Nicole Ezendam - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Nicole Ezendam

Table WHO Trial Registration Data Set (TRDS) and additional protocol information of the ENSURE tr... more Table WHO Trial Registration Data Set (TRDS) and additional protocol information of the ENSURE trial. (DOCX 50 kb)

http://isrctn.org/>, 2012

Health Informatics Journal, 2004

Elderly users are increasingly becoming active consumers of Internet technologies. Developing web... more Elderly users are increasingly becoming active consumers of Internet technologies. Developing websites dedicated to this user group presents several design issues (such as that of ‘design for all’, participatory design, patient empowerment and cognitive usability assessment methods). SeniorGezond is a health information resource currently under development. It aims to support elderly users in their search and access of appropriate information in the area of fall incidences. The current development of SeniorGezond provides a useful illustration on how design issues can be addressed and applied in a practical setting.

In Nederland leven momenteel meer dan 800.000 mensen met of na kanker en dit aantal neemt toe. Zi... more In Nederland leven momenteel meer dan 800.000 mensen met of na kanker en dit aantal neemt toe. Zij kunnen te maken krijgen met uiteenlopende gevolgen van kanker en de behandeling, zowel op lichamelijk, emotioneel, psychosociaal als maatschappelijk vlak. Deze gevolgen zijn ingrijpend en vaak blijvend van aard. Ten minste een kwart van de mensen die leeft met of na kanker ervaart - ook langere tijd na behandeling - angst, vermoeidheid en problemen met seksualiteit. In vergelijking met een normpopulatie van dezelfde leeftijd en geslacht zijn meer dan twee keer zo vaak neuropathie (14% versus 4%), sociale belemmeringen (13% versus 5%) en angstklachten (30% versus 12%) gerapporteerd. Door binnen de gezondheidszorg consequent aandacht te hebben voor deze gevolgen, zowel tijdens als na het behandeltraject, kunnen we mensen die leven met en na kanker zo goed mogelijke ondersteuning bieden. Aandacht voor gevolgen omvat daarbij zowel het geven van voldoende informatie, het tijdig signaleren, ...

SPIRIT 2013 Checklist: Recommended items to address in a clinical trial protocol and related docu... more SPIRIT 2013 Checklist: Recommended items to address in a clinical trial protocol and related documents*. (DOC 121 kb)

The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2020

In 2016, there were 17.2 million incident cases of cancer globally, and the number of incident ca... more In 2016, there were 17.2 million incident cases of cancer globally, and the number of incident cases increased by 28% in the preceding decade.1 Similar trends are anticipated in the UK, with 2.5 million people living with cancer in 2015, which is expected to increase to 4 million by 2030.2 Ten-year survival for all cancers has more than doubled in the UK from 24% to 50% over the last four decades.3 This is due to a combination of factors, including better diagnostic technology, screening programmes, and better treatments.1 Recovery after cancer and its treatment presents new challenges, including: physical problems, such as overwhelming fatigue; psychological problems, such as fear of recurrence; social problems, such as loss of employment; and the need for supplementary information. Primary care is well placed to provide proactive care to help with the interlinked biopsychosocial problems that may arise after the completion of cancer treatment. There is no clear consensus where the...

textabstractThe high prevalence of overweight and obesity is an important determinant of avoidabl... more textabstractThe high prevalence of overweight and obesity is an important determinant of avoidable burden of disease in the Netherlands and worldwide. Preventing excessive weight gain among children and adolescents can contribute to reducing this burden. The present thesis adds to the knowledge on obesity related risk behaviours, determinants of these risk behaviours and the prevention of excessive weight gain. In addition, this thesis evaluates the effects of FATaintPHAT, a computer-tailored intervention aimed at the prevention of excessive weight gain among adolescents. This introductory chapter provides background information to the studies presented in this thesis.

