Hearing about others' personal experiences with cancer can provide support and inspiration when you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment.
Association of steroid use with survival in solid tumors
ALBERTO COSTA
We found that in setting where they are not used for curative purposes (e.g. prostate cancer), they may exert a detrimental effect on survival. This is now ever more debated in those patients that are undergoing immunotherapy. The main effect on infection risk, diabetes, risk of sepsis, and immunosuppression may explain the reduced survival observed in these patients. All these effects may reduce prognosis, in particular in advanced cancer patients where the immune system is impaired. No data are derived from adjuvant or early settings where they are usually used only for CINV (for pain or during RT) for short periods. Some of the included studies report data on breast cancer where steroids were seldom used many years ago in adjuvant schedules.
Bridging the Age Gap in Breast Cancer: A treatment selection tool for the over-70s
LYNDA WYLD
The Bridging the Age Gap in Breast Cancer study recruited nearly 3,500 women over the age of 70, who were newly diagnosed with operable breast cancer. We wanted to collect very detailed data about their level of baseline fitness so we could understand treatment selection and age- and health-stratified outcomes. We therefore organized a prospective observational study, planning to adjust for bias by use of propensity score matching.
A key area of enquiry concerned elucidating the factors associated with selecting patients in the age group either for surgery or for primary endocrine treatment, and the related outcomes. Of 2,854 women with oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, 82% had surgery and 18% had primary endocrine therapy. We found that women receiving primary endocrine treatment were older and less fit than those treated with surgery.
In terms of outcomes, with a median follow up of 52 months, an unadjusted analysis showed that all-cause mortality and mortality from breast cancer were both lower in women having surgery (HR=0.27, 95%CI 0.23‒0.33, P<0.001 and HR=0.41, 95%CI 0.29‒0.58, P<0.001, respectively). However, when we performed very specific propensity score matching for age, tumour characteristics and health status, whilst all-cause mortality was still slightly better with surgery (denoting imperfect matching) (HR=0.72, 95%CI 0.53‒0.98, P=0.04), breast cancer specific mortality was no longer significantly different (HR=0.74, 95%CI 0.40‒1.37, P=0.34).
We also looked in detail at chemotherapy outcomes in these women, using the same methodology. Chemotherapy was given to almost 28% (306/1,100) of fit patients who had a high breast cancer recurrence risk. Comparison of chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy demonstrated reduced metastatic recurrence risk in high-risk patients, when comparing unmatched patients (HR=0.36, 95%CI 0.19‒0.68) and also when comparing propensity-score-matched patients (adjusted HR 0.43, 95%CI 0.20‒0.92). However, no benefit to overall survival or breast-cancer-specific survival was found in either group. Unplanned subgroup analysis found that chemotherapy improved overall and breast-cancer-specific survival in women with ER-negative cancer (HR=0.20, 95%CI 0.08‒0.49, and HR=0.12, 95%CI 0.03‒0.44, respectively).
In both the surgery and the chemotherapy analyses, we also looked at the quality of life. In both, more aggressive treatment had negative impacts on quality of life, but these changes were transient and largely resolved after two years of follow up.
In the UAE, cancer support groups play a crucial role in helping patients, survivors, and their families cope with the emotional, physical, and psychological challenges of cancer. These groups provide a platform for sharing experiences, receiving emotional support, and gaining knowledge about managing the disease. Here are some prominent cancer support groups in the UAE:
In the UAE, cancer support groups play a crucial role in helping patients, survivors, and their families cope with the emotional, physical, and psychological challenges of cancer. These groups provide a platform for sharing experiences, receiving emotional support, and gaining knowledge about managing the disease. Here are some prominent cancer support groups in the UAE:
1. Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)
• Location: Sharjah
• Overview: One of the most well-known organizations in the UAE, FOCP provides financial, emotional, and mental support to cancer patients and their families. They offer a variety of services, including patient advocacy, counseling, and awareness programs.
• Focus: All types of cancer, with particular attention to supporting underserved communities.
