Survivorship

Prescribing fitness apps for people with cancer: a preliminary assessment of content and quality of commercially available apps Abstract Purpose The benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors are increasingly recognised and smartphone applications are available to assist them to become more physically active. Cancer clinicians, however, lack confidence about which physical activity apps to recommend as evidence on their quality and content is limited. Therefore, we reviewed freely available commercial physical activity/fitness apps to systematically assess their behavioural change content and quality of their design. Methods Systematic searches of the app stores for Apple and Android operating systems were conducted and apps were screened to identify free apps appropriate for cancer survivors. Quality was assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and behavioural content was evaluated using the Behavioural Change Techniques Taxonomy (BCTT). Results Of 341 apps identified, 67 were judged appropriate for cancer survivors and 46% combined aerobic and strength/stretching content. The overall number of behavioural change techniques (BCT) included was 3.96 (SD = 2.09), with the most frequent being 'feedback on behaviour' and 'goal setting behaviour'. The mean scores for objective and subjective quality were 4.11 (SD = 0.59) and 3.07 (SD = 0.91) respectively (range 0 to 5). Finally, a modest positive correlation was found between the number of BCT and the quality of engagement, awareness and knowledge as assessed by the MARS. Conclusion Only a fifth of retrieved physical activity apps contained potentially suitable content for people affected by cancer. Overall, most apps we reviewed appeared to perform well in terms of their objective quality, but less well at promoting knowledge and awareness or help seeking related to physical activity. Implications for Cancer Survivors Many physical activity apps are available but the combined use of MARS and BCTT suggests that not all of them are suitable to the needs is a promising and feasible approach for assessing the applicability, usability and content of physical activity of apps employed by cancer survivors and this study is a first step toward developing a guide.

Impact of lymphoma survivorship clinic visit on patient-centered outcomes Abstract Purpose Cancer survivors may experience physical, social, and emotional effects of cancer and its treatments. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend the development of a survivorship care plan (SCP) for cancer patients following completion of treatment with curative intent. Our institution developed a lymphoma survivorship clinic (SC) to assess patient needs, provide education, and create and deliver SCPs. This study analyzed the impact of a SC visit on patient-centered outcomes. Methods Surveys were sent to lymphoma patients at Mayo Clinic Rochester within 4 weeks of their post-treatment visit to the SC that queried patient-reported outcomes, including experience of care, quality of life (QOL), and distress. We compared survey responses between those who attended the SC and those who were eligible but did not attend. Results From November 2013 to May 2015, 236 lymphoma patients were surveyed, 96 of whom had a SC visit and 140 of who were eligible but did not attend. Those who attended the SC were more likely to "definitely" recall discussion on improving health, preventing illness, and making changes in habits/lifestyle, diet, and exercise. There were no differences in QOL or distress. Adjusted analyses revealed that SC attendance was associated with better self-reported overall health among younger patients and better physical well-being in Hodgkin lymphoma patients compared to those with other subtypes of lymphoma. Conclusions Participation in the lymphoma SC improved patient education on survivorship issues, particularly health behaviors. There may be a particular benefit in younger patients. However, there were no differences in QOL or distress. Further study is needed to determine if improved survivorship education and SCP delivery leads to long-term health benefits in cancer survivors. Implications for Cancer Survivors Our study evaluates the clinical impact of a SC in patients treated for lymphoma. We demonstrate that a SC visit improves patient education regarding health behaviors.