Two-third of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors are overweight or obese. Psychological distress an... more Two-third of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors are overweight or obese. Psychological distress and low health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be barriers to improving diet. We aimed to assess associations between psychological distress and HRQoL and the need for dietary support in CRC survivors with overweight or obesity. All alive individuals diagnosed with CRC between 2000 and 2009, as registered by the Dutch population-based Eindhoven Cancer Registry, were eligible for participation and received a questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30), symptoms of anxiety and depression (HADS), and self-reported need for dietary support (single-item). A total of 1458 completed the questionnaire (response rate 82%), and 756 (43%) had a BMI of 25.0 or higher and complete data on “need for dietary support” and were included for analyses. BMI ranged between 25.0 and 60.6 (mean, 28.9; SD, 3.6). The majority (71...

Background: To investigate the expression of MMP-14 and CD44 as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal... more Background: To investigate the expression of MMP-14 and CD44 as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-like changes in ovarian cancer and to determine correlations with clinical outcome. Methods: In 97 patients with ovarian cancer, MMP-14 and CD44 expression as determined by immunohistochemistry was investigated in relation to EMT-like changes. To determine this, immunohistochemical staining of E-cadherin and vimentin was performed. Results: Patients with expression of both MMP-14 and CD44 in their tumors had a poor prognosis despite complete debulking. Serous histology in advanced-stage tumors (FIGO IIB-IV) correlated with CD44 (rho .286, p < 0.01). Also, CD44 correlated with percentage vimentin expression (rho .217, p < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis with complete debulking as the outcome parameter, CD44 expression was found to be significant (OR 3,571 (95 % Confidence Interval 1,112–11,468) p = 0.032), though this was not the case for MMP-14 and EMT param...

Anxiety and depression have a higher prevalence in cancer survivors than in the general populatio... more Anxiety and depression have a higher prevalence in cancer survivors than in the general population and are associated with lower quality of life, poorer survival and an increased risk of suicide. Anxiety and depression are also highly comorbid among cancer survivors and associated with increased health service use. As such, it is important to consider both anxiety and depression and health service use in cancer survivors. Our objective was to explore the association between anxiety and depression and health service utilisation, both cancer-specific and general doctor visits, in cancer survivors. Data from a Dutch cancer registry were analysed to determine the association between anxiety and depression (measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and health service use. Negative binomial regression models, controlling for patient demographics, comorbidities and cancer-related variables were estimated. Cancer survivors (n = 2538), with a mean age of 61.1 years and betwee...

Journal of Cancer Survivorship

Objective Our aim was to describe and compare self-reported causal attributions (interpretations ... more Objective Our aim was to describe and compare self-reported causal attributions (interpretations of what caused an illness) among cancer survivors and to assess which sociodemographic and clinical characteristics are associated with them. Methods Data from five population-based PROFILES registry samples (i.e. lymphoma (n = 993), multiple myeloma (n = 156), colorectal (n = 3989), thyroid (n = 306), endometrial (n = 741), prostate cancer (n = 696)) were used. Causal attributions were assessed with a single question. Results The five most often reported causal attributions combined were unknown (21%), lifestyle (19%), biological (16%), other (14%), and stress (12%). Lymphoma (49%), multiple myeloma (64%), thyroid (55%), and prostate (64%) cancer patients mentioned fixed causes far more often than modifiable or modifiable/fixed. Colorectal (33%, 34%, and 33%) and endometrial (38%, 32%, and 30%) cancer survivors mentioned causes that were fixed, modifiable, or both almost equally often. ...

European Journal of Cancer Care

Abstract Objective To examine healthcare utilisation and adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) fol... more Abstract Objective To examine healthcare utilisation and adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) follow‐up guidelines. Methods A total of 2450 out of 3025 stage I‐III CRC survivors diagnosed between 2000 and 2009 completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, SF‐12, EORTC QLQ‐CR38 and Fatigue Assessment Score questionnaires, in December 2010. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for increased follow‐up care (>1 visit than recommended by guidelines). Results In the first follow‐up year, the average number of cancer‐related visits to the general practitioner and medical specialist was 1.7 and 4.2, respectively. More than 80% of the CRC survivors was comfortable with their follow‐up schedule, and 49–72% of them received follow‐up according to the guidelines. Around 29–47% was followed more than recommended. Simultaneously, around 4–14% of the CRC survivors received less follow‐up care than recommended. Survivors of stage III disease treated with chemotherapy received the most follow‐up care. In addition, lower socio‐economic status stoma and fatigue were associated with increased follow‐up care. Conclusion CRC survivors were predominantly followed according to national guidelines. Increased follow‐up care is driven by advanced disease stage, chemotherapy, SES, stoma and fatigue. Future studies should investigate how increased follow‐up care use can be reduced, while still addressing patients’ needs.

