PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate health-related quality of life over five years in patients with malignant brain tumours providing insights to guide survivorship care. PATIENTS/MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospect...PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate health-related quality of life over five years in patients with malignant brain tumours providing insights to guide survivorship care. PATIENTS/MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective, longitudinal study, 180 adults with malignant brain tumours were enrolled at baseline; 80 completed the 60-month follow-up. Eligible patients had low-grade glioma (WHO I-II) or WHO grade III glioma with 1p/19q co-deletion and IDH-1 mutation. HRQoL was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20, analyzed using linear mixed models and multiple imputation. RESULTS: Most patients presented with good performance status at baseline (ECOG 0-1, KPS 80-100%). Over five years, fatigue increased significantly and remained above baseline (mean change 5.42; p = 0.047). Cognitive (-10.2; p = 0.0002) and physical functioning (-7.9; p = 0.0004) showed sustained declines, while global health status remained relatively stable (-3.85; p = 0.14). In contrast, emotional, role, and social functioning improved and were maintained throughout follow-up. Brain tumour-specific symptoms showed both recovery and late effects: visual and motor dysfunction as well as communication deficits improved significantly, whereas drowsiness (p = 0.007) and late-onset leg weakness (p = 0.012) and bladder control problems (p = 0.0002) emerged as long-term challenges. CONCLUSION: Five years after proton therapy, patients with malignant brain tumours report both functional recovery and enduring symptom burden. These findings underscore the need for structured, long-term rehabilitation and follow-up strategies to optimize survivorship care.
PURPOSE: To explore symptom management experiences and evolving information needs among lung cancer patients receiving combination therapy and to construct a patient symptom journey map that informs personalized and inte...PURPOSE: To explore symptom management experiences and evolving information needs among lung cancer patients receiving combination therapy and to construct a patient symptom journey map that informs personalized and intelligent symptom management strategies. METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal qualitative descriptive exploratory design was employed. Using purposive sampling, 27 lung cancer patients were recruited from two top-tier tertiary hospitals in Fuzhou and Putian, Fujian Province, China, between March and August 2024. Using purposive sampling, 27 lung cancer patients were recruited from two top-tier tertiary hospitals in Fuzhou and Putian, Fujian Province, China, between March and August 2024. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted at the end of each of the first four combination therapy intervals (T1-T4) to explore patients' symptom management experiences and information support needs. The data were analyzed via conventional content analysis. A patient symptom journey map was developed on the basis of the thematic findings from this longitudinal analysis. RESULTS: A total of 94 interview datasets were collected across four time points, yielding four themes and fourteen categories. A symptom journey map for lung cancer patients was developed, encompassing five key dimensions: symptom experiences, symptom management challenges, opportunities, information support needs, and emotional experiences. CONCLUSION: Lung cancer patients receiving combination therapy experience complex, dynamic symptom trajectories and have evolving unmet needs, highlighting the critical importance of dynamic, phase-specific symptom monitoring and tailored supportive care. The patient symptom journey map may help inform the development of timely and personalized supportive interventions addressing management challenges, information gaps, and psychological distress.
PURPOSE: To investigate women's health prior to surgical intervention for suspected or confirmed gynecological cancer, with a specific focus on sexual - and mental health. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including women...PURPOSE: To investigate women's health prior to surgical intervention for suspected or confirmed gynecological cancer, with a specific focus on sexual - and mental health. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including women scheduled for surgery due to gynecological cancer. Patient-reported outcomes were collected at a single time point upon admission to an oncological surgery ward using validated questionnaires (GAD-7, EORTC QLQ CX-24, EQ-5D-5L) and two open-ended questions: "Describe what concerns distress you the most right now?" and "What is most important to you right now?" RESULTS: Out of 206 eligible patients, 155 (median age 62, range 29-87) completed the questionnaires. All major gynecological cancer types were represented. Most women (76%) underwent minimally invasive surgery, and 31% had benign conditions. Additionally oncological treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy) was needed in 40% of cases. The mean EQ-5D-5L VAS score was 72 (SD 20), with 35% reporting low preoperative health status (<70). Women with suspected ovarian cancer reported the lowest health status, while those with suspected endometrial cancer reported the highest, though differences between groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.101). Uncertainty prior to diagnosis was a shared concern and affected women's physical, psychological, and sexual well-being. Responses to "What is most important to you right now?" reflected the need for personalized care. CONCLUSION: Improved long-term survival in gynecological cancers increases the need to address health concerns already prior to surgery. The study highlights the need for a holistic, narrative-based approach in preoperative care to address not only physical symptoms but also emotional, social and existential needs. THE CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: researchweb.org/project/282380.
