Rebecca Maguire1, Paul Hanly, Myles Balfe, Aileen Timmons, Philip Hyland, Eleanor O'Sullivan, Phyllis Butow, Linda Sharp. 1. Rebecca Maguire, PhD, is Lecturer in Psychology, National College of Ireland, Dublin. Paul Hanly, PhD, is Lecturer in Economics, National College of Ireland, Dublin. Myles Balfe, PhD, is Lecturer in Sociology, University College Cork, Ireland. Aileen Timmons, PhD, is Researcher, National Cancer Registry Ireland, Cork. Philip Hyland, PhD, is Senior Lecturer in Psychology, National College of Ireland, Dublin. Eleanor O'Sullivan, PhD, is Senior Lecturer in Dental Surgery, University College Cork, Ireland. Phyllis Butow, PhD, is Professor and Senior Principal Research Fellow, Psycho-oncology Co-operative Group, and Co-Director, Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-making, University of Sydney, Australia. Linda Sharp, PhD, is Professor in Cancer Epidemiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fear of recurrence (FOR) is a primary concern for both cancer survivors and their caregivers, yet little is known about what care-related factors exacerbate this worry. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to establish the role of care-related stressors-as distinct from survivor characteristics-in predicting FOR in head and neck cancer caregivers. METHODS: HNC survivor-caregiver dyads took part in a mailed survey. Survivors provided information on health and quality of life (using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Questionnaire). Caregivers provided sociodemographic information, impact of caring on their time and finances, as well as their level of social support (Oslo Support Scale), loneliness (3-point loneliness scale), and completed the Worry of Cancer Scale (to measure FOR). RESULTS: Data from 180 dyads were available for analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the role of caregiver stressors, social support, and loneliness while controlling for caregiver and survivor characteristics. The model explained 28% of the variance in Worry of Cancer scores (FOR). Caregivers who reported more loneliness, spent more time caring, and had greater financial stress from caring had higher scores on Worry of Cancer (FOR). Female caregivers, those caring for younger survivors, and those with survivors who had undergone less extensive forms of surgery also reported higher FOR. DISCUSSION: A combination of factors place caregivers at greater risk of cancer-related worry, paving the way for designing interventions aimed at reducing FOR in caregivers of patients with head and neck cancers.
BACKGROUND: Fear of recurrence (FOR) is a primary concern for both cancer survivors and their caregivers, yet little is known about what care-related factors exacerbate this worry. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to establish the role of care-related stressors-as distinct from survivor characteristics-in predicting FOR in head and neck cancer caregivers. METHODS: HNC survivor-caregiver dyads took part in a mailed survey. Survivors provided information on health and quality of life (using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Questionnaire). Caregivers provided sociodemographic information, impact of caring on their time and finances, as well as their level of social support (Oslo Support Scale), loneliness (3-point loneliness scale), and completed the Worry of Cancer Scale (to measure FOR). RESULTS: Data from 180 dyads were available for analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the role of caregiver stressors, social support, and loneliness while controlling for caregiver and survivor characteristics. The model explained 28% of the variance in Worry of Cancer scores (FOR). Caregivers who reported more loneliness, spent more time caring, and had greater financial stress from caring had higher scores on Worry of Cancer (FOR). Female caregivers, those caring for younger survivors, and those with survivors who had undergone less extensive forms of surgery also reported higher FOR. DISCUSSION: A combination of factors place caregivers at greater risk of cancer-related worry, paving the way for designing interventions aimed at reducing FOR in caregivers of patients with head and neck cancers.
Authors: Janelle V Levesque; Claudia Farnsworth; Rhys Luckey; Rosetta Hart; Sue Hegarty Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2021-08-14 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Alyson Ross; Avery Perez; Leslie Wehrlen; Lena J Lee; Li Yang; Robert Cox; Margaret Bevans; Alice Ding; Lori Wiener; Gwenyth R Wallen Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2020-09-18 Impact factor: 3.955
Authors: Pinky Shani; Kristin Raeesi; Eli Walter; Kai Lewis; Wanyi Wang; Lorenzo Cohen; Gloria Y Yeh; Cecile A Lengacher; Peter M Wayne Journal: Pilot Feasibility Stud Date: 2021-03-19