Supportive Care in Cancer

Purpose Obesity is prevalent in gynecological cancer survivors and is associated with impaired he... more Purpose Obesity is prevalent in gynecological cancer survivors and is associated with impaired health outcomes. Concerns due to cancer and its treatment may impact changes in lifestyle after cancer. This study aimed to assess the association between cancer-related psychosocial factors and changes in physical activity and diet, 18 months after initial treatment among gynecological cancer survivors. Methods Cross-sectional data from the ROGY Care study were used, including endometrial and ovarian cancer patients treated with curative intent. The Impact of Cancer Scale (IOCv2) was used to assess cancer-related psychosocial factors. Self-reported changes in nutrients/food groups and in physical activity post-diagnosis were classified into change groups (less/equal/more). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations. Results Data from 229 cancer survivors (59% endometrial, 41% ovarian, mean age 66 ± 9.5, 70% tumor stage I) were analyzed. In total, 20% reporte...

Journal of Geriatric Oncology

Background: A better understanding of the impact of age and comorbidity on health-related quality... more Background: A better understanding of the impact of age and comorbidity on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may improve treatment decision-making in patients with endometrial cancer. We investigated whether either age or comorbidity is more strongly associated with changes in HRQoL over time. Methods: Endometrial cancer patients (n = 296) were invited to complete questionnaires after initial treatment and after 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up. Patients were divided into subgroups according to age (b60, 60-75 and ≥75 years) and according to comorbidity (0, 1, 2 or ≥3). HRQoL was measured with the five EORTC QLQ-C30 functioning scales. Linear mixed models were performed for the different subgroups to assess changes in HRQoL over time. HRQoL was also compared to longitudinal outcomes from an age-and gender-matched normative population. Results: The first questionnaire was returned by 221 patients (75%) of whom six were excluded due to progressive disease. Changes in HRQoL were mainly associated with cumulative comorbidity burden and not with age. Patients with comorbidity reported deterioration of physical and role functioning between 12 and 24 months. Compared to the normative population, patients initially scored higher on physical and role functioning, but at 24 months outcomes were no longer different. Conclusion: Cumulative comorbidity burden was more strongly associated with deterioration of HRQoL than patient's age. Therefore, patients with endometrial cancer and multiple comorbid conditions require careful follow-up of HRQoL after treatment.

Journal of Clinical Oncology

11603 Background: Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms reported by patients... more 11603 Background: Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms reported by patients with gynecological cancers, but few studies have empirically examined whether it resolves without intervention. The aims of this study were to identify: 1) clinically-distinct subgroups of patients with fatigue over time and 2) medical and psychological predictors of clinically-significant fatigue one-year post-diagnosis. Methods: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety were assessed at diagnosis, 6-months, and 12-months with the 10-item Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to classify patients by their fatigue scores over time, and logistic regression models were fit to examine associations between clinically-significant fatigue and demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics. Patients with recurrent or primary progre...

Gynecologic Oncology

Course of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy and its impact on health related quality of ... more Course of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy and its impact on health related quality of life among ovarian cancer patients