PURPOSE: Gastroesophageal reflux is common in patients with oesophageal cancer, both before and after surgery with oesophagectomy. Oesophagectomy introduces anatomical changes that alter reflux characteristics, yet most...PURPOSE: Gastroesophageal reflux is common in patients with oesophageal cancer, both before and after surgery with oesophagectomy. Oesophagectomy introduces anatomical changes that alter reflux characteristics, yet most evidence on postoperative reflux comes from objective measures or patient-reported questionnaires rather than from patients' own narratives. The differences between postoperative reflux symptoms and preoperative patterns remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the subjective experience of gastroesophageal reflux after oesophagectomy. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study was based on individual interviews with 29 patients who underwent treatment for oesophageal cancer in Sweden between 2021 and 2023. Participants were identified through the Swedish National Quality Register for Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between January and February 2025, and the data were analysed using an inductive content analysis approach described by Elo and Kyngäs. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in the following three categories: characterisation of postoperative reflux, comparison of preoperative and postoperative reflux, and management strategies before and after oesophageal cancer surgery. Participants reported that postoperative reflux symptoms differed markedly from preoperative reflux symptoms, being less frequent but more severe, painful, and predominantly nocturnal. Unlike preoperative reflux, which was often stress-related and characterised by a mild sour taste, postoperative episodes involved intense burning sensations, unpleasant taste, and oesophageal pain. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that postoperative reflux differs from preoperative reflux not only in symptom type and intensity but also in patients' interpretations and coping strategies. These findings indicate that postoperative reflux requires distinct clinical attention, particularly regarding nocturnal symptoms that are highly intrusive and difficult to manage with medication alone. The study highlights the importance of proactive patient education about altered symptom profiles and the development of tailored postoperative management strategies. Incorporating these insights into follow-up care may improve patients' ability to recognise, interpret, and manage reflux symptoms after oesophagectomy.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the barriers, enablers, strategies and costs of implementing an alternative catheter locking solution for CVADs in paediatric cancer care. METHODS: This qualitative implementation e...PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the barriers, enablers, strategies and costs of implementing an alternative catheter locking solution for CVADs in paediatric cancer care. METHODS: This qualitative implementation evaluation and cost analysis study conducted semi-structured interviews with clinicians and key decision makers based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Following rapid analysis, implementation barriers were matched with the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change tool to provide optimal implementation strategies, and budgeted using the Costing Implementation Strategies instrument. RESULTS: Among interviewed participants (N = 23), the most common barriers to implementation were innovation cost, partnerships and connections, work infrastructure, communications, tension for change, and innovation deliverers. Based on these constructs, developing strong networks, identifying change champions and accessing funding to facilitate implementation were selected as the most suitable strategies for successful implementation. The estimated total cost of the strategy bundle per site would be AUD$29,752. CONCLUSION: Understanding the barriers and enablers to implementing an alternative catheter locking solution in paediatric cancer care allows optimal strategies and implementation enhancement plans to be developed and costed, streamlining the transition from research to practice, fast-tracking approvals through purchasing departments. Addressing structural, relational, and financial barriers while leveraging enablers, is essential for adoption and sustained impact of an alternative catheter locking solution.