Adherence to multiple health behaviours in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis Abstract Purpose Multiple health behaviours (not smoking, minimal alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight by having a healthy diet and regular physical activity) improve quality of life and longevity of cancer survivors. Despite international guidelines, there are no existing reviews that synthesise cancer survivors' adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations. Method Five databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant articles published from 2007 until January 2018. Studies reporting adult cancer survivors' adherence to at least two lifestyle behaviours (body mass index, physical activity, smoking, fruit and vegetable intake, fiber intake, red meat intake, caloric intake, sodium intake, and alcohol consumption) based on the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) recommendations were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of adherence to single and multiple behaviours was calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis (mean years of survival and publication year) was undertaken. Results A total of 3322 articles were identified. Of these, 51 studies matched the inclusion criteria, presenting data from 2,620,586 adult cancer survivors. Adherence to single behaviours, which was estimated from studies that assessed at least two health behaviours, was highest for not smoking (PE 87%; 95% CI, 85%, 88%) and low or no alcohol intake (PE 83%; 95% CI, 81%, 86%), and lowest for fiber intake (PE 31%; 95% CI, 21%, 40%). Adherence to multiple healthy behaviours (13 studies), ranged from 7 to 40% (pooled estimate (PE) 23%; 95% CI, 17%, 30%). Recent survivors (< 5-year survival time) had relatively better adherence to multiple behaviours (PE 31%; 95% CI, 27%, 35%) than long-term (> 5 years) survivors (PE 25%; 95% CI, 14%, 36%). Adherence to multiple behaviours improved over time since 2007. Conclusion Adherence to physical activity, dietary, and multiple lifestyle behaviours recommendations was low amongst cancer survivors. Recent cancer survivors were relatively more adherent to WCRF/AICR recommendations compared to long-term survivors. Implications for Cancer Survivors Health promotion programs help support healthy lifestyle behaviours of cancer survivors. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018091663

Limited evidence of non-response bias despite modest response rate in a nationwide survey of long-term cancer survivors—results from the NOR-CAYACS study Abstract Purpose Declining response rates threaten the generalizability of health surveys. We investigate (1) the effect of item order on response rate; (2) characteristics of early , late and non-responders; and (3) potential non-response bias in a population-based health survey of childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (CAYACS). Methods We mailed a questionnaire survey to 5361 eligible CAYACS identified by the Cancer Registry of Norway (CRN), representing a range of cancer diagnoses. The 302-item questionnaire included a range of survivorship-related questions and validated patient-reported outcome measures. To investigate item-order effects on response rates, we constructed two versions of the questionnaire presenting cancer-related or socio-demographic items first. The CRN provided demographic and clinical information for the total population. Risk of non-response bias was estimated by (1) comparing outcomes between early and late responders (answered after a reminder), and (2) by applying inverse probability of participation weights to construct a total population (with 100% response) and then compare 21 a priori selected outcomes between early responders, all responders (early + late) and the total population (all eligible). Results Survey item order did not affect response rates (cancer first 49.8% vs socio-demographic first 50.2%). Shorter time since diagnosis, male gender and a malignant melanoma diagnosis remained significant predictors of non-response in a multivariable multinomial regression model. There were no significant differences on 16/21 survey outcomes between early and late responders, and 18/21 survey outcomes between early responders, all responders and the total population. Conclusion Despite a modest response rate, we found little evidence for a response bias in our study. Implications for Cancer Survivors Surveys of survivor-reported outcomes with low response rates may still be valuable and generalizable to the total survivor population.

Health care services use among long-term breast cancer survivors: a systematic review Abstract Purpose Long-term breast cancer survivors are women surviving at least 5 years after diagnosis. This systematic review aimed to summarize the main characteristics and patterns of healthcare service use (frequency of visits, health providers visited, and preventive care performed) among long-term breast cancer survivors. Methods We used standard Cochrane Collaboration methods and searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to January 2018. We included English language observational studies reporting health service use among long-term cancer survivors. The quality of the studies was appraised through the ROBINS-I assessment tool. Two independent reviewers performed both the study quality assessment and the data extraction. Results A total of 23 observational studies were included that reported data on health services use by long-term breast cancer survivors. Despite heterogeneity among studies, about half of them reported that breast cancer survivors visited a medical provider at least once a year, as recommended by breast cancer survival guidelines. Although survivors visited medical providers with the recommended frequency, a substantial number used specialist care instead of primary care during follow-up. The results showed underuse of the recommended annual mammogram. Conclusions Long-term breast cancer survivors differ in their health services use with regard to the frequency of visits as well as the health providers seen. Our results indicate the need for active surveillance through primary care providers in coordination with specialized care. Implications for cancer survivors This review could help to standardize the management of breast cancer survivors and decision-makers to adapt their guidelines and clinical protocols.