Acta Oncologica

Background: The relation between cardiovascular disease (CVD) present at the time of cancer diagn... more Background: The relation between cardiovascular disease (CVD) present at the time of cancer diagnosis and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) assessed years after cancer diagnosis hasto our knowledgenot been studied. The objective is, therefore, to examine the relation between co-morbid CVD at cancer diagnosis and HRQoL among cancer survivors diagnosed with colorectal, thyroid, prostate, endometrium, ovarian cancer, melanoma, (non-)Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), or multiple myeloma (MM) in an exploratory population-based cross-sectional study. Material and methods: Analyses were performed on combined data sets from the PROFILES and Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). Data on co-morbid CVD at cancer diagnosis was extracted from the NCR. HRQoL was measured via PROFILES at a median of 4.6 years after cancer diagnosis. General Linear Model Analyses were run for the total group of cancer survivors and for each malignancy. Results: In total, 5930 cancer survivors (2281 colorectal, 280 thyroid, 1054 prostate, 177 endometrium, 389 ovarian cancer, 212 melanoma, 874 non-Hodgkin and 194 Hodgkin lymphoma, 242 CLL, and 227 MM survivors) were included. For the total group, survivors who had a CVD at cancer diagnosis (n ¼ 1441, 23.4%) reported statistically significant and clinically important lower scores on global QoL and physical functioning and higher scores for dyspnea (p < .05) compared to those without CVD. Comorbid CVD at cancer diagnosis was negatively related to global QoL, the five functional scales and the symptoms fatigue and dyspnea across most malignancies (i.e., colorectal, and prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ovarium cancer, melanoma, and CLL). No significant relations were found among thyroid and endometrium cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma and MM survivors, likely due to small numbers. Conclusion: In conclusion, co-morbid CVD at cancer diagnosis was negatively related to HRQoL, especially to global QoL, physical and role functioning, and the symptoms fatigue and dyspnea.

Trials

Background: It has often been hypothesized that the frequency of follow-up visits for patients wi... more Background: It has often been hypothesized that the frequency of follow-up visits for patients with early-stage endometrial cancer could be decreased. However, studies evaluating effects of a reduced follow-up schedule among this patient group are lacking. The aim of this study is to assess patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness of a less frequent follow-up schedule compared to the schedule according to the Dutch guideline. Methods: In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, patients diagnosed in the Netherlands with stage 1A and 1B low-risk endometrial cancer, for whom adjuvant radiotherapy is not indicated (n = 282), are randomized. Patients allocated to the intervention group receive four follow-up visits during three years. Patients allocated to the control group receive 10-13 follow-up visits during five years, according to the Dutch guideline. Patients are asked to fill out a questionnaire at baseline and after 6, 12, 36, and 60 months. Primary outcomes include patient satisfaction with follow-up care and cost-effectiveness. Secondary outcomes include healthcare use, adherence to schedule, health-related quality of life, fear of recurrence, anxiety and depression, information provision, recurrence, and survival. Linear regression analyses will be used to assess differences in patient satisfaction with follow-up care between intervention and control group. Discussion: We anticipate that patients in the intervention arm have a similar satisfaction with follow-up care and overall outcomes, but lower healthcare use and costs than patients in the control arm. No differences are expected in quality-adjusted life-years and satisfaction, but the reduced schedule is expected to be cost-saving when implemented in the Netherlands. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02413606. Registered on 10 April 2015.

Acta Oncologica

Background: The cancer diagnosis is regarded as a stressful life event that is thought to trigger... more Background: The cancer diagnosis is regarded as a stressful life event that is thought to trigger a teachable moment to induce health behavior changes among cancer patients. However, this may also hold true for their partners. We assessed if partners of cancer patients make more health behavior changes compared to persons whose partner remained cancer-free. Methods: Lifestyles was assessed in the prospective Danish Diet, Cancer and Health study. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess health behavior change among partners of cancer patients (n ¼ 672) compared to partners of persons who remained cancer-free (n ¼ 5534). Additionally, associations in two subgroups were assessed: bereaved partners and partners of patients who remained alive after cancer. Results: Partners of cancer patients were more likely to decrease their alcohol intake compared to partners of persons who remained cancer free. This finding could mainly be attributed to bereaved partners. Moreover, bereaved partners were also more likely to decrease their BMI. In contrast to our hypothesis, bereaved partners were more likely to decrease fruit intake and increase sugared beverages compared to partners of persons who remained cancer free. In general, men tended to improve their physical activity, while women tended to worsen their physical activity following the cancer diagnosis of their partner. Conclusions: A cancer diagnosis in the partner does seem to improve health behavior change only for alcohol intake. Bereaved partners tend to worsen dietary behaviors after the patient's death.

