Investigating Distress in Cancer Survivors

Approximately 40% of cancer survivors will report moderate and high levels of distress. Our research team is currently investigating the factors that influence self reports of distress. We are using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Distress Thermometer and its associated problem list to develop models that predict moderate and high levels of distress.

You can read our publications on this topic by visiting the links below.

VanHoose, L., Black, L.L., Doty, K. et al. Support Care Cancer (2015) 23: 1225. doi:10.1007/s00520-014-2471-1 Click Here for Access

Rhonda L. Johnson, Carly Larson, Lora L. Black, Kimberly G. Doty, Lisa VanHoose. Significance of Nonphysical Predictors of Distress in Cancer Survivors. CJON 2016, 20(5), E112-E117 DOI: 10.1188/16.CJON.E112-E117 Click Here for Access

The Impact of Physical Therapy Intervention on Cancer Chemotherapy Related Pain

Although research on physical therapy treatment of cancer related pain is high, there is a gap in the literature related to physical therapy management of pain during a patient’s chemotherapy treatment. Our student research project would like to address that gap by answering two questions:
1. Does physical therapy reduce cancer-chemotherapy related pain?
2. Is there a sex based response to physical therapy treatment of the cancer-chemotherapy related pain?
To address these two questions, a retrospective secondary analysis will be conducted on 1,205 cancer patients and their associated pain scores derived from the Midwest Cancer Center. This study will modify patient protocols for managing pain during chemotherapy, while simultaneously providing health care providers with a more concise understanding on how to navigate chemotherapy related pain.

 

Understanding the cancer prevention and survivorship needs within the Bahamas

Recent research has reported that 23% of Bahamian women have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. This rate is the highest in the world. Women in the United States with the mutations account for only 3-5% of the female population. Also women in the Bahamas tend to have more cancer disease burden and die at younger ages from the disease. Our team will partner with the Handling Your Wellness & Rehab clinic to measure cardiovascular fitness in Bahamian residents and provide individualized exercise programs that may help to reduce cancer risk. We will also conduct focus groups with cancer survivors to identify the rehabilitation, wellness, and community resource needs to improve the quality of life and function of Bahamian survivors.

For more details, please click here to visit our FAQ page regarding the trip.