|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research
The BC Cancer Foundation (BCCF) raises funds to support research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency and maintains offices at each of the BC Cancer Agency centres. Below are some research initiatives at BC Cancer Agency, Centre for the Southern Interior funded through BC Cancer Foundation.
Estimation of Breast Cancer Risk Distribution in Three Sample Populations in BC
Early detection is one of the best opportunities to reduce mortality from breast cancer for women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer at a relatively young age. Unfortunately, mammography, the gold standard in breast cancer screening is not very effective in detecting cancer in these young women. However, screening women at high risk with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to detect tumors at an early stage. Therefore, MRI screening has been recommended in the UK and USA for those women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer. It is expected that a similar approach will be adopted in Canada in the near future. However, there is no information available in BC about the number of women who have a high risk distribution by age for three sample populations in BC using the most recent and most accurate risk prediction model named Tyrer-Cuzick model. With this data, this research project will answer the clinical question of whether MRI screening will be required for a substantial proportion of BC women based on the current scientific knowledge.
For further information please go to www.breastcancerrisk.ca.
The Influence of Social and Geographic Isolation on depression in Patients with Lung Cancer
The investigators will perform a study of lung cancer patients treated at the BCCA, CSI to evaluate the influence of geographic and social isolation on mood and symptoms of depression. The study will analyze the distances of subject residences to regional hospitals or the cancer centre, and responses to questionnaires and a phone interview.
The research team includes a radiation oncologist at the BC Cancer Agency, Centre for the Southern Interior, a psychologist and an undergraduate student in Psychology.
For further information, please email kgrenier@bccancer.bc.ca
Randomized Double Blind Double Dummy Crossover Comparison of Sennosides and PEG for Constipation in Outpatients with Cancer
Constipation is a significant problem for many cancer patients. This study is looking at whether there is a more tolerable and as effective treatment than what is currently recommended.
For further information, please email ldalgleish@bccancer.bc.ca
Institutional Experience Employing 55 Gy in 20 Daily Fractions for Radiotherapy of Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
The investigators will perform a study of lung cancer patients treated at the BCCA, CSI using a radiotherapy prescription that is uncommon at other institutions, 55 GY in 20 fractions over four weeks. The study will evaluate stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer patients treated using this radiation prescription at the BCCA, CSI from 2000 through 2006. The study will analyze various features of the 122 patients treated in this fashion, and also evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.
The research team includes radiation oncologists at the BC Cancer Agency, Center for the Southern Interior, and an undergraduate student.
For further information, please email kgrenier@bccancer.bc.ca.
On the Road Again: Patient Perspectives on Commuting for Palliative Care
Barbara Pesut, R.N., PH.D, Carole A. Robinson, R.N., PH.D., Joan L. Bottorff, R.N., PH.D, Gillian Fyles, M.D., and Sandra Broughton, B.A., M.SC
The aim of this research was to gain an understanding of the experiences of rural cancer patients who commute to an urban cancer centre for palliative care. The study utilized a mixed method design. Fifteen individuals with a palliative designation participated in semi-structured interviews and filled out the Problems and Needs in Palliative Care Questionnaire.
Qualitative findings included three major themes: cultures of rural life and care, strategies for commuting, and the effects of commuting. Participants valued their rural lifestyles and gained significant support from their communities. Strategies included preparing for the trip with particular attention to pain management, making the most of time, and maintaining significant relationships. Establishing a routine helped to offset the anxiety of commuting. Commuting was costly but the quality of life and supportive relationships obtained through treatment were significant benefits. Questionnaire data suggested that participants were experiencing a number of problems but few indicated they desired more professional attention to those problems.
Rural lifestyles are often an important part of overall well-being and commuting for care is both costly and complex. Health care providers should assist individuals to weigh the relative contributions of staying in their rural locale versus commuting for care to their overall quality of life. Palliative-care individuals in this study indicated a number of ongoing problems but were not inclined to seek further assistance from health care providers in addressing those problems. Clinicians should actively inquire about problems and further research is needed to understand why patients are reluctant to seek help.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Barbara Pesut, School of Nursing, UBC Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna BC, V1V 1V7, Canada, P: 250.807.9955; F: 250.807.9865; email: barb.pesut@ubc.ca
You can view this publication in its entirety at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20307369
|
|
|
|