Table WHO Trial Registration Data Set (TRDS) and additional protocol information of the ENSURE tr... more Table WHO Trial Registration Data Set (TRDS) and additional protocol information of the ENSURE trial. (DOCX 50 kb)

http://isrctn.org/>, 2012

Health Informatics Journal, 2004

Elderly users are increasingly becoming active consumers of Internet technologies. Developing web... more Elderly users are increasingly becoming active consumers of Internet technologies. Developing websites dedicated to this user group presents several design issues (such as that of ‘design for all’, participatory design, patient empowerment and cognitive usability assessment methods). SeniorGezond is a health information resource currently under development. It aims to support elderly users in their search and access of appropriate information in the area of fall incidences. The current development of SeniorGezond provides a useful illustration on how design issues can be addressed and applied in a practical setting.

In Nederland leven momenteel meer dan 800.000 mensen met of na kanker en dit aantal neemt toe. Zi... more In Nederland leven momenteel meer dan 800.000 mensen met of na kanker en dit aantal neemt toe. Zij kunnen te maken krijgen met uiteenlopende gevolgen van kanker en de behandeling, zowel op lichamelijk, emotioneel, psychosociaal als maatschappelijk vlak. Deze gevolgen zijn ingrijpend en vaak blijvend van aard. Ten minste een kwart van de mensen die leeft met of na kanker ervaart - ook langere tijd na behandeling - angst, vermoeidheid en problemen met seksualiteit. In vergelijking met een normpopulatie van dezelfde leeftijd en geslacht zijn meer dan twee keer zo vaak neuropathie (14% versus 4%), sociale belemmeringen (13% versus 5%) en angstklachten (30% versus 12%) gerapporteerd. Door binnen de gezondheidszorg consequent aandacht te hebben voor deze gevolgen, zowel tijdens als na het behandeltraject, kunnen we mensen die leven met en na kanker zo goed mogelijke ondersteuning bieden. Aandacht voor gevolgen omvat daarbij zowel het geven van voldoende informatie, het tijdig signaleren, ...

SPIRIT 2013 Checklist: Recommended items to address in a clinical trial protocol and related docu... more SPIRIT 2013 Checklist: Recommended items to address in a clinical trial protocol and related documents*. (DOC 121 kb)

The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2020

In 2016, there were 17.2 million incident cases of cancer globally, and the number of incident ca... more In 2016, there were 17.2 million incident cases of cancer globally, and the number of incident cases increased by 28% in the preceding decade.1 Similar trends are anticipated in the UK, with 2.5 million people living with cancer in 2015, which is expected to increase to 4 million by 2030.2 Ten-year survival for all cancers has more than doubled in the UK from 24% to 50% over the last four decades.3 This is due to a combination of factors, including better diagnostic technology, screening programmes, and better treatments.1 Recovery after cancer and its treatment presents new challenges, including: physical problems, such as overwhelming fatigue; psychological problems, such as fear of recurrence; social problems, such as loss of employment; and the need for supplementary information. Primary care is well placed to provide proactive care to help with the interlinked biopsychosocial problems that may arise after the completion of cancer treatment. There is no clear consensus where the...

textabstractThe high prevalence of overweight and obesity is an important determinant of avoidabl... more textabstractThe high prevalence of overweight and obesity is an important determinant of avoidable burden of disease in the Netherlands and worldwide. Preventing excessive weight gain among children and adolescents can contribute to reducing this burden. The present thesis adds to the knowledge on obesity related risk behaviours, determinants of these risk behaviours and the prevention of excessive weight gain. In addition, this thesis evaluates the effects of FATaintPHAT, a computer-tailored intervention aimed at the prevention of excessive weight gain among adolescents. This introductory chapter provides background information to the studies presented in this thesis.

