Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40773760›Full record

ArticleCancer nursing

Unrecognized Bonds: How Pet Ownership Affects Guilt, Concerns, and Quality of Life During Cancer Treatment.

Lori Kogan, Jennifer Currin-McCulloch

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cancer nursing. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Lori KoganAuthor Affiliations: Clinical Sciences Department (Dr Kogan) and School of Social Work (Dr Currin-McCulloch), Colorado State University, Fort Collins.ORCID 0000-0002-5816-9672
Jennifer Currin-McCulloch

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCancer survivors experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than the general population, negatively affecting treatment adherence and quality of life. Although studies have explored parental concerns among cancer survivors, minimal research exists on cancer survivors' relationships with their pets.

objectiveThis study aimed to assess the benefits, challenges, and unmet needs of pet owners experiencing breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer, examining the relationship between pet ownership, pet-related concerns, guilt, and quality of life.

methodsAn anonymous, cross-sectional online survey was administered between April and December 2024 to adult cancer survivors (stages 0-IV) who were primary guardians of at least one dog or cat for ≥6 months.

resultsAmong 930 participants, guilt levels were highest in those recently diagnosed and those younger than 30 years. Quality of life was negatively associated with guilt ( r  = 0.437) and pet-related concerns ( r  = 0.350). Higher pet attachment was positively correlated with perceived support from pets but also with increased guilt and concerns about pet care during cancer treatment.

conclusionsCancer survivors experience significant guilt and concern regarding pet care during treatment, especially those recently diagnosed and younger. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Oncology nurses should acknowledge the importance of human-animal bonds and incorporate discussions about pet care into supportive care planning. Developing resources to assist cancer survivors with pet care responsibilities and validating pet-related concerns could improve survivor well-being and treatment adherence. Further research is needed to create and evaluate interventions specifically addressing the needs of cancer survivors who are pet owners.

Indexed as

Cancer SurvivorsGuiltHuman-Animal BondNeoplasmsPetsQuality of LifeAdultAgedAnimalsCatsCross-Sectional StudiesDogsFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedCancer survivorshipGuiltPetsStressorsSupport

Identifiers

PMID40773760
PMCPMC13690349

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.