PURPOSE: This study examined the associations among social support, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL) among women with ovarian cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical centre in ce...PURPOSE: This study examined the associations among social support, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL) among women with ovarian cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical centre in central Taiwan with 96 patients. Participants completed the Taiwanese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment, the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with QOL. RESULTS: Among participants, 38.6% and 24.0% met criteria for probable anxiety and depression, respectively. Mean QOL scores were 14.16 for physical health, 13.88 for psychological health, 14.10 for social relationships, and 14.73 for the environmental domain. Appraisal support showed the highest social support subscale score (8.28). Regression models explained 30% to 35% of the variance across QOL domains. Anxiety was negatively associated with all QOL domains (p < 0.001). Social support, anxiety, and marital status were significantly associated with psychological, social, and environmental QOL (p < 0.05), while depression was associated with psychological QOL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Psychological distress is common among women with ovarian cancer and is associated with poorer QOL. These findings highlight the importance of routine psychosocial assessment and culturally sensitive, nurse-led interventions to support psychological well-being and improve QOL among women with ovarian cancer.
PURPOSE: Quantitative and qualitative methods have been used to explore breast cancer survivors' experience with bras, but there are limited studies using validated patient-reported outcome instruments. While BREAST-Q in...PURPOSE: Quantitative and qualitative methods have been used to explore breast cancer survivors' experience with bras, but there are limited studies using validated patient-reported outcome instruments. While BREAST-Q includes garment-related items, analyses of these items are rarely reported. This study aims to assess pre- and post-reconstruction changes in the garment-related items of BREAST-Q for patients who underwent autologous and implant-based breast reconstruction. METHOD: This longitudinal study included 81 patients who underwent autologous or implant-based breast reconstruction. Patients completed the BREAST-Q Breast Cancer modules, Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (ASI-R), and Body Image Scale (BIS) both pre-mastectomy and post-reconstruction. Robust regression was used to investigate associations between preoperative characteristics (age, BMI, ASI-R, surgery type) and postoperative patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Positive changes were observed in all garment-related BREAST-Q outcomes from pre-to post-reconstruction, regardless of reconstruction type, with greater improvements in the autologous reconstruction group. Regression analysis showed mixed associations between preoperative characteristics and postoperative garment-related outcomes. While BMI and ASI-R were not significant predictors, age and surgery type influenced satisfaction with "how you look in the mirror clothed", with autologous reconstruction associated with higher satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that garment experiences improved post-reconstruction for breast cancer patients. However, the limited garment-related items in BREAST-Q underscore the need for a dedicated, validated tool to better assess these experiences.
PURPOSE: Research on bereavement has mainly focused on risk factors linked to negative outcomes, while protective factors have been less evaluated. This study investigated the associations of resilience and perceived sup...PURPOSE: Research on bereavement has mainly focused on risk factors linked to negative outcomes, while protective factors have been less evaluated. This study investigated the associations of resilience and perceived support from healthcare professionals with self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in young adults who had lost a sibling to cancer 2-10 years earlier. Additionally, the study explored gender differences in HRQoL, resilience, and perceived social support from healthcare professionals. METHODS: Of 99 young adults who experienced the loss of a sibling to cancer between 2009 and 2014, 36 participants (response rate = 36.4%) were included in this nationwide Norwegian study. We measured HRQoL (Young Adult Version of the Pediatric Quality of Life), resilience (Resilience Scale for Adolescents), and perceived social support from healthcare professionals during the sibling's illness, following the death, and during the past year. RESULTS: Participants were aged 18-26 years at the time of the survey, with the loss occurring 2.5-10 years prior. We did not detect statistically significant gender differences in HRQoL, resilience, or perceived social support. Analysis showed that higher resilience and greater perceived social support during the past year were significantly associated with higher HRQoL among bereaved siblings (adjusted R = 0.62; F(6, 35) = 14.7; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Young adults with higher resilience and stronger perceived social support during the past year reported better HRQoL 2-10 years after the loss of a sibling to cancer. These results underscore the need to enhance resilience and provide ongoing psychosocial care beyond early bereavement to promote long-term HRQoL among bereaved siblings.