Finding sexual health aids after cancer: are cancer centers supporting survivors' needs? Abstract Purpose Sexual dysfunction is one of the most prevalent and distressing treatment-related side effects for both male and female cancer survivors. Survivorship care guidelines recommend therapeutic sexual aids to help improve sexual problems. However, little is known about the availability of sexual aids and resources at cancer centers. Methods Twenty-five comprehensive cancer centers affiliated with both the National Cancer Institute and the National Comprehensive Care Network were surveyed using the "mystery shopper" method to determine whether various types of sexual aids were available at the centers. Staffs from cancer center staff retail stores and patient boutiques were queried in separate telephone calls regarding the availability of these aids for and women. Results Of the 25 centers contacted, 23 (92%) responded about aids for men, and 22 (88%) responded about aids for women. Eighty-seven percent of the centers reported having no sexual aids available for men, and 72% of centers reported having no aids available for women. The most common advice given to mystery shoppers was a suggestion to use the internet. Only one center had numerous aids/resources for both men and women. Conclusions The large majority of cancer centers reported having no sexual aids or other sexual health resources available for men or women. Implications for Cancer Survivors Results underscore the widespread lack of resources to promote sexual health rehabilitation at major cancer centers, both for male and female survivors.

Reproductive outcomes following treatment for a gynecological cancer diagnosis: a systematic review Abstract Purpose Fertility treatments are available for women diagnosed with a gynecological malignancy, which is important for women who desire a biological family subsequent to treatment. The objective of this study was to report reproductive outcomes following fertility-sparing treatment for a gynaecological cancer. Methods Electronic databases were searched to identify studies that reported on reproductive outcomes after treatment for a gynecological malignancy. Results In total, 77 studies were included which reported on reproductive outcomes after treatment for cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, gestational trophoblastic disease, and ovarian cancer. The main treatments included vaginal or abdominal radical trachelectomy, progestin therapy, salpingo-oophorectomy, and chemotherapy. The mean age at diagnosis for the study population and at birth were 30.5 years and 30.3 years, respectively. There were 4749 pregnancies (42%) reported for the included studies, with a miscarriage rate of 15% and a medical termination rate of 5%. The live birth rate was 74% with a 10% preterm rate. Implications for Cancer Survivors Patients should be offered timely discussions, information, and counseling regarding the impact of gynecological cancer treatment on a patient's fertility. Furthermore, fertility-sparing strategies and fertility preservation should be discussed prior to starting treatment.

Breast cancer survivors' preferences for mHealth physical activity interventions: findings from a mixed methods study Abstract Purpose Despite the benefits of physical activity for breast cancer survivors, the majority remain insufficiently active. Mobile health (mHealth) physical activity interventions may be a more scalable strategy to increase activity among survivors. However, little is known about their preferences for mHealth intervention features. This study explored survivors' preferences for these features. Methods Survivors (N = 96; Mage = 55.8 (SD = 10.2)) self-reported demographic and disease characteristics, physical activity. A subset (n = 28) completed a semi-structured phone interview. Transcribed interviews were evaluated using a thematic content analysis approach and consensus review. Following interviews, the full sample self-reported interests and preferences for intervention features via online questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Five themes emerged from interview data: (1) importance of relevance to breast cancer survivors; (2) easy to use; (3) integration with wearable activity trackers; (4) provide sense of accomplishment; and (5) variability in desired level of structure and personalization. The highest ranked intervention features were: daily and weekly progress feedback (87.5%), newsfeed (86.6%), activity challenges (81.3%), and scheduling tool (79.2%). Survivors were interested in receiving progress feedback (80.2%) and motivational (78.1%) and reminder (75.0%) messages. Conclusions Breast cancer survivors are interested in mHealth physical activity promotion interventions, but preferences varied around themes of relevance, ease of use, and enhancing personal motivation. Implications for cancer survivors Engaging survivors in developing and implementing remotely delivered mHealth activity promotion interventions may enhance their effectiveness.

