Journal of Psychosocial Oncology最新文献

{"title":"Cancer and the cost of staying alive.","authors":"Pramana, Prahastiwi Utari, Monika Sri Yuliarti","doi":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2683506","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2026.2683506","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This narrative poem reflects on the psychosocial realities of cancer care through the intertwined experiences of a patient and an oncology clinician. Centering on the issue of financial toxicity, the piece illustrates how cancer extends beyond diagnosis and treatment into the fragile structures of family life, caregiving, emotional endurance, and everyday survival. Through the patient's voice, the poem reveals that the burden of cancer is often measured not only in medical terms, but also in unpaid bills, interrupted routines, and the fear of becoming a burden to loved ones. Through the clinician's perspective, it highlights the role of psychosocial care in addressing distress, restoring dignity, and helping patients navigate both practical and emotional crises. The poem also reflects on the clinician's own emotional labor, showing how oncology practice leaves lasting impressions beyond the clinical encounter. By presenting cancer as both a medical and social experience, this piece underscores the importance of compassionate, holistic, and interprofessional psychosocial support in oncology. It invites readers to recognize that, amid financial strain and uncertainty, hope may still be sustained through small acts of care, recognition, and human presence.</p>","PeriodicalId":47451,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychosocial Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"1-4"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148206616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Depression as a potential early indicator of pancreatic cancer: a systematic review of prevalence, mechanisms, and temporal associations.","authors":"Melissa Frangie Machado, Niloofar Masoumi, Leila Azari, Megan Centrella, Kami Mukenschnabl, Yu Chen Lin, Pamela Hodul, Jessica Y Islam, Kea Turner, Amir Alishahi Tabriz","doi":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2679587","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2026.2679587","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies, with a five-year survival rate of only 12%, largely due to late diagnosis. Depression is frequently reported in PC and may precede its onset, yet underlying mechanisms remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This systematic review examined (1) the prevalence of depression in PC, (2) potential psychological, clinical, and biological mechanisms, and (3) the temporality of depressive symptoms relative to PC diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA guidelines, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched through February 2025 (PROSPERO: CRD42022378830). Studies including adults with PC assessing depression or related biomarkers were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-six studies met inclusion criteria. Depression prevalence ranged 3.5-51.8%. Six studies reported depressive symptoms often preceding diagnosis by 3-6 months. Biomarker studies identified elevated IL-6, CRP, and kynurenine-tryptophan pathway alterations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Depression may represent a paraneoplastic or early manifestation of PC. Further prospective, mechanistic studies are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":47451,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychosocial Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"1-36"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148165148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparing cancer narratives of pediatric cancer survivors and healthy siblings.","authors":"Günce Kaya-Ali, Jessica O'Brien, Samantha Winegard, Sophia Rico, Taylor MacLean, Lila M Pereira","doi":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2655271","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2026.2655271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Narrative interventions benefit adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAC), but less is known about unaffected siblings (SIBS), despite evidence of sibling distress. This study compared narrative themes, perceived benefits, and quality of life (QOL) between AYAC and SIBS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants were pediatric cancer survivors diagnosed ages 11-18 and off treatment ≥1 year (AYAC; <i>n</i> = 20) and unaffected siblings of pediatric cancer survivors (SIBS; <i>n</i> = 20). Participants recorded video narratives and completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Post Video Impressions Questionnaire (PVIQ). Videos were coded using population-specific thematic codebooks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both groups demonstrated high meaning-making and reported similarly positive perceived benefits. AYAC discussed diagnosis/treatment and identity themes more deeply, whereas SIBS discussed others' mental health more deeply. AYAC reported significantly poorer QOL across all domains than SIBS.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite poorer QOL among survivors, both groups reported comparable benefits from narrative expression, supporting narrative interventions for survivors and siblings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47451,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychosocial Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148151577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical and psychological reasons for cancer patients' decision to decline tobacco treatment: a qualitative study.","authors":"Tia Borger, Marguerite A Webster, Abigayle R Feather, Kathleen E Wakeman, Laurie E McLouth, Jessica L Burris","doi":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2680556","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2026.2680556","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Despite the benefits of using evidence-based tobacco treatment to quit smoking, many cancer patients continue smoking after diagnosis. Many survivors decline assistance with smoking cessation due to the desire to quit without assistance. This qualitative study sought to describe cancer patients' physical and psychological reasons for their decision to decline assistance with smoking cessation.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Participants were 35 adult cancer patients who were recruited from outpatient oncology clinics. Participants reported tobacco use in the past month and declined referral to an \"in-house\" tobacco treatment due to the desire to quit without assistance. On average, participants were 54.4 years old, mostly female (68.57%) and White, non-Hispanic (85.7%). The most common cancer site was gynecological (28.6%.