Improved understanding of mammary cancer

Interest in cancer of the breast has begun to yield a concentrated sequence of specific information as to its basic nature, dietary influences, and its hormonal and genetic determinants. Clearly, the advent of improved early diagnosis has allowed the presentation to the clinician of a more favorable aspect of the tumor than has previously been seen, and has altered the overall clinical character of the disease. These advances open the possibilities of greatly expanded and enhanced treatment options, both for the informed physician and the inquiring patient. The rewards of early diagnosis include the possibilities of functional reconstruction, which may alter the potential patient attitude to such an extent that even earlier diagnosis will be achieved in years ahead. The complex issues of multimodality therapy and the honest and valid stratification of patients are the key issues in the further study of this challenging illness.     

Primary care patients' understanding of colorectal cancer screening

PURPOSE: To determine the current level of awareness and understanding about colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) among primary care patients in order to develop interventions to educate patients about options for CRCS, help them identify CRCS preferences and make informed choices about CRCS options. METHODS: During the spring of 2001 and 2003, two sets of focus groups with primary care patients were conducted at a large multi-specialty group practice in Houston, Texas. RESULTS: Participants (n = 42) in both sets of focus groups had low knowledge about CRC and expressed fear and embarrassment about CRC and CRCS. Attitudes towards the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) were mixed, with some participants considering it difficult to finish and others preferring the privacy it afforded. Some participants initially failed to recognize the difference between sigmoidoscopy (SIG) and colonoscopy (COL), and several endoscopy-specific barriers were identified such as fear of pain, embarrassment/humiliation, and dislike or fear of test preparation. Some participants felt that endoscopy was likely to be more effective than FOBT, and others clearly preferred COL to SIG. System-specific barriers to endoscopy (e.g. difficulty scheduling appointments and insurance coverage) were also identified. We found little change in the barriers reported by primary care patients, despite a two-year difference between focus groups. Participants also provided suggestions for improving CRCS including telephone, letters and/or email reminders from the clinic, videotapes and websites. CONCLUSIONS: Future interventions focused on improving informed decision-making by educating primary care patients about the risks and benefits of specific test options and about the importance of early detection of CRC could prove to be effective for increasing CRCS.     

A multidimensional model for understanding cancer pain

The experience of pain pervades the physical and psychosocial domains of a patient's existence. It has a concrete underpinning in the form of an injury or disease process, yet subjective responses to pain sensations are psychosocial processes that influence the experience of pain and the capacity to cope with it. Anticipation of pain is one of the key fears associated with cancer, and uncontrolled pain strips away morale and quality of life. The interacting biopsychosocial dimensions are important areas for consideration in the comprehensive, skillful approach to assessment and treatment of cancer pain. This article addresses the interactive relationships between pain and mood using the biopsychosocial model as a heuristic for assessment.     

Lay understanding of terms used in cancer consultations

The study assessed lay understanding of terms used by doctors during cancer consultations. Terms and phrases were selected from 50-videotaped consultations and included in a survey of 105 randomly selected people in a seaside resort. The questionnaire included scenarios containing potentially ambiguous diagnostic/prognostic terms, multiple-choice, comprehension questions and figures on which to locate body organs that could be affected by cancer. Respondents also rated how confident they were about their answers. About half the sample understood euphemisms for the metastatic spread of cancer e.g. 'seedlings' and 'spots in the liver' (44 and 55% respectively). Sixty-three per cent were aware that the term 'metastasis' meant that the cancer was spreading but only 52% understood that the phrase 'the tumour is progressing' was not good news. Yet respondents were fairly confident that they understood these terms. Knowledge of organ location varied. For example, 94% correctly identified the lungs but only 46% located the liver. The findings suggest that a substantial proportion of the lay public do not understand phrases often used in cancer consultations and that knowledge of basic anatomy cannot be assumed. Yet high confidence ratings indicate that asking if patients understand is likely to overestimate comprehension. Awareness of the unfamiliarity of the lay population with cancer-related terms could prompt further explanation in cancer-related consultations.     

胃癌内科治疗现状的认识

胃癌在亚洲、南美和东欧等国家的发病率持续居高不下.临床初次诊断的胃癌中,约1/3的患者有区域淋巴结转移,1/3的患者有内脏转移,仅1/4～1/3的患者肿瘤病灶局限于胃壁.病灶的局限性和广泛性决定了患者的5年生存率,因此,胃癌的分期是决定患者预后的主要因素,也是选择治疗方法的关键因素.     

Metastatic breast cancer: understanding current management options

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review the standard treatment options for metastatic breast cancer, present recently approved chemotherapeutic and hormonal approaches, and describe novel biologic therapies, particularly the use of monoclonal antibodies. DATA SOURCES: Published articles, abstracts, and conference proceedings. DATA SYNTHESIS: Standard treatment options available to women with metastatic breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and palliative approaches. New chemotherapeutic approaches for the management of metastatic breast cancer include the recently approved agents paclitaxel, docetaxel, and capecitabine. New hormonal agents such as toremifene, letrozole, and exemestane also have been approved. Finally, an agent from a new class of agents--biologic response modifiers (BRMs)--now. Is available. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody (one class of BRMs), is a new and promising approach available to a subpopulation of women with metastatic breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Although standard treatment options for the management of metastatic breast cancer may prolong survival for some, they have not resulted in a cure for the majority of women. Recent advances in the understanding of cancer cellular biology have led to newer approaches such as monoclonal antibodies and other BRMs that may offer hope of extended survival and improved quality of life for certain women. This field is growing quickly, and new targets for breast cancer therapy are being studied. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses who become familiar with newer treatment options available for the management of metastatic breast cancer, including new chemotherapeutic and hormonal approaches and monoclonal antibody therapy, are better able to provide information and support for their patients. Clinicians must understand the criteria for patient selection for newer agents, particularly trastuzumab. In addition, recognizing adverse effects and knowing the management strategies for treatment-related toxicities help to ensure positive patient outcomes.     

Progress in understanding fatigue associated with breast cancer treatment

Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms reported by cancer patients. This article reviews research that has examined the extent to which breast cancer patients experience fatigue during and following completion of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The article also addresses methodological issues in the study of fatigue as well as the current status of efforts to prevent or relieve fatigue associated with breast cancer treatment.