• Website: focp.ae
2. Pink Caravan
• Location: Nationwide
• Overview: Part of FOCP, Pink Caravan is a breast cancer initiative that focuses on awareness, early detection, and support for breast cancer patients. They organize annual breast cancer awareness campaigns and provide free screenings.
• Focus: Breast cancer awareness and support.
• Website: pinkcaravan.ae
3. Breast Friends Support Group
• Location: Dubai (In partnership with Al Jalila Foundation)
• Overview: This support group helps breast cancer patients and survivors share their experiences, cope with treatment, and manage their recovery. The group often organizes educational and social activities to provide emotional support.
• Focus: Breast cancer patients and survivors.
• Website: Al Jalila Foundation
4. SSMC Breast Cancer Support Group
• Location: Abu Dhabi
• Overview: This group provides emotional support and advice for breast cancer patients and their families in Abu Dhabi. It offers a safe environment for individuals to discuss their experiences, share information, and provide mutual support.
• Focus: Breast cancer support.
• Website: https://ssmc.ae/breast-cancer-support-group-invitation/
5. RAK Hospital Cancer Support Group
• Location: Ras Al Khaimah
• Overview: RAK Hospital offers support groups for cancer patients, providing guidance on treatment and mental health. The hospital regularly hosts meetings where patients can share experiences and receive expert advice.
• Focus: Cancer patients undergoing treatment at RAK Hospital.
• Website: RAK Hospital
6. Abu Dhabi Cancer Support Group
• Location: Abu Dhabi
• Overview: A local community group offering support for cancer patients, survivors, and their families. These groups focus on emotional support, educational workshops, and post-treatment care.
• Focus: General cancer support.
• Contact: Accessible through major hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi or Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.
7. Breast Cancer Support Group in Dubai
• Overview: This invaluable support group aims to ensure that all individuals who have been affected by breast cancer whether they received treatment at the hospital or are part of the community, have access to the support they require on their journey towards recovery.
• Focus: Breast cancer support.
• Contact: King's College Hospital
These support groups not only help cancer patients cope with their diagnosis but also provide vital emotional, social, and psychological assistance to help them navigate their cancer journey.
These support groups not only help cancer patients cope with their diagnosis but also provide vital emotional, social, and psychological assistance to help them navigate their cancer journey.
Psychosocial care for cancer patients addresses the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of coping with cancer, alongside medical treatments.
This holistic approach improves patients' overall well-being, helping them manage the stress, anxiety, and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Key Components of Psychosocial Care:
1. Emotional Support: Patients often experience fear, anxiety, depression, and distress. Counseling, support groups, or individual therapy can help them cope with these emotions.
2. Psychiatric and Psychological Interventions: Some cancer patients may require more intensive mental health support, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, or even pharmacological treatments for anxiety or depression.
3. Social Support: Cancer can strain personal relationships and affect work or family life. Social workers and support groups help patients manage these challenges, including connecting them with resources like financial aid, family support services, and legal advice.
4. Spiritual Care: For many patients, spirituality can be an important part of their coping strategy. Spiritual counselors offer support, helping patients find meaning and peace, regardless of their religious background.
5. Education and Information: Patients and families need clear, accurate information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. Providing educational materials and answering questions can alleviate fear and help with decision-making.
6. Body Image and Self-Esteem: Cancer treatments, like surgery or chemotherapy, can affect a patient’s appearance. Psychosocial care includes helping patients adjust to these changes, whether through counseling, body image therapy, or programs that focus on enhancing self-esteem.
7. Caregiver Support: Caregivers are vital but often experience burnout. Psychosocial care programs often extend support to caregivers, providing respite care, counseling, and support groups.
Benefits of Psychosocial Care:
• Improved Quality of Life: Patients who receive psychosocial care often report better mental health, improved relationships, and enhanced overall quality of life.
• Better Treatment Adherence: Psychosocial support can help patients adhere to their treatment plans by addressing issues like fear, depression, or misunderstanding about treatments.
• Reduced Healthcare Costs: By addressing mental health and social issues, psychosocial care can prevent unnecessary hospital visits and reduce overall healthcare costs.
