Background Behavioral activation therapy (BAT) directly addresses activities that individuals value most highly, and may be easily applicable to cancer patients. However, there is no established evidence of the use of BAT in this population. In this study, we examined the possibility of a BAT program for depression and anxiety in cancer patients. Case presentation We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of cancer patients with each of the following characteristics: 1) were outpatients or inpatients visiting the psycho-oncology division of the National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan; 2) met criteria for Major Depressive Disorder or Adjustment Disorders; and 3) participated in a BAT program. The primary outcome was the program completion percentage. Secondary outcomes were self-reported depression severity (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score), anxiety disorder status (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score), and clinical improvement (Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) score) after the program. We analyzed both depression and anxiety by the matched paired t-test. Ten patients participated in the program, and nine completed it. One dropped out due to cognitive impairment secondary to brain metastasis. Both the PHQ-9 scores (pre: 14.4 (SD, 6.1); post: 5.1 (SD, 5.8)) and the GAD-7 scores (pre: 11.9 (SD, 4.9); post: 4.7 (SD, 5.5)) significantly improved after the program (PHQ-9: P = 0.0014; GAD-7: P = 0.0004). CGI-I scores ranged from 1 to 3, and all subjects except the patient who dropped out improved clinically. Among the ten patients, three distinctive cases could be observed as follows. Case 1; a 45-year-old housewife with breast cancer who did not agree to take antidepressants because of concerns about the side effects achieved remission without antidepressants and began to live an active life. Case 4; a 66-year-old housewife was so shocked after endometrial cancer diagnosis that she was absent-minded and her compliance with the assigned homework was poor, therefore, her depression did not improve much. Case 9; a 62-year-old man with laryngeal cancer who had recurrent anxiety. Increased business activity, on which he put great value, gradually allowed him to be able to live his life actively without concerns. Conclusions This study suggests that BAT would be effective for the depression and anxiety of cancer patients.

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer have few opportunities to interact with peers in their lives. To meet peers safely during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a hospital-based online patients support program called Online AYA Hiroba was launched for AYA patients with cancer and held regularly by the National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan. This retrospective study suggested the degree of satisfaction with this program and issues about facilitating the sessions that are unique to the online environment. Our findings potentially contribute to the establishment of a hospital-based online patients support program for AYA patients with cancer at other hospitals.

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients have few opportunities to interact with peers in the hospital. AYA Hiroba, a peer support system for AYA cancer patients, was launched and held regularly at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan. This questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the degree of satisfaction and opinions of AYA cancer patients regarding this program. Participants reported that the content was satisfying and useful. Their impressions suggested that AYA Hiroba is potentially effective for promoting interaction with the same generation, change in mood, and acquisition of information.

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Objectives This study aims to (i) develop a screening tool for determining distress and supportive care needs of adolescent and young adult cancer patients (AYAs) based on the NCCN's Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DTPL), (ii) evaluate its feasibility, discriminant validity, and test–retest reliability in clinical settings, and (iii) report prevalence of distress and unmet needs. Method In the development phase, after translation of the Japanese version of the DTPL (DTPL-J) from English into Japanese and back translation, cognitive debriefing was performed. Items in the problem list were modified to better reflect AYAs’ concerns after interviews. The modified items were reviewed and accepted unanimously by healthcare professionals. In the feasibility phase, the DTPL-J for AYAs was used in a clinical setting for 3 months. Descriptive statistics of participants’ demographics, selected items, and DT scores were calculated to report prevalence of distress and unmet needs. Response and referral rates to experts were assessed to evaluate feasibility. Some items were compared with patient demographics to assess discriminant validity. Among the patients who responded at least twice, correlations between two consecutive screenings were assessed to evaluate test–retest reliability. Results The DTPL-J consisted of 49 items in five categories. Of 251 patients, 232 (92.4%) were provided the DTPL-J and 230 (91.6%) responded. Based on the DT cutoff of ≥4, 69 of 230 patients (30%) had high distress. Anxiety (n = 85, 36.6%) was the most commonly selected item. Primary nurses referred 45 (21.7%) patients to an attending physician or another expert. Referral rates after DTPL-J use were higher than rates before use, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.06). The items compared were consistent with their social background. A positive correlation was observed between two responses for some items. Significance of results The feasibility, discriminant validity, and test–retest reliability of the tool were suggested.