Al-Seleet DK, Saber AF, Ali SS
… +19 more, Ali AN, Abdullah KS, Hussein SS, Hussein HS, Rasool AA, Omar AA, Sabah RS, Tofiq MS, Majeed AM, Hussein S, Qurbani K, Ahmed SK, Hasan HA, Shekha MH, Zidane MM, Hafedh M, Sedeeq MT, Manookian A, Hussen BM
PURPOSE: Cancer patients frequently experience both physical pain and emotional distress, often intensified by exposure to past traumatic events. These psychological and physiological burdens can adversely affect treatme...PURPOSE: Cancer patients frequently experience both physical pain and emotional distress, often intensified by exposure to past traumatic events. These psychological and physiological burdens can adversely affect treatment outcomes and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the relationship between past trauma, emotional well-being, and pain among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy across Iraq. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1st, 2024, to February 13th, 2025, across four major hospitals in Iraq, using convenience sampling. Data were collected using three standardized instruments: the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ), the Pain Assessment Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), along with a sociodemographic form. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0 and PROCESS Macro version 4.2. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, multivariable and hierarchical regression, and mediation analysis with 5000 bootstrap samples were employed. RESULTS: A total of 409 patients participated in the study. The Findings revealed significant positive correlations between trauma exposure and pain (r = 0.26-0.31), anxiety (r = 0.33-0.41), and depression (r = 0.29-0.38) (p < .05). Regression models indicated that trauma and emotional well-being significantly predicted pain (Adjusted R = 0.39, p < .001). Mediation analysis demonstrated that anxiety and depression partially mediated the trauma-pain relationship, accounting for 38-46% of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS: Past trauma was significantly associated with both emotional well-being and pain severity among cancer patients. Integrating trauma-informed psychological care into oncology settings may help reduce pain and enhance emotional resilience among patients.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify latent profiles of parenting concerns among Chinese mothers with breast cancer and explore associated influencing factors using a mixed-methods approach. METHOD: An explanatory seque...PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify latent profiles of parenting concerns among Chinese mothers with breast cancer and explore associated influencing factors using a mixed-methods approach. METHOD: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. A convenience sample of 240 mothers with breast cancer raising minor children was recruited from a tertiary hospital in Anhui Province, China, between October 2024 and July 2025. Parenting concerns were assessed using the Parenting Concerns Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression were conducted to identify parenting concern profiles and associated factors. Subsequently, 19 participants representing different profiles were purposively selected for semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Three latent profiles were identified: Balanced-Adaptation (59.6%), Support-Dependent (10.8%), and Comprehensive High-Concern (29.6%). Compared with the Balanced-Adaptation group, higher illness perception was associated with increased likelihood of belonging to the Support-Dependent (OR = 1.048, 95% CI 1.046-1.050, P < 0.001) and Comprehensive High-Concern groups (OR = 1.093, 95% CI 1.063-1.124, P < 0.001). Higher resignation coping scores and poorer family functioning were also associated with higher parenting concerns. Qualitative findings supported and enriched the quantitative results by providing deeper insights into parenting-related distress. CONCLUSIONS: Parenting concerns among mothers with breast cancer are heterogeneous. Early identification of profile-specific characteristics may facilitate tailored, family-centered interventions.
PURPOSE: To explore the impact of stigma on the patient delay for colorectal cancer from the perspectives of patients and their family members. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological design was conducted. In total, 30 p...PURPOSE: To explore the impact of stigma on the patient delay for colorectal cancer from the perspectives of patients and their family members. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological design was conducted. In total, 30 patients and 17 family members of patients were recruited from a Grade-A tertiary cancer center in southern China through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide. The data were organized by NVivo 11 and qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes and twelve subthemes were generated from the interviews: (1) cancer stereotypes (a proxy for death and cultural taboos); (2) symptom attribution (rationalization and benignization, denying the possibility of cancer and evasion of suspected cancer); (3) barriers to symptom disclosure (concealment of symptoms, negative effects of symptom disclosure and weakened description of symptoms); (4) resistance to seeking medical attention (negative symbolism of the hospital, embarrassment and pain during diagnosis and treatment, fear of cancer diagnosis, and internalized ageism of the elderly). CONCLUSIONS: Stigma plays a crucial role in patient delay of colorectal cancer in China. To reduce delays, interventions should address cultural stereotypes, encourage early identification of symptoms, promote symptom disclosure, and reduce psychological barriers to seeking medical attention. Culturally sensitive strategies are essential in tackling the stigma that impedes timely cancer treatment.