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multiple physical and psychological reasons for declining tobacco treatment emerged, including distress, feeling overwhelmed, cancer treatment intensity and treatment side-effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings underscore the need to address psychological and physical reasons for cancer patients' decline in tobacco treatment. Psychosocial practitioners can play a role in addressing these factors. Interventions to address these factors should offer flexible, time-limited, and tailored tobacco treatment to increase treatment acceptance.</p>","PeriodicalId":47451,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychosocial Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148145103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contributing factors and the areas of financial hardship: Perspectives from breast cancer patients in a rural community.","authors":"Eunjeong Ko, France Nguyen-Grozavu, Michelle Avila","doi":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2676839","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2676839","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Cancer-related financial hardship can significantly affect patients and their families' well-being. Cancer patients in rural regions face unique challenges, yet little is known about the scope of rural financial hardship. This study explored potential contributing factors and types of financial hardship experienced by breast cancer patients in the rural California region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a qualitative approach, individual interviews were conducted with 25 Latinas and non-Latina Whites with breast cancer. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Factors contributing to financial hardship include patients' employment disruption and loss of familial financial contributions. The participants experienced financial hardship related to material, psychological, and behavioral aspects, which is complicated by socio-geographic characteristics and familial context.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Financial hardship was a significant concern, resulting in adverse effects across multiple aspects. It is important to provide financial interventions that address the multi-level challenges and to expand the corresponding services accordingly.</p>","PeriodicalId":47451,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychosocial Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148144970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"Its your duty to make me happy\": a qualitative study of intimate partner sexual violence among breast cancer survivors in Türkiye.","authors":"Şahika Şimşek Çetinkaya, Selda Karaveli Çakır, Gülçin Gümüş Çalış","doi":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2678393","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2026.2678393","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Our understanding of the sexual lives and experiences of sexual violence among women undergoing breast cancer treatment is notably limited. This gap in knowledge hinders our ability to fully grasp the challenges these women face during and after treatment. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) and its impact on women's lives among breast cancer survivors in Türkiye. We employed a qualitative research approach, involving 29 breast cancer survivors selected through purposeful sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, and content analysis was utilized to analyze the findings. Inclusion criteria included living with a partner at the time of diagnosis, at least six months post-treatment, no prior history of sexual dysfunction, and willingness to participate. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) The Personal Meaning of Sexual Violence Experience and Individual Experiences, (2) The Implications of Sexual Violence Experience, (3) Coping with Sexual Violence, and (4) Reasons Preventing Help-Seeking. The findings provide valuable insights into how IPSV significantly impacts women's health, with responses often shaped by societal taboos, patriarchal gender roles, and the specific cultural context of Türkiye. These findings underscore the need for healthcare providers to understand these challenges and develop effective support strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":47451,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychosocial Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148144987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depression and anxiety in people with cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Kenni Wojujutari Ajele, Erhabor Sunday Idemudia","doi":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2679584","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2026.2679584","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Depression and anxiety are common and debilitating in people with cancer and may adversely affect treatment adherence, quality of life, and medical outcomes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recommended psychosocial intervention. While its effectiveness across cancer types and delivery formats has been well studied, this meta-analysis uniquely explores how CBT outcomes vary by geographic region and income level.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This meta-analysis evaluated the overall effectiveness of CBT in reducing depression and anxiety in people with cancer and examined moderators that may influence treatment outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review of 52 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including 9,151 participants, was conducted. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs). Subgroup analyses assessed variations by CBT format, delivery mode, cancer type and stage, region, country income level, and comparator type.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CBT reduced both depression (SMD = -1.16) and anxiety (SMD = -0.75) compared to control groups, which included standard care, waitlist, active interventions, and pretest conditions. Improvements were maintained at follow-up (SMD = -0.65), based on the longest available follow-up time point in each study (up to 12 months). Adapted CBT (i.e. CBT tailored to cancer-specific concerns) was associated with larger reductions in symptoms (SMD = -1.17), as were individually delivered CBT (SMD = -2.83) and interventions targeting adults with breast cancer (SMD = -1.30). Regional subgroup analyses showed the largest symptom reductions in North America (SMD = -1.97), followed by Africa (SMD = -1.69) and Asia (SMD = -0.91), indicating geographic variation in symptom improvement. Heterogeneity was substantial (I² > 90).