Two-third of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors are overweight or obese. Psychological distress an... more Two-third of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors are overweight or obese. Psychological distress and low health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be barriers to improving diet. We aimed to assess associations between psychological distress and HRQoL and the need for dietary support in CRC survivors with overweight or obesity. All alive individuals diagnosed with CRC between 2000 and 2009, as registered by the Dutch population-based Eindhoven Cancer Registry, were eligible for participation and received a questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30), symptoms of anxiety and depression (HADS), and self-reported need for dietary support (single-item). A total of 1458 completed the questionnaire (response rate 82%), and 756 (43%) had a BMI of 25.0 or higher and complete data on “need for dietary support” and were included for analyses. BMI ranged between 25.0 and 60.6 (mean, 28.9; SD, 3.6). The majority (71...

Background: To investigate the expression of MMP-14 and CD44 as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal... more Background: To investigate the expression of MMP-14 and CD44 as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-like changes in ovarian cancer and to determine correlations with clinical outcome. Methods: In 97 patients with ovarian cancer, MMP-14 and CD44 expression as determined by immunohistochemistry was investigated in relation to EMT-like changes. To determine this, immunohistochemical staining of E-cadherin and vimentin was performed. Results: Patients with expression of both MMP-14 and CD44 in their tumors had a poor prognosis despite complete debulking. Serous histology in advanced-stage tumors (FIGO IIB-IV) correlated with CD44 (rho .286, p < 0.01). Also, CD44 correlated with percentage vimentin expression (rho .217, p < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis with complete debulking as the outcome parameter, CD44 expression was found to be significant (OR 3,571 (95 % Confidence Interval 1,112–11,468) p = 0.032), though this was not the case for MMP-14 and EMT param...

Anxiety and depression have a higher prevalence in cancer survivors than in the general populatio... more Anxiety and depression have a higher prevalence in cancer survivors than in the general population and are associated with lower quality of life, poorer survival and an increased risk of suicide. Anxiety and depression are also highly comorbid among cancer survivors and associated with increased health service use. As such, it is important to consider both anxiety and depression and health service use in cancer survivors. Our objective was to explore the association between anxiety and depression and health service utilisation, both cancer-specific and general doctor visits, in cancer survivors. Data from a Dutch cancer registry were analysed to determine the association between anxiety and depression (measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and health service use. Negative binomial regression models, controlling for patient demographics, comorbidities and cancer-related variables were estimated. Cancer survivors (n = 2538), with a mean age of 61.1 years and betwee...

Journal of Cancer Survivorship

Objective Our aim was to describe and compare self-reported causal attributions (interpretations ... more Objective Our aim was to describe and compare self-reported causal attributions (interpretations of what caused an illness) among cancer survivors and to assess which sociodemographic and clinical characteristics are associated with them. Methods Data from five population-based PROFILES registry samples (i.e. lymphoma (n = 993), multiple myeloma (n = 156), colorectal (n = 3989), thyroid (n = 306), endometrial (n = 741), prostate cancer (n = 696)) were used. Causal attributions were assessed with a single question. Results The five most often reported causal attributions combined were unknown (21%), lifestyle (19%), biological (16%), other (14%), and stress (12%). Lymphoma (49%), multiple myeloma (64%), thyroid (55%), and prostate (64%) cancer patients mentioned fixed causes far more often than modifiable or modifiable/fixed. Colorectal (33%, 34%, and 33%) and endometrial (38%, 32%, and 30%) cancer survivors mentioned causes that were fixed, modifiable, or both almost equally often. ...

European Journal of Cancer Care

Abstract Objective To examine healthcare utilisation and adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) fol... more Abstract Objective To examine healthcare utilisation and adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) follow‐up guidelines. Methods A total of 2450 out of 3025 stage I‐III CRC survivors diagnosed between 2000 and 2009 completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, SF‐12, EORTC QLQ‐CR38 and Fatigue Assessment Score questionnaires, in December 2010. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for increased follow‐up care (>1 visit than recommended by guidelines). Results In the first follow‐up year, the average number of cancer‐related visits to the general practitioner and medical specialist was 1.7 and 4.2, respectively. More than 80% of the CRC survivors was comfortable with their follow‐up schedule, and 49–72% of them received follow‐up according to the guidelines. Around 29–47% was followed more than recommended. Simultaneously, around 4–14% of the CRC survivors received less follow‐up care than recommended. Survivors of stage III disease treated with chemotherapy received the most follow‐up care. In addition, lower socio‐economic status stoma and fatigue were associated with increased follow‐up care. Conclusion CRC survivors were predominantly followed according to national guidelines. Increased follow‐up care is driven by advanced disease stage, chemotherapy, SES, stoma and fatigue. Future studies should investigate how increased follow‐up care use can be reduced, while still addressing patients’ needs.

