PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge structure of cancer survivors. METHODS: For data, 1099 articles were collected, with 365 keywords as a Noun phrase extracted from the articles and standardized for analyzing. Co-occurrence matrix were generated via a cosine similarity measure, and then the network analysis and visualization using PFNet and NodeXL were applied to visualize intellectual interchanges among keywords. RESULTS: According to the result of the content analysis and the cluster analysis of author keywords from cancer survivors articles, keywords such as 'quality of life', 'breast neoplasms', 'cancer survivors', 'neoplasms', 'exercise' had a high degree centrality. The 9 most important research topics concerning cancer survivors were 'cancer-related symptoms and nursing', 'cancer treatment-related issues', 'late effects', 'psychosocial issues', 'healthy living managements', 'social supports', 'palliative cares', 'research methodology', and 'research participants'. CONCLUSION: Through this study, the knowledge structure of cancer survivors was identified. The 9 topics identified in this study can provide useful research direction for the development of nursing in cancer survivor research areas. The Network analysis used in this study will be useful for identifying the knowledge structure and identifying general views and current cancer survivor research trends.
Cluster Analysis ; Databases, Factual ; Humans ; *Models, Nursing ; Neoplasms/pathology/*psychology ; Palliative Care ; Qualitative Research ; Quality of Life ; Social Support ; Survivors/psychology

BACKGROUNDTumor surgery in brain motor functional areas remains challenging. Novel techniques are being developed to gain maximal and safe resection for brain tumor surgery. Herein, we assessed the magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (MR-DTI) and fluorescein sodium dyeing (FLS) guiding technique for surgery of glioma located in brain motor functional areas.

METHODSTotally 83 patients were enrolled according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria (56 patients in experimental group, 27 patients in control group). In the experimental group, the surgical approach was designed by DTI imaging, which showed the relationship between the tumor and motor tract. The range of resection in the operation was determined using the FLS-stained area, which recognized the tumor and its infiltrated tissue. The traditional routine method was used in the control group. Postoperatively, all patients underwent enhanced brain MRI within 72 hours to ascertain the extent of resection. Patients were followed in our outpatient clinic over 6 - 24 months. Neurological deficits and Karnofsky scoring (KPS) were evaluated.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in balance test indexes of preoperative data (sex, age, lesion location and volume, and neurological deficits before operation) and diagnosis of histopathology between the two groups. There was a trend in the experimental group for greater rates of gross total resection (80.4% vs. 40.7%), and the paralysis rate caused by surgery was lower in experimental (25.0%) vs. control (66.7%) groups (P < 0.05). The 6-month KPS in the low-grade and high-grade gliomas was 91 ± 11 and 73 ± 26, respectively, in the experimental group vs. 82 ± 9 and 43 ± 27, respectively, in the control group (P < 0.05 for both).

CONCLUSIONSMR-DTI and FLS dye guiding for surgery of glioma located in brain motor functional areas can increase the gross total resection rate, decrease the paralysis rate caused by surgery, and improve patient quality of life compared with traditional glioma surgery.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain Neoplasms ; pathology ; psychology ; surgery ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging ; methods ; Female ; Fluorescein ; Glioma ; pathology ; psychology ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Cortex ; pathology ; Muscle Strength ; Prognosis

PURPOSE: This study was designed to construct and test a structural equation model on sexual function in women with gynecologic cancer. METHODS: The model was constructed and tested under the hypotheses that women's physical changes in sexual function after gynecologic cancer treatment did not automatically lead to sexual dysfunctions. Women's psychosocial factors were considered to be mediating variables. Two hundred twelve women with cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer were recruited and asked to complete a survey on their physical factors, psychosocial factors and sexual function. Data was analyzed using SPSS WIN 12.0 and Amos WIN 5.0. RESULTS: Predictors of sexual function in the final model were sexual attitude affected by physical distress and couple's age, sexual information affected by physical distress and couple's age, depression affected by physical distress, and marital intimacy affected by physical distress. Tumor stage and time since last treatment directly affected women's sexual function without any mediating psychosocial variables. However, body image did not affect women's sexual function. CONCLUSION: Nursing professionals should develop a tailored educational program integrating both physical and psychosocial aspects, and apply it to women and their spouses in order to promote sexual function in women with gynecologic cancer.
Adult ; Body Image ; Depression/psychology ; Female ; Genital Neoplasms, Female/pathology/*psychology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Models, Psychological ; Neoplasm Staging ; Questionnaires ; Sexual Behavior/*psychology

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between depressive disorder and breast cancer, and to study the features of depressive disorder in patients before and after suffering breast cancer.

