Background
For patients, receiving an advanced lung cancer diagnosis can be stressful, with profound psychological repercussions. Sato et al. (2021) report on a multi-center study in their article “Trends of Concerns from Diagnosis in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer and Their Family Caregivers: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study,” published in 2021. The Japanese study aimed to examine the concerns of advanced lung cancer patients and those who care for them from diagnosis onward. This study reinforces the value of understanding the concerns experienced by individuals with advanced lung cancer and those who care for them, as well as the demand for continuous assistance throughout the cancer’s progression.
Research Problem and Study Objectives
The paucity of longitudinal studies on the concerns of patients experiencing terminal cancer and their immediate family caregivers is the research problem this article discusses. This makes it challenging to provide practical, individualized care and support for both groups as soon as a diagnosis is made. The authors make the point that people with advanced cancer and those who care for them suffer a wide range of interconnected challenges (Sato et al., 2021). Therefore, it is essential to recognize and address their issues to enhance the caliber of care and support for both groups. The study’s goal was to discover how everyday severe concerns are among Japanese patients with advanced lung cancer and the people who care for them, as well as how these concerns connect to their clinical features, mood symptoms, and health-related quality of life (QOL).
Methodology and Participant Profile
The variables were assessed using the Concerns Checklist, FACT-L scale, SF-8, and HADS questionnaire (Sato et al., 2021). Patients were recruited for the study from 16 hospitals in Japan between December 2013 and March 2016 (Sato et al., 2021, p. 944). Most patients were male, older than 60, smokers, and on a chemotherapy program. Participants were prospectively enrolled following confirmation that they had late-stage lung cancer. They were then invited to respond to the questionnaires immediately after providing written informed consent 3, 6, 12, and 24 months later (Sato et al., 2021, p. 945). Bivariate analyses were conducted after descriptive analyses to compare participant variables with substantial concerns and participant variables without serious concerns.
Key Findings and Implications for Care
The results showed that patients and family caregivers frequently voiced profound anxiety following a cancer diagnosis, and that this tendency persisted over time. Concerns regarding the future appeared most frequently at the time of diagnosis, followed by mental/spiritual problems and a lack of knowledge (Sato et al., 2021). Concerns about costs, care, and treatment persisted over time. When major concerns surfaced, both individuals receiving treatment and caregivers in their families were far more likely to experience anxiety.
This study has important implications for individuals who have terminal cancer and their household caretakers. The study discovered a high incidence of concerns among patients and those caring for them in their families, particularly during a cancer diagnosis (Sato et al., 2021). Addressing issues that affect patients and family caregivers can be helpful. Healthcare providers must be aware of these interactions and offer patients and family caregivers specialized support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study clarifies the significance of comprehending the concerns of patients with advanced lung cancer and their family caregivers. It also emphasizes the necessity of continued support throughout the disease. At the time of diagnosis, serious concerns were found to be most prevalent, with concerns about the future ranking high among patients and caregivers. Additionally, anxiety and depression were strongly correlated with severe concerns. The results of this study point to the necessity of further investigation into the concerns and experiences of patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers.
Reference
Sato, T., Fujisawa, D., Arai, D., Nakachi, I., Takeuchi, M., Nukaga, S., Kobayashi, K., Ikemura, S., Terai, H., Yasuda, H., Kawada, I., Sato, Y., Satomi, R., Takahashi, S., Hashiguchi, M., Nakamura, M., Oyamada, Y., Terashima, T., Sayama, K.,… Soejima, K. (2021). Trends of concerns from diagnosis in patients with advanced lung cancer and their family caregivers: A 2-year longitudinal study. Palliative Medicine, 35(5), 943–951. Web.