Supportive Care in Cancer

Purpose Obesity is prevalent in gynecological cancer survivors and is associated with impaired he... more Purpose Obesity is prevalent in gynecological cancer survivors and is associated with impaired health outcomes. Concerns due to cancer and its treatment may impact changes in lifestyle after cancer. This study aimed to assess the association between cancer-related psychosocial factors and changes in physical activity and diet, 18 months after initial treatment among gynecological cancer survivors. Methods Cross-sectional data from the ROGY Care study were used, including endometrial and ovarian cancer patients treated with curative intent. The Impact of Cancer Scale (IOCv2) was used to assess cancer-related psychosocial factors. Self-reported changes in nutrients/food groups and in physical activity post-diagnosis were classified into change groups (less/equal/more). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations. Results Data from 229 cancer survivors (59% endometrial, 41% ovarian, mean age 66 ± 9.5, 70% tumor stage I) were analyzed. In total, 20% reporte...

Journal of Geriatric Oncology

Background: A better understanding of the impact of age and comorbidity on health-related quality... more Background: A better understanding of the impact of age and comorbidity on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may improve treatment decision-making in patients with endometrial cancer. We investigated whether either age or comorbidity is more strongly associated with changes in HRQoL over time. Methods: Endometrial cancer patients (n = 296) were invited to complete questionnaires after initial treatment and after 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up. Patients were divided into subgroups according to age (b60, 60-75 and ≥75 years) and according to comorbidity (0, 1, 2 or ≥3). HRQoL was measured with the five EORTC QLQ-C30 functioning scales. Linear mixed models were performed for the different subgroups to assess changes in HRQoL over time. HRQoL was also compared to longitudinal outcomes from an age-and gender-matched normative population. Results: The first questionnaire was returned by 221 patients (75%) of whom six were excluded due to progressive disease. Changes in HRQoL were mainly associated with cumulative comorbidity burden and not with age. Patients with comorbidity reported deterioration of physical and role functioning between 12 and 24 months. Compared to the normative population, patients initially scored higher on physical and role functioning, but at 24 months outcomes were no longer different. Conclusion: Cumulative comorbidity burden was more strongly associated with deterioration of HRQoL than patient's age. Therefore, patients with endometrial cancer and multiple comorbid conditions require careful follow-up of HRQoL after treatment.

Journal of Clinical Oncology

11603 Background: Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms reported by patients... more 11603 Background: Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms reported by patients with gynecological cancers, but few studies have empirically examined whether it resolves without intervention. The aims of this study were to identify: 1) clinically-distinct subgroups of patients with fatigue over time and 2) medical and psychological predictors of clinically-significant fatigue one-year post-diagnosis. Methods: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety were assessed at diagnosis, 6-months, and 12-months with the 10-item Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to classify patients by their fatigue scores over time, and logistic regression models were fit to examine associations between clinically-significant fatigue and demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics. Patients with recurrent or primary progre...

Gynecologic Oncology

Course of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy and its impact on health related quality of ... more Course of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy and its impact on health related quality of life among ovarian cancer patients