METHODSWhether 40 breast cancer patients had depressive disorder and their degrees were assessed by filling in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. The correlation between depressive disorder and the occurrence and progression of breast cancer, as well as its features were studied.

RESULTSThe occurrence of general depressive disorder in breast cancer patients before they suffered from breast cancer was 72.5% (29/40 cases). The occurrence of confirmed depression was 2.5% (1/40 cases). The total depressive disorder rate was 75.0% (30/40 cases).They were 60. 0% (24/40 cases), 7.5% (3/40 cases), and 67. 5% (27/40 cases) in breast cancer patients after they suffered from breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONBreast cancer patients have depressive disorder to various levels before and after suffering from breast cancer, which should raise clinical attention and corresponding intervention.

Breast Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; pathology ; psychology ; Depressive Disorder ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence

Gliomas are malignant primary brain tumors and yet incurable. Palliation and the maintenance or improvement of the patient's quality of life is therefore of main importance. For that reason, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become an important outcome measure in clinical trials, next to traditional outcome measures such as overall and progression-free survivals, and radiological response to treatment. HRQoL is a multidimensional concept covering physical, psychological, and social domains, as well as symptoms induced by the disease and its treatment. HRQoL is assessed by using self-reported, validated questionnaires. Various generic HRQoL questionnaires, which can be supplemented with a brain tumor- specific module, are available. Both the tumor and its treatment can have a negative effect on HRQoL. However, treatment with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and supportive treatment may also improve patients' HRQoL, in addition to extending survival. It is expected that the impact of HRQoL measurements in both clinical trials and clinical practice will increase. Hence, it is important that HRQoL data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted correctly. Methodological issues such as selection bias and missing data may hamper the interpretation of HRQoL data and should therefore be accounted. In clinical trials, HRQoL can be used to assess the benefits of a new treatment strategy, which should be weighed carefully against the adverse effects of that treatment. In daily clinical practice, HRQoL assessments of an individual patient can be used to inform physicians about the impact of a specific treatment strategy, and it may facilitate the communication between the physicians and the patients.
Brain Neoplasms ; pathology ; psychology ; therapy ; Glioma ; pathology ; psychology ; therapy ; Health Status ; Humans ; Neoplasm Grading ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify whether the couple perceived breast cancer as a traumatic event, to evaluate the association among posttraumatic growth, dyadic adjustment, and quality of life and to explore the predictors affecting quality of life of the couple. METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative survey design was utilized. Participants were 57 couples recruited from a national cancer center in Korea. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, McNemar test and independent t-test. On the basis of variables found to be significantly associated with quality of life, multiple regression was used to examine the simultaneous influence of multiple predictors. RESULTS: Breast cancers survivors and spouses perceived breast cancer as a traumatic event (43.9% and 24.6%, respectively). The global quality of life was explained by perception as trauma (beta= -19.79) and posttraumatic growth (beta=0.46) in survivors, and perception as trauma (beta= -18.81) and dyadic adjustment (beta=0.53) in spouses. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that future research should use qualitative methods to evaluate why contemplating reasons for cancer contributed to posttraumatic growth, examine other potential predictors of quality of life such as dyadic adjustment and intimacy, and identify links between posttraumatic growth and other psychological outcomes such as distress and well-being, using prospective analyses.
Adaptation, Psychological ; Adult ; Breast Neoplasms/pathology/*psychology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; Marriage ; Middle Aged ; *Quality of Life ; Questionnaires ; Spouses/*psychology ; Survivors