Trends of online patient-provider communication among cancer survivors from 2008 to 2017: a digital divide perspective Abstract Purpose In the past decade, online patient-provider communication (OPPC) has emerged as a viable avenue for cancer survivors to communicate with their providers. However, little is known about the patterns of OPPC among cancer survivors. Thus, the current study aims to explore the trend of OPPC used by cancer survivors, and the influence of digital divide on OPPC in the past decade. Methods Data from the 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2017 iterations of the nationally representative survey of Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) were analyzed. Only cancer survivors were included in the analyses. Descriptive analyses and multivariate regressions were performed. Results Email has been the most typical means of OPPC; its adoption rate has increased from 9.7 to 36.6% in the past 10 years. More options for OPPC (e.g., mobile app, social medial, video conferencing, electronic health records) have been adopted since 2013. Physical Internet access was a significant predictor of OPPC over the four iterations, while cognitive access failed to predict OPPC in all the four waves. The effect of socio-demographic access varied vastly across iterations, with greater influences in 2017. Conclusions This study illustrates an increasing trend in OPPC use among cancer survivors. Significant digital divide barriers also exist in the adoption and diffusion of OPPC. Implications for Cancer Survivors OPPC is an important communication channel for cancer survivors and will become more important in the digital era. Targeted interventions to address the digital divide barriers affecting OPPC could be developed to benefit underserved cancer survivors and to bridge health disparities.

High-intensity exercise during chemotherapy induces beneficial effects 12 months into breast cancer survivorship Abstract Purpose Whether the benefits of exercise during chemotherapy continue into survivorship is not well-known. Here, the aim was to examine the effects of two exercise interventions on self-reported health-related and objectively measured physiological outcomes 12 months following commencement of chemotherapy. Methods Two hundred and forty women with breast cancer stage I–IIIa were randomized to 16 weeks of high-intensity aerobic interval training combined with either resistance training (RT-HIIT), or moderate-intensity aerobic training (AT-HIIT), or to usual care (UC). Primary outcome: cancer-related fatigue (CRF); secondary outcomes: quality of life (QoL), symptom burden, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory-fitness, body mass, and return to work. Results Compared to UC, both RT-HIIT and AT-HIIT significantly counteracted increases in total CRF (ES = − 0.34; ES = − 0.10), daily life CRF (ES=-0.76; ES=-0.50, and affective CRF (ES=-0.60; ES=-0.39). Both RT-HIIT and AT-HIIT reported significantly lower total symptoms (ES = − 0.46, ES = − 0.46), and displayed gains in lower limb (ES = 0.73; ES = 1.03) and handgrip muscle strength (surgery side ES = 0.70, ES = 0.71; non-surgery side ES = 0.57, ES = 0.59). AT-HIIT displayed significant reductions in body mass (ES = − 0.24), improved QoL: role (ES = 0.33) and emotional functioning (ES = 0.40), and a larger proportion had returned to work (p = 0.02) vs UC. Conclusion These findings emphasize the beneficial effects of supervised high-intensity exercise during chemotherapy to improve the health and to reduce societal costs associated with prolonged sick leave for patients with breast cancer several months following chemotherapy. Implications for Cancer Survivors These findings provide important information with substantial positive consequences for breast cancer survivorship. High-intensity exercise programs during chemotherapy and support to maintain physical activity can be a powerful strategy to manage or prevent many of the short- and long-term adverse effects of treatment for the increasing cohort of cancer survivors.