Biopsychosocial needs of survivors of testicular cancer and evidence of validation of a brief scale

Abstract

The favorable prognosis of testicular cancer does not minimize immediate and late biopsychosocial implications. This study sought to determine these needs, and to evaluate the evidence of validation of a brief and specific scale for this population. A sample of 29 survivors of testicular cancer (n = 29) was assessed for distress (Distress Thermometer), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), quality of life and cognitive impairment (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-General and Cognitive Function), and specific needs (Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular). It was observed a high prevalence of distress (41.4%), a low prevalence of anxiety (6.9%) and depression (6.9%), and a moderate impact on quality of life and cognition. Self-image and sexual function were the most preponderant problems. The evidence of validation of Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular12 was verified in the psychometric analysis. Notably, biopsychosocial needs identified on global scales, and particularly in Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular12, assisted in understanding these specificities and in therapeutic planning.

An Updated Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies Assessing Anxiety, Depression, Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Psychological Distress in Testicular Cancer Survivors

“… 29 One study found relationships of anxiety with cognitive-emotional regulation, sexual confidence and sexual functioning. 33 …”

“… NA NR NR 5 Fair Manhães et al, 2019 33 HADS [≥8], 6.9% HADS [0–21], 3.2 (3.8) NA NR Sexual Confidence and Functioning (p = 0.04), Cognitive-Emotional Regulation (p = 0.001), and Specific Sexual Functioning (p = 0.04) were predictors of anxiety symptoms (R 2 = 61%). 8 Fair Whitford et al, 2019 29 NA HADS [0–21], Baseline Group A: 6.16 (4.08), baseline group B: 4.13 (3.69); FU Group A: 4.72 (3.36), FU Group B: 3.25 (3.69) NA Non sig: Treatment type (surgery alone vs surgery + chemo) NR Depression 1 Good Bandak et al, 2018 32 HADS [≥7], 7% NR NA NR NR 3 Good Skott et al, 2019 34 HADS [>7], 4.7% NR NA Non-sig: age NR 4 Fair Adams et al, 2018 30 NR CES-D10 [0–30]: baseline exercise group: 5.3 (4.7), baseline control: 4.5 (4.4) NA NR NR 5 Fair Manhães et al, 2019 33 HADS [≥9], 6.9% HADS [0–21], 1.8 (3.7) No NA Sexual Confidence and Functioning was associated with symptoms of depression (p = 0.01). Cognitive-Emotional Regulation (p = 0...…”

“…The prevalence of clinical levels of depression varied from 4.7% to 7% (see Table 2). Results from two studies 29,33 that used the HADS-D found mean scores of 1.8 to 3.05 (scale range 0-21), while the CES-D10 scores 30 were 4.5 to 5.3 (scale range 0-30), and the CES-D20 score 35 was 12.99 (scale range 0-60). No comparisons with groups of non-TC survivors were reported.…”

“…The reported prevalence of borderline abnormal or abnormal anxiety was 6.9%, 33 20% 32 and 21.1%. 34 Two studies 29,33 found mean HADS-A scores of 3.2 to 6.16 (scale range 0-21), and another study 30 reported SSAS-10 scores of 16.2 to 18.6 (scale range unclear).…”

“…31 Distress was also found to be related to Cognitive-Emotional Regulation (R2=37%) in one study. 33 Cancer Management and Research 2021:13…”