PURPOSE: To investigate the potential categories and characteristics of reproductive concerns and analyze the influencing factors of different potential categories among patients with early-onset cancer. METHODS: 1049 pa...PURPOSE: To investigate the potential categories and characteristics of reproductive concerns and analyze the influencing factors of different potential categories among patients with early-onset cancer. METHODS: 1049 patients with early-onset cancer from six hospitals in China, were involved from March 2023 to August 2024. Data were collected by the General Information Questionnaire, the Reproductive Concerns after Cancer Scale, the Sexual Function Scale for Cancer Patients, the Self-report Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale, the Family APGAR Index, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed to identify the potential categories of reproductive concerns and influencing factors. RESULTS: Four potential categories of reproductive concerns were identified: high infertility acceptance and children's health group (22.0%), low reproductive concerns group (30.0%), moderate reproductive concerns group (38.8%), and high reproductive concerns group (9.2%). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that age, gender, marital status, number of children, education level, residence, cancer category, chemoradiotherapy, sexual dysfunctions, symptom distress, illness perception, and social support were the factors affecting the potential categories of reproductive concerns among patients with early-onset cancer (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reproductive concerns in patients with early-onset cancer existed heterogeneity. Identifying characteristics and adopting targeted intervention strategies, focusing on sexual dysfunctions, symptom distress, illness perception and enhancing social support, can alleviate reproductive concerns.
PURPOSE: The impact of diagnosis and treatment on adult survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer gives rise to unique informational needs, highlighting the need for alternative methods to address their questions. How...PURPOSE: The impact of diagnosis and treatment on adult survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer gives rise to unique informational needs, highlighting the need for alternative methods to address their questions. However, topics of interest to this population remain unclear. This study explored the primary inquiries expressed by survivors when engaging with a chatbot tailored to address their needs and examined how these inquiries related to participant characteristics. METHOD: A sample of 119 adult survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer completed an online survey regarding inquiries for a tailored chatbot. A comprehensive three-step approach to topic modeling and content analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The analyses classified 1237 questions into 11 topics: health and daily life management; psychological distress; cancer history disclosure; coping with side and late effects; causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer; social policy and services; academic continuity and school reentry; social relationships and reintegration; concerns related to cancer recurrence; peer survivors and communication; and social stigma and coping. The topics differed based on age group, education level, recurrence, age at diagnosis, and time since diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of addressing diverse informational needs regarding health and psychosocial concerns among cancer survivors. Findings also highlight the critical role of oncology professionals in overseeing digital triage and psychosocial assessment and delivering tailored support to meet the concerns of survivors as they navigate challenges and opportunities in adulthood, ultimately promoting their overall health and well-being.
PURPOSE: To examine changes in FOP over six months and identify symptoms associated with FOP in women with recurrent breast cancer. METHODS: In this six-month prospective study, 95 women with recurrent breast cancer from...PURPOSE: To examine changes in FOP over six months and identify symptoms associated with FOP in women with recurrent breast cancer. METHODS: In this six-month prospective study, 95 women with recurrent breast cancer from a medical center in Taiwan completed assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. FOP was measured using the 12-item Fear of Progression Questionnaire - Short form, and symptom severity was assessed with 13 items from the NCCN Breast Symptom Index. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to identify predictors of FOP over time. RESULTS: Of 124 eligible women, 95 enrolled (76.6% participation; 8.4% attrition). Clinically relevant FOP ranged from 26.4% to 29.5%. Sleep disturbances, fatigue, and worry were the most prevalent and severe symptoms. GEE models identified worsening worry, lack of energy, treatment side effects, hair loss, pain, nausea, and physical decline as significant longitudinal predictors of FOP. Marital status influenced FOP trajectories, with partnered participants showing greater changes than singles. CONCLUSIONS: FOP persisted over six months and was strongly associated with physical and psychosocial symptoms, but common or severe symptoms were not always the strongest drivers of change, highlighting worsening worry, which may be a particularly actionable target.
