Patients diagnosed with rare cancer reported poorer psychosocial outcomes and impaired quality of life when compared to the general population of cancer patients. Certain demographic groups (eg, women and younger patients) may benefit from targeted psychosocial interventions.

The favorable prognosis of testicular cancer does not minimize immediate and late biopsychosocial implications. This study sought to determine these needs, and to evaluate the evidence of validation of a brief and specific scale for this population. A sample of 29 survivors of testicular cancer (n = 29) was assessed for distress (Distress Thermometer), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), quality of life and cognitive impairment (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-General and Cognitive Function), and specific needs (Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular). It was observed a high prevalence of distress (41.4%), a low prevalence of anxiety (6.9%) and depression (6.9%), and a moderate impact on quality of life and cognition. Self-image and sexual function were the most preponderant problems. The evidence of validation of Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular12 was verified in the psychometric analysis. Notably, biopsychosocial needs identified on global scales, and particularly in Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular12, assisted in understanding these specificities and in therapeutic planning.

The development of international guidelines for distress assessment gave greater visibility to the importance of psychosocial issues within Oncology services. This study sought to identify the instruments used in Brazil, to describe the procedures for implementing this program and to present the preliminary results of a public hospital. In Brazil these recommendations are little broadcast. However, the feasibility and benefits of this new model of care were proved. There was a substantial increased number of patients seen, suggesting agility for distress identification. This program organized and optimized the cancer care, facilitated interprofessional communication, and ensured the identification of patients' needs.

O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar a relação entre o distress, a qualidade de vida e a prática espiritual e religiosa (ER) em pacientes recém-diagnosticados com câncer, na primeira linha de tratamento quimioterápico. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, que avaliou 100 pacientes quanto ao distress (Termômetro de Distress), qualidade de vida (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – General) e espiritualidade (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Spiritual Well-Being Scale e Escala de Religiosidade da Universidade de Duke). Os resultados sugerem que a prática ER é uma importante estratégia no enfrentamento do diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer, estando associada significativamente a um menor nível de distress, melhor qualidade de vida e melhor bem-estar espiritual.

Resumo Estudo prospectivo e transversal, para determinar a prevalência de prejuízo cognitivo decorrente da quimioterapia e explorar fatores preditores e mediadores em sobreviventes de câncer de mama. Utilizou-se o Termômetro de Distress, Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-General e Cognitive Function. As sobreviventes (N = 62) reportaram uma alta prevalência de distress (46,8%) e de ansiedade (24,2%), com baixos escores nas subescalas déficit cognitivo e habilidades cognitivas percebidos. O funcionamento cognitivo esteve associado à idade (β = 1,42; p = 0,002), atuação profissional (β = -23,12; p = 0,004), depressão (β = -5,43; p = 0,001) e qualidade de vida (β = 1,24; p = 0,001). Prejuízo cognitivo deve ser considerado no serviço de Psico-Oncologia.