Context Researchers administering surveys seek to balance data quality, sources of error, and practical concerns when selecting an administration mode. Rarely are decisions about survey administration based on the background of study participants, though socio-demographic characteristics like age, education, and race may contribute to participants’ (non)responses. Objectives In this study, we describe differences in paper- and web-based surveys administered in a national cancer survivor study of women with a history of cancer in order to compare the ability of each survey administrative mode to provide quality, generalizable data. Methods We compared paper- and web-based survey data by socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, missing data rates, scores on primary outcome measure, and administrative costs and time using descriptive statistics, tests of mean group differences, and linear regression. Results Our findings indicate that more potentially vulnerable patients preferred paper questionnaires and that data quality, responses, and costs significantly varied by mode and participants’ demographic information. We provide targeted suggestions for researchers conducting survey research to reduce survey error and increase generalizability of study results to the patient population of interest. Conclusions Researchers must carefully weigh the pros and cons of survey administration modes to ensure a representative sample and high-quality data.

There is a substantial lack of evidence focused on psychological distress among the growing MPC survivor population. ES noted in the 5 studies reflect small but potentially significant increases in psychological distress in survivors of MPC compared with survivors of a single cancer. Clinicians should be aware of this at-risk population when screening for distress in cancer survivors. Suggestions for future research are provided.

No abstract

No abstract

Targeted distress screening in MPC survivors may allow for early identification and interventions to ameliorate distress and reduce negative downstream health effects.

ObjectivesAs gynecologic cancer care shifts to the outpatient setting, caregivers are instrumental in helping patients navigate the demands of the disease and treatment. Through social media, we aimed to understand the needs of caregivers of patients with gynecologic cancers and support services necessary to meet these needs.MethodsOn January 10, 2018, a monthly Twitter discussion session was hosted by the GYNecologic Cancer Social Media community (handle @GYNCSM) using the hashtag #GYNCSM. Five topics regarding caregiver needs and support were discussed. Basic descriptive statistics, including means and frequencies of tweets, and a content analysis of the tweets were performed.ResultsForty-six participants posted a total of 471 tweets, with 1.725 million impressions. Four main themes of caregiver needs emerged, including accepting help from others, a need to care for themselves as caregivers, increased access to information and resources, and a need for the health care team to communicate with caregivers. Themes relating to barriers to obtaining support services included practical barriers, a lack of awareness, negative emotions, and a need to do it all themselves. Participants suggested that caregiver support programs include convenient resources, caregiver peer support programs, support for the “work” of caregiving, and support to improve the emotional and physical health of the caregiver.ConclusionsExperts, patients, and caregivers effectively engaged in social media to identify a wide range of needs of caregivers of women with gynecologic cancers. Further research is needed to identify specific support services that could meet the priority needs of a broader network of caregivers.

Background Although higher incidence and mortality of gynecological cancer (GynCa) are documented in black compared with white women, few studies have documented quality of life (QOL) or healthy control comparisons. Objective This study compared depression, sexual function, and QOL between patients with GynCa and race-matched healthy controls. Methods Patients with GynCa and healthy controls completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Female Sexual Function Index, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General measures at baseline; GynCa patients were assessed again at 6 months post–radiation therapy (RT). Results Analyses included 84 participants (51% white, 49% black), including 28 GynCa patients and 56 controls with similar marital status. Compared with healthy controls, patients were younger, had a higher body mass index, and had more depression (P = .01); 82% of the patients and 71% of the healthy controls met criteria for sexual dysfunction at baseline (P = .29). Patients pre-RT had greater sexual dysfunction and lower QOL (P = .001) than controls did; patients at 6-month post-RT showed improved sexual function scores compared with pre-RT, with similar results to controls. White GynCa patients reported less sexual desire (P = .02), more pain (P = .05), and lower total Female Sexual Function Index scores (P = .01) than did black GynCa patients. Both black and white GynCa patients reported lower total QOL than their race-matched controls did (P = .07 and P = .002). Conclusions Women with GynCa reported more depression and lower QOL than did healthy controls pre-RT. Among GynCa patients, white women had more sexual dysfunction than black women did. Implications for Practice The differences in sexual dysfunction between white and black women with GynCa suggest developing guidelines directing routine sexual assessment and rehabilitation in women treated for GynCa.

Objective Survivors of multiple primary cancers (MPC) are at increased risk for poor health outcomes compared with survivors of single cancers. Using an adapted psychobehavioral stress‐response model, the study purpose was to identify pathways and individual risk factors associated with poor health outcomes in adults with MPC. Methods Adult MPC survivors (N = 211) with first cancers (stages I‐III) diagnosed within 1 to 10 years were recruited via tumor registry. Employing a cross‐sectional design, established questionnaires were used to operationalize patient characteristics and theoretical constructs including perceived stress, psychological and behavioral responses, financial hardship, social role function, and physical health. Disease and treatment data were obtained via registry and medical records. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to fit, test, and modify the hypothesized psychobehavioral model. Results Following measurement model refinement, an SEM linking self‐management behaviors, distress, financial hardship, and functional health demonstrated a good fit: χ2 (200, N = 206) = 332.06, P < .01; Tucker‐Lewis index (TLI) = .95, comparative fit index (CFI) = .96, standardized root mean residual (SRMR) = .06, root‐mean‐square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .06. Less use of self‐management behaviors predicted higher distress which, in turn, predicted higher financial hardship; higher distress and financial hardship predicted poorer functional health. Several sociodemographic and personal factors predicted self‐management behaviors and distress. Conclusions The hypothesized stress‐response model was partially supported. Data supported pathways among self‐management behaviors, distress, financial hardship, and functional health. Self‐management and distress may represent modifiable intervention targets for MPC survivors. High body mass index (BMI), less education, greater neuroticism, and lower social support were associated with less use of self‐management behaviors and higher distress and should be further evaluated as potential markers of vulnerability.