Importance of social support for functional status in breast cancer patients.

The role of social support in functional status to a diagnosis of cancer was examined in 84 patients with breast cancer. Multivariate techniques were used to assess the relationships among the dimensions of social support, as measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and functional status, assessed with the Inventory of the Functional Status Cancer (IFSA-CA). The results indicated significant independent associations between support and functional status outcomes, underscoring the importance of examining social support to evaluate functional status of patients. Nurses cognizant of breast cancer survivors challenges and concerns in areas of social support and are in a unique position to enhance functional status.

Why do men refuse prostate cancer screening? Demographic analysis in Turkey.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with a high incidence rates in Turkey. However, the early detection and diagnosis rates are considerably lower among Turkish men as compared with their counterparts in Western countries. This fact reflects a lack of awareness and fear of prostate cancer as well as low prevention activities. To reduce the disparities in prostate cancer survival, there is a great need to increase men's participation in screening programs. The present study was performed to assess why men do not seek screening or participate in screening programs, focusing on the demographics of men refusing a free screening program for prostate cancer.

Changes in functional status and physical and psychological symptoms in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

AIMS: This study was planned to determine whether there were changes in breast cancer women's functional status and presence of physical and psychological symptoms before and after chemotherapy. METHODS: The research sample comprised 101 women with breast cancer receiving oncology services at university hospitals (Pamukkale and Ege Universities) in two cities in western Turkey (Izmir and Denizli) who volunteered to participate in the study. The Patient and Medical Information Questionnaire, Symptoms List, and the Inventory of Functional Status-Cancer (IFS-CA) were used for data collection to determine the functional status. RESULTS: According to the IFS-CA in the examination of the women's functional status the after chemotherapy scores were lower and significantly different for household and family activities (p<0.0001), social and community activities (p<0.0001), personal care activities (p<0.0001) and occupational activities (p<0.003). Similarly there was also a statistically significant increase in presence of physical and psychological symptoms after chemotherapy, particularly affected the personal care activities subscale of the functional status inventory. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that worsening of the functional status of women with breast cancer was associated with chemotherapy and more physical and psychological discomforts were experienced.

Comparison of mediterranean, Western and Japanese diets and some recommendations.

During the past thousands of years, food systems, and thus human diets, have been and are shaped by climate, terrain, seasons, location, culture, and technology. In this context, many types of diet patterns have emerged. Nowadays, numerous epidemiological studies are being conducted in many countries in order to find relationships between empirically identified dietary factors and the occurrence of illnesses. Today, some dietary patterns are described as healthy eating models while others are generally qualified as unhealthy.

Psychosocial stressors, social support and socio-demographic variables as determinants of quality of life of Turkish breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of psychosocial stressors, social support and socio-demographic variables on quality of life of breast cancer patients. TOOLS AND METHODS: The study was conducted between December 2004 and May 2005 and included 101 patients, treated in the Oncology Departments of Ege and Pamukkale University Hospitals and Denizli State Hospital. Patients' demographic data were collected by questionnaire. The methods used in the interviews were the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Psychosocial stressors were classified according to life events using the DSM-IV multi-axial diagnostic system. RESULTS: It was found that increase of cancer stage triggers a decrease in psychological quality of life (p<0,05); overall global life quality (p<0,001), perceived social support and performance status (p<0,05), all of these being negatively affected by family stressors. The patients with increased social support, better psychological and overall quality of life (p<0,01) and younger age had more physical wellness besides overall quality of life (p<0,05); lower incomes negatively affected overall global life quality (p<0,01) and working at a job decreased the psychological stressors (p<0,05). CONCLUSION: From these results, it can be postulated that psychosocial stressors, social support and some socio-demographic variables mostly affected quality of life of the breast cancer patients.

Dance as a therapy for cancer prevention.

Even though the field of medicine has developed tremendously, the wide variety of cancer is still among chronic and life threatening disease today. Therefore, the specialists constantly research and try every possible way to find cure or preventive ways to stop its further development. For this reason, studies concerning the chronic disease such as cancer have been spread to many different fields. In this regard, many other alternative ways besides medicine, are used in prevention of cancer. Nutritional therapy, herbal therapy, sportive activities, art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, imagery, yoga and acupuncture can be given as examples. Among these, dance/movement therapy which deals with individuals physical, emotional, cognitive as well as social integration is widely used as a popular form of physical activity. The physical benefits of dance therapy as exercise are well documented. Studies have shown that physical activity is known to increase special neurotransmitter substances in the brain (endorphins), which create a state of well-being. And total body movement such as dance enhances the functions of other body systems, such as circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, and muscular systems. Regarding its unique connection to the field of medicine, many researches have been undertaken on the effects of dance/movement therapy in special settings with physical problems such as amputations, traumatic brain injury, and stroke, chronic illnesses such as anorexia, bulimia, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, AIDS, and arthritis. Today dance/movement therapy is a well recognized form of complementary therapy used in hospitals as well as at the comprehensive clinical cancer centres.

Knowledge of the effects of sun exposure of Turkish high school students and their sun bathing habits.

Cancer, long a serious problem in developed countries, is now becoming a serious health concern throughout the world. There has been an alarming increase in the number of new cases of melanoma each year, this cancer increasing at a faster rate than any other neoplasm in some regions. This may be a result of depletion of the ozone layer. An association between non-melanocytic skin cancer and exposure to the sun appears to have first been suggested in 1894; it was not until about 1952 that it was argued that exposure to the sun also causes melanoma. It is commonly believed that skin cancers develop only after long-term exposure to UVR. At the individual level, people who live in sunnier climates comparatively have a higher risk for skin cancer than do people who live in colder climates. This is particularly the case for migrant populations with a fair skin. The present study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of the young generation in Turkey related to the side effects of sun exposure, and their sun bathing habits. Sun sensitivity, use of sunscreens, sunbathing habits and protective behaviours were determined for a total of 1244 high school students from the answers to a questionnaire completed by them. Data from 627 (50.4 %) females and 617 (49.6 %) males were evaluated. All were aged between 15 and 18 years. Sunscreen use was found to be higher in female students (59 %) than in their male counterparts (45.8 %). The wearing of sunglasses was reported by 36.7 %, whereas the incidence of hat wear was found to be 55.1% overall. The results of this study indicate that, although most high school students are aware of the side effects of sun exposure, they do not pay sufficient attention to protective behaviour. A further study should now be conducted to evaluate the use of sunscreens in a large group.