS: Survivors endorsed how likely they believed 12 different factors were causally related to their insomnia and self-reported sociodemographics. Multinomial logistic regression tested associations between attribution endorsement and sociodemographics. Latent class analysis (LCA) examined patterns of attribution endorsement and whether sociodemographics were associated. RESULTS: 154 survivors (96%) endorsed that at least 1 causal attribution was likely related to their insomnia. Most survivors endorsed that emotions (77%), thinking patterns (76%), sleep-related emotions (65%), and sleep-related thoughts (57%) were related to their insomnia, similar to data previously published among healthy persons with insomnia. Younger participants were more likely to endorse that biochemical factors related to their insomnia (ps

ObjectivesThis paper (1) sought to compare sleep, mood and physical symptom profiles of men with prostate cancer (PCa) who experienced subjective and objective cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) during the first year of treatment and (2) examine if fluctuations in mood and physical symptoms are associated with change in subjective or objective CRCI.MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study examined 24 new patients with PCa receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiation therapy (RT) during the first 12 months of treatment. Participants completed subjective and objective assessments of cognition, sleep continuity and self-report measures of insomnia, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Independent sample t-tests, correlations and hierarchical regressions were used to compare groups, explore associations, and assess change over time. Effects are reported as corrected Cohen’s d (dc).ResultsMen with objective CRCI reported worse subjective time asleep (dc=0.47) and more depression (dc=0.55). Men with subjective CRCI reported worse insomnia (dc=0.99), hot flashes (dc=0.76), sleep quality (dc=0.54), subjective total sleep time (dc=0.41), wake after sleep onset (dc=0.71), sleep efficiency (dc=0.49), fatigue (dc=0.67) and objectively estimated sleep latency (dc=0.72) than men without subjective CRCI. Declines in perceived cognition was associated with higher anxiety (p=0.05), fatigue (p≤0.01) and symptoms of insomnia (p=0.01). Finally, subjective time awake during the night (p=0.03) and fatigue (p=0.02) were associated with subjective cognitive decline, controlling for objective change.ConclusionsSubjective concerns of CRCI appear more critical to patient experience than objective measurements in men with PCa who have received RT and ADT. Interventions to improve sleep may result in an improved perception of cognition.