Acta Oncologica

Background: The relation between cardiovascular disease (CVD) present at the time of cancer diagn... more Background: The relation between cardiovascular disease (CVD) present at the time of cancer diagnosis and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) assessed years after cancer diagnosis hasto our knowledgenot been studied. The objective is, therefore, to examine the relation between co-morbid CVD at cancer diagnosis and HRQoL among cancer survivors diagnosed with colorectal, thyroid, prostate, endometrium, ovarian cancer, melanoma, (non-)Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), or multiple myeloma (MM) in an exploratory population-based cross-sectional study. Material and methods: Analyses were performed on combined data sets from the PROFILES and Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). Data on co-morbid CVD at cancer diagnosis was extracted from the NCR. HRQoL was measured via PROFILES at a median of 4.6 years after cancer diagnosis. General Linear Model Analyses were run for the total group of cancer survivors and for each malignancy. Results: In total, 5930 cancer survivors (2281 colorectal, 280 thyroid, 1054 prostate, 177 endometrium, 389 ovarian cancer, 212 melanoma, 874 non-Hodgkin and 194 Hodgkin lymphoma, 242 CLL, and 227 MM survivors) were included. For the total group, survivors who had a CVD at cancer diagnosis (n ¼ 1441, 23.4%) reported statistically significant and clinically important lower scores on global QoL and physical functioning and higher scores for dyspnea (p < .05) compared to those without CVD. Comorbid CVD at cancer diagnosis was negatively related to global QoL, the five functional scales and the symptoms fatigue and dyspnea across most malignancies (i.e., colorectal, and prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ovarium cancer, melanoma, and CLL). No significant relations were found among thyroid and endometrium cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma and MM survivors, likely due to small numbers. Conclusion: In conclusion, co-morbid CVD at cancer diagnosis was negatively related to HRQoL, especially to global QoL, physical and role functioning, and the symptoms fatigue and dyspnea.

Trials

Background: It has often been hypothesized that the frequency of follow-up visits for patients wi... more Background: It has often been hypothesized that the frequency of follow-up visits for patients with early-stage endometrial cancer could be decreased. However, studies evaluating effects of a reduced follow-up schedule among this patient group are lacking. The aim of this study is to assess patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness of a less frequent follow-up schedule compared to the schedule according to the Dutch guideline. Methods: In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, patients diagnosed in the Netherlands with stage 1A and 1B low-risk endometrial cancer, for whom adjuvant radiotherapy is not indicated (n = 282), are randomized. Patients allocated to the intervention group receive four follow-up visits during three years. Patients allocated to the control group receive 10-13 follow-up visits during five years, according to the Dutch guideline. Patients are asked to fill out a questionnaire at baseline and after 6, 12, 36, and 60 months. Primary outcomes include patient satisfaction with follow-up care and cost-effectiveness. Secondary outcomes include healthcare use, adherence to schedule, health-related quality of life, fear of recurrence, anxiety and depression, information provision, recurrence, and survival. Linear regression analyses will be used to assess differences in patient satisfaction with follow-up care between intervention and control group. Discussion: We anticipate that patients in the intervention arm have a similar satisfaction with follow-up care and overall outcomes, but lower healthcare use and costs than patients in the control arm. No differences are expected in quality-adjusted life-years and satisfaction, but the reduced schedule is expected to be cost-saving when implemented in the Netherlands. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02413606. Registered on 10 April 2015.

Acta Oncologica

Background: The cancer diagnosis is regarded as a stressful life event that is thought to trigger... more Background: The cancer diagnosis is regarded as a stressful life event that is thought to trigger a teachable moment to induce health behavior changes among cancer patients. However, this may also hold true for their partners. We assessed if partners of cancer patients make more health behavior changes compared to persons whose partner remained cancer-free. Methods: Lifestyles was assessed in the prospective Danish Diet, Cancer and Health study. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess health behavior change among partners of cancer patients (n ¼ 672) compared to partners of persons who remained cancer-free (n ¼ 5534). Additionally, associations in two subgroups were assessed: bereaved partners and partners of patients who remained alive after cancer. Results: Partners of cancer patients were more likely to decrease their alcohol intake compared to partners of persons who remained cancer free. This finding could mainly be attributed to bereaved partners. Moreover, bereaved partners were also more likely to decrease their BMI. In contrast to our hypothesis, bereaved partners were more likely to decrease fruit intake and increase sugared beverages compared to partners of persons who remained cancer free. In general, men tended to improve their physical activity, while women tended to worsen their physical activity following the cancer diagnosis of their partner. Conclusions: A cancer diagnosis in the partner does seem to improve health behavior change only for alcohol intake. Bereaved partners tend to worsen dietary behaviors after the patient's death.