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CBT reduces depression and anxiety in people with cancer, with improvements that are maintained over time and vary by delivery method, cancer type, and geographic setting. These findings support integrating tailored CBT programs into cancer care, particularly in high-need and resource-limited populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":47451,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychosocial Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"1-41"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility of a virtual Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) protocol for the emotional consequences of living with cancer: lessons learned and future practices.","authors":"Ana Cecilia Sala, Bridget Beachy, David Bauman, Hilmaris Centeno Girona, Vivian Colón-López, Marcia Cruz-Correa","doi":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2669380","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2026.2669380","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Distress management guidelines emphasize the importance of addressing psychological symptoms in cancer patients. Mental health interventions that are time-bound are more easily integrated into oncology care. We tested the feasibility of a time-bound Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) protocol for anxiety, depression, and psychological flexibility in cancer patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Breast, prostate, stage III/IV colorectal cancer, or leukemia patients who scored ≥5 on the PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 were included. The intervention group completed three virtual FACT sessions; controls received written FACT exercises and phone check-ins. All received a one-month follow-up call.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-seven participants completed follow-up (intervention <i>n</i> = 10; control <i>n</i> = 17). Feasibility was mixed: 57.1% of prescreened patients met screening eligibility (64/112), but overall conversion from initially interested patients was 27.8% (64/230). Per Red-Amber-Green criteria, enrollment was 100% (64/64; green/go) and retention was 42.2% (27/64; red/major redesign). Acceptability was high across groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Initial recruitment was strong and clinical need was clear. Low retention highlights a need to improve procedures to support engagement among a high-burden population. Because ease of access is critical, we will apply lessons learned to refine the protocol.</p>","PeriodicalId":47451,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychosocial Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of CALM-based psycho-oncological counseling on the emotional well-being of relatives of people living with lung cancer: Results of a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Julia Dusel, Karin Meng, Pauline Faßler, Franziska Reinhardt, Andrea Dankert, Alessandra Gnecco, Tabea Söll, Elisabeth Jentschke","doi":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2671282","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2026.2671282","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lung cancer is associated with substantial psychosocial burden for those affected and their relatives. This trial evaluates effects of CALM-based psycho-oncological counseling (Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully) for relatives of lung cancer patients and explored indirect effects on patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this multi-center randomized controlled trial, patient-relative dyads were assigned to an intervention (IG; three to six CALM-based sessions) or control group (CG; usual care). All patients could access standard support. Assessments occurred at baseline and after six weeks. The primary outcome was relatives' anxiety; secondary outcomes were depression, distress, and quality of life. Patient outcomes included anxiety, depression, and distress. Effects were analyzed with ANCOVA, and within-group comparisons. Secondary analyses explored dyadic relationships using multilevel models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 86 relatives (40 IG, 46 CG), no group-level effects emerged. Within the IG depression and distress decreased significantly (medium to large effect). Patients whose relatives attended at least one counseling session experienced reduced distress. There was strong dyadic dependence for couples across all outcomes.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Despite lacking group-level effects, individual improvements highlight the potential of CALM-based counseling and the importance of integrating relatives and dyadic counseling into psycho-oncological care.</p>","PeriodicalId":47451,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychosocial Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Qualitative insights into a digital CBT program for AYAs with cancer: Participant perceptions of factors impacting feasibility and engagement.","authors":"Anao Zhang, Meiyan Chen, Addie Weaver, Nina Francis-Levin, Chris Walters, Addison Rappaport, Joseph A Himle","doi":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2669385","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07347332.2026.2669385","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer face high levels of depression and anxiety. Yet developmentally appropriate and cancer-informed mental health services remain limited. Digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs may help address known access barriers, but many lack the tailoring and engagement needed for meaningful retention of AYAs with cancer. Mind Your Total Health (MYTH) was partially tailored to reflect AYA cancer experiences. This study explored how AYAs perceived their experiences with MYTH and offered recommendations for refinements related to feasibility and engagement.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This article reports qualitative findings of a sequential exploratory mixed-method (quant → qual) study assessing MYTH's feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Eight AYAs (ages 19-25) who completed the MYTH program participated in semi-structured individual interviews. Interviews explored experiences with the program, perceived benefits and challenges, and recommendations for improvement. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants described MYTH as accessible and integrative to their daily lives. Participants highlighted MYTH's animated storyline and use of cliffhangers as elements that strengthened the program's sense of relatability and encouraged sustained engagement. A cancer-relevant storyline was identified as a crucial step for enhanced program feasibility and engagement. Brief weekly check-ins served as an important source of accountability and emotional grounding for engagement.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>AYAs' perspectives highlight the need for digital mental health programs that balance flexible, engaging design with content that reflects the realities of cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":47451,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychosocial Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147964923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}