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the experience process of adolescents with hematologic malignancies. The question for the study was "What is the experience of adolescents with hematologic malignancies like?". METHODS: The grounded theory methodology was used for this study. The data were collected through in-depth interview from 10 adolescents with hematologic malignancies. Data collection was done from January to June 2007. Theoretical sampling was used until the data reached saturation. RESULTS: As a result of the analysis, "Reconstructing self-image from deviated and suspended life" was identified as the core category. And 11 subcategories were identified and they were integrated to the core category. 'Establishment of expanded and matured self' was identified as the consequence. CONCLUSION: The results of the study provide a frame for effective individualized nursing intervention strategies in helping adjustment of the adolescents with hematologic malignancies.
Adaptation, Psychological ; Adolescent ; Adolescent Psychology ; Female ; Hematologic Neoplasms/pathology/*psychology/therapy ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Recurrence ; Self Concept ; Social Support ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: This study was done to describe the return to work experience of military officers with cancer. METHODS: Individual in-depth interviews with 15 participants were conducted between September 2013 and April 2014. Participants were interviewed 1~4 times; interviews continued until the data became saturated. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory. RESULTS: The core category emerged as "living a new life after enduring difficulties". The return to work process consisted of four sequential phases: chaos, positive thought formation, behavior practices, and reformation. Action/interaction strategies used by military officers with cancer to resolve enduring difficulties were controlling emotions, accepting reality, prioritizing health, making efforts to improve relationships, and looking for future jobs. CONCLUSION: These results will promote understanding of military officers' return to work experience following cancer survival, and will be helpful in developing more effective nursing interventions through enhanced perspectives and insights of practitioners.
Adult ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Military Personnel/*psychology ; Neoplasms/*diagnosis/pathology ; Return to Work ; Social Support

PURPOSE: This study done to identify the experiences of families caring for patients with terminal cancer. The question was, "What is the caregiving experience of a family who has a member with terminal cancer?" METHODS: Grounded Theory was applied and in-depth interviews were done with 11 family members. Interviews were recorded with the interviewees' consent and were transcribed and analyzed. Participants' relationships to patients were 6 spouses, 4 daughters, and 1 mother. The ages of the participants were between 32 and 62, with an average of 47.5. RESULTS: The study showed "enduring with bonds" as the main category and the main factor affecting this category was the "patients' diagnosis of terminal cancer." The caregiving experience was divided into four stages: shock, confusion, struggle, and acceptance. Mediating factors were relationship with the patient, intimacy with the patient, social support, communication, and trust. Conclusively, participants underwent internal maturity, and changes occurred in family and social and personal life. CONCLUSION: The families took care of the patients with responsibility and love. The study results should help with the understanding of a family with a member with terminal cancer and should be used to develop nursing, mediating, and consulting programs for these caregivers.
Adult ; Caregivers/*psychology ; Communication ; Female ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms/pathology ; Social Support ; *Terminal Care ; Terminally Ill

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the level of distress and posttraumatic growth in fathers of chronically ill children and also, to identify the relation between characteristics of the fathers and children and their posttraumatic growth and to investigate factors that influence posttraumatic growth. METHODS: In this study, 48 fathers who visited a university hospital in Seoul, Korea and who gave written consent completed the questionnaire between September 23 and November 19, 2013. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: The level of distress in fathers of chronically ill children was relatively high and the majority of them were experiencing posttraumatic growth. Models including the variable (deliberate rumination, religiousness, optimism) explained 64.3% (F=26.38, p <.001) of the variance for posttraumatic growth. Deliberate rumination (beta=.59, p <.001) was the most influential factor. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that it is essential for nurses to intervene and facilitate continuously so as to promote posttraumatic growth and relieve distress in fathers of chronically ill children. Furthermore, it is also necessary for nurses to find ways to develop ideal interventions to activate deliberate rumination and offer spiritual care and help maintain optimism in these individuals.
*Adaptation, Psychological ; Adult ; Child ; Chronic Disease ; Fathers/*psychology ; Female ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Leukemia/pathology ; Male ; Neoplasms/pathology ; Optimism ; Regression Analysis ; Social Support ; Surveys and Questionnaires