Browsing by Subject "Breast cancer survivor"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Association between Cardiovascular Disease and Cognitive Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Survivors
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2023) Von Ah, Diane; Crouch, Adele; Arthur, Elizabeth; Yang, Yesol; Nolan, Timiya; School of Nursing
    Background: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) may have a greater risk for cardiovascular disease [congestive heart failure (CHF) and hypertension (HTN)], which in turn, can affect cognitive dysfunction, a frequent, bothersome, and potentially debilitating symptom. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of cardiovascular disease on cognitive function in BCS. Methods: Baseline data from a double-blind RCT for cognitive training of BCS were examined. Early stage BCS (Stage I-IIIA) who were ≥21 years of age, completed adjuvant therapy (≥ 6 months), and reported cognitive concerns completed questionnaires and a brief neuropsychological assessment, including tests of memory, attention and working memory, speed of processing, and verbal fluency. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and separate linear regression models for each cognitive domain were conducted. Results: 47 BCS, who were on average 57.3 (SD=8.1) years old, 58% White and had some college education (75%), completed the study. 44.7% of the BCS had cardiovascular disease (CHF or HTN). In linear regression models, cardiovascular disease was significantly related to immediate and delayed memory and attention and working memory (p<0.01–0.05). Conclusions: BCS who have cardiovascular disease may also be at a greater risk for cognitive dysfunction post-treatment. Results from this study inform both clinical practice and future research, specifically by examining the intersect between cancer, cardiovascular disease (cardiotoxicity), and cognition. Implications for Practice: Nurses should be aware that BCS with co-occurring cardiovascular disease are at higher risk for cognitive dysfunction, and work within the multidisciplinary team to optimize BCS health and function.
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    Comorbidity, cognitive dysfunction, physical functioning, and quality of life in older breast cancer survivors
    (Springer, 2022-01) Crouch, Adele; Champion, Victoria L.; Von Ah, Diane; School of Nursing
    Purpose: Older breast cancer survivors (BCS) may be at greater risk for cognitive dysfunction and other comorbidities; both of which may be associated with physical and emotional well-being. This study will seek to understand these relationships by examining the association between objective and subjective cognitive dysfunction and physical functioning and quality of life (QoL) and moderated by comorbidities in older BCS. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted on data from 335 BCS (stages I-IIIA) who were ≥ 60 years of age, received chemotherapy, and were 3-8 years post-diagnosis. BCS completed a one-time questionnaire and neuropsychological tests of learning, delayed recall, attention, working memory, and verbal fluency. Descriptive statistics and separate linear regression analyses testing the relationship of each cognitive assessment on physical functioning and QoL controlling for comorbidities were conducted. Results: BCS were on average 69.79 (SD = 3.34) years old and 5.95 (SD = 1.48) years post-diagnosis. Most were stage II (67.7%) at diagnosis, White (93.4%), had at least some college education (51.6%), and reported on average 3 (SD = 1.81) comorbidities. All 6 physical functioning models were significant (p < .001), with more comorbidities and worse subjective attention identified as significantly related to decreased physical functioning. One model found worse subjective attention was related to poorer QoL (p < .001). Objective cognitive function measures were not significantly related to physical functioning or QoL. Conclusions: A greater number of comorbidities and poorer subjective attention were related to poorer outcomes and should be integrated into research seeking to determine predictors of physical functioning and QoL in breast cancer survivors.
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    Referral process to further evaluate poor sleep in breast cancer survivors
    (Wiley, 2022-04) Otte, Julie L.; Chernyak, Yelena; Johns, Shelley A.; Jackson, Lea'; Ludwig, Kandice K.; Dodson, Jill; Manchanda, Shalini; Bufink, Elizabeth; Draucker, Claire; School of Nursing
    Objective: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) are twice as likely to report symptoms of poor sleep as those without cancer. However, sleep disorders are under-assessed and under-treated among BCS. The purpose of this study was to determine the portion of BCS who completed referral visits to a sleep specialist and identify the acceptability, facilitators, and barriers to the screening and referral process. Methods: BCS, who reported having sleep problems, completed questionnaires to screen for symptoms suggestive of sleep disorders. Those with symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea, movement disorders, narcolepsy, insomnia syndrome, or circadian disorders, they were referred to a sleep medicine physician or behavioral sleep medicine psychologist. Two months after the referral, participants were interviewed about their perceptions of the acceptability, barriers, and facilitators to sleep screenings and referrals. Results: Of 34 BCS assessed for eligibility, 29 were eligible and had sleep problems. Only eight of 29 participants (27.6%) completed the sleep referral process. Most thought the screening and referral process was acceptable. However, BCS identified barriers to completing the referral visit, including time, not seeing the need for treatment, insurance/sick leave concerns, and distance/transportation. Conclusion: Adequate evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders in BCS are rare. Creative solutions to address barriers to timely sleep referrals are needed to reduce long-term negative consequences of inadequate sleep.