PURPOSE: Home care nurses play a central role in providing palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. Although holistic needs assessment is recommended, systematic assessment is not standard in primary car...PURPOSE: Home care nurses play a central role in providing palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. Although holistic needs assessment is recommended, systematic assessment is not standard in primary care, and nurses often struggle to address complex psychosocial and existential concerns. PRO-Pall is a structured instrument developed to support holistic palliative care across healthcare sectors. This study explores home care nurses' experiences with PRO-Pall, focusing on its perceived benefits and implementation challenges. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with home care nurses from municipalities actively testing PRO-Pall. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Drawing on Bourdieu's theory of practice, the analysis interprets nurses' engagement with the instrument through the concepts of habitus, field, and capital. RESULTS: Two overarching themes emerged: (1) Enhancing holistic care with patients and within families, and (2) Systemic barriers to holistic care within homecare institutions and across interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration. Nurses found PRO-Pall useful for initiating sensitive conversations and adapted the tool flexibly to support individual needs. Its focus on holistic care aligned with nurses' professional habitus. However, systemic barriers, including limited time, inadequate digital infrastructure, and fragmented coordination, restricted consistent use. CONCLUSIONS: Home care nurses regard PRO-Pall as a meaningful support for holistic palliative care. Effective integration depends on alignment between individual dispositions, organisational conditions, and access to social, cultural, symbolic, and economic capital. Strengthening training, resources, and collaborative structures is essential for the sustainable use of systematic needs assessments in municipal palliative care.
PURPOSE: Breast cancer is still the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Although cultural values and family dynamics strongly shape treatment preferences, evidence on experiences of Jordanian women with early-s...PURPOSE: Breast cancer is still the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Although cultural values and family dynamics strongly shape treatment preferences, evidence on experiences of Jordanian women with early-stage breast cancer and factors influencing their surgical decisions is scarce. This study explores the experiences of Jordanian women with early-stage breast cancer and identifies contributing factors to surgical decisions. METHOD: A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, utilising semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants (n = 15). RESULTS: The analyses showed that misdiagnosis seemed to undermine trust in healthcare providers and was associated with more complex surgical decision-making. Many women hesitated to undergo surgery due to concerns about body image and their husbands' perceptions. Although some women adapted their clothing to conceal surgical scars, others viewed them as symbols of resilience. Women diagnosed before the age of 40 faced additional challenges, balancing treatment decisions with caregiving responsibilities for young children. The emotional and logistical burdens further influenced their surgical choices. CONCLUSION: Surgical decision-making among women with breast cancer is a multifaceted process shaped by trust in healthcare, body image concerns, family dynamics, and caregiving responsibilities. Therefore, a shared Treatment Decision-Making model involving patients, oncology nurses, and families is essential to fostering informed, patient-centred care aligned with surgical best practices.
PURPOSE: Peer support has emerged as a developmentally appropriate approach to address the psychosocial and behavioral needs of adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors (AYA CCS). Current evidence on peer su...PURPOSE: Peer support has emerged as a developmentally appropriate approach to address the psychosocial and behavioral needs of adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors (AYA CCS). Current evidence on peer support for AYA CCS remains fragmented, with qualitative and quantitative findings rarely combined to explain how and why these interventions exert their effects. This mixed-methods systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness, mechanisms, and contextual influences of peer support interventions for AYA CCS. METHODS: Searches across eight databases identified quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies involving peer support interventions for AYA CCS aged 15-39 years. Quantitative outcomes were integrated with qualitative findings using a convergent segregated approach. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included. Quantitative evidence indicated improvements in emotional well-being, social support, coping, self-efficacy, and selected health behaviors; however, the findings for quality of life and identity-related outcomes were heterogeneous. Qualitative synthesis identified core relational mechanisms such as belonging, normalization, emotional safety, reciprocity, shared meaning-making, and identity reconstruction, explaining the observed quantitative benefits and contextualized key divergences (such as a response shift phenomenon and high clinical demand despite null efficacy). One-on-one and structured peer mentoring programs had stronger and more consistent effects than asynchronous or app-based interventions. CONCLUSION: Peer support is a multifaceted and impactful strategy that supports psychosocial adaptation and health-related behaviors among AYA CCS. Programs fostering meaningful peer relationships and relational depth appear most effective. Future research should clarify the mechanisms of change and optimize hybrid or digitally supported models to enhance accessibility while preserving relational quality.