Cognitive Processing Variables in Breast Cancer: Worry and Distress at the End of Treatment

Abstract

This study assessed the influence of cognitive processing variables on cancer worries and distress after breast cancer treatment. In multivariate analyses, while independent variables were intolerance of uncertainty and intrusive thoughts, constructs' variables were anxiety and depression symptoms and cancer-related worries. The intolerance to uncertainty had a tendency to influence on distress and concerns about cancer after the end of treatment (Wilks' λ = 0.687, p = 0.074). Whereas, thought intrusion had a significant influence on distress and cancer related worries (Wilks' λ = 0.228, p = 0.000). Cognitive variables could be addressed by the oncology nurse when considering the patients' concerns related to cancer and psychological distress.

Everyday Experiences of Women Posttreatment After Breast Cancer: The Role of Uncertainty, Hassles, Uplifts, and Coping on Depressive Symptoms

“…Intolerance of uncertainty is usually thought of as a trait characteristic, but these findings suggest that it is changeable following a significant life experience. As previously reported (Costa-Requina et al, 2011), intolerance of uncertainty was related to depressive symptoms; however, in this study the relation of this trait to daily hassles in predicting depressive symptoms was significant only for women in the control condition. Once again, these results support the notion that posttreatment, uncertainty or daily annoyances are less pertinent to well-being.…”

“…Understandably, an individual with a high intolerance of uncertainty would perceive considerable threat from the unknown progression of the illness and, not unexpectedly, would engage in increased monitoring of the situation (Rosen et al, 2010). Indeed, following treatment for breast cancer, intolerance of uncertainty was found to predict threat appraisals (Wonghongkul, Moore, Musil, Schneider, & Deimling, 2000), as well as depressive symptoms and cancer worry (Costa-Requina, Rodriguez, Fernandez, Palomera, & Gil, 2011). Essentially, intolerance of uncertainty may play a key role in women's ability to move forward from their cancer experience.…”

Issues experienced and support provided to adolescents and young adults at the end of active treatment for cancer: A rapid review of the literature

“…The findings of this rapid review demonstrate the overarching issues experienced by AYA with cancer at the end of treatment, highlighting a paucity of research exploring the particular issues experienced by AYA with different diagnoses. Where research in older adults tends to focus on single, high‐prevalence diagnoses, such as breast cancer (Brédart et al, ; Costa‐Requena, Rodríguez, Fernández, Palomera, & Gil, ; Jones et al, ), AYA research tends to look at the patient population as a whole, without splitting it into diagnostic groups, likely due to the small numbers when looking at tumour types. Nonetheless, it would be useful and important to determine whether the issues which arise at the end of treatment vary according to diagnosis.…”

“…Where research in older adults tends to focus on single, high-prevalence diagnoses, such as breast cancer (Brédart et al, 2015;Costa-Requena, Rodríguez, Fernández, Palomera, & Gil, 2011;Jones et al, 2010Jones et al, , 2013, AYA research tends to look at the patient population as a whole, without splitting it into diagnostic groups, likely due to the small numbers when looking at tumour types. Nonetheless, it would be useful and important to determine whether the issues which arise at the end of treatment vary according to diagnosis.…”

Intolerance of uncertainty, cognitive complaints, and cancer‐related distress in prostate cancer survivors

“…These items rated the extent to which uncertainty is unacceptable or threatening, such as ‘It frustrates me not having all of the information I need.’ Items were rated on a five‐point scale, ranging from 1 (‘Not characteristic of me at all’) to 5 (‘Entirely characteristic of me’) and were summed to form an intolerance of uncertainty total score. The scale has been shown to be reliable and empirically valid in community and cancer populations . Cronbach's alpha was 0.94.…”