Tone Margrethe Olsbu Skaali

• Willumsen, Lise Haldorsen; Smeland, Knut Halvor Bjøro; Eikeland, Siri Asheim; Fosså, Alexander; Bersvendsen, Hanne Skjerven & Fagerli, Unn Merete [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2026). Self-reported late effects and chronic fatigue, information needs and follow-up in long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma—a cross-sectional study. Supportive Care in Cancer. ISSN 0941-4355. 34(5). doi: 10.1007/s00520-026-10625-x. Full text in Research Archive
• Vancoppenolle, J.; Franzen, N.; Azarang, L.; Juslin, T.; Krini, M. & Lubbers, T. [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2025). Financial toxicity and socioeconomic impact of cancer in Europe. ESMO Open. 10(6), p. 105293–105293. doi: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2025.105293. Full text in Research Archive
• Selland, Mette; Rognli, Sylvia; Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu; Blomhoff, Rune; Tjønnfjord, Geir Erland & Eriksen, Astrid M.A. [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). Distress, problems and unmet rehabilitation needs after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for haematologic malignancies: A cross-sectional study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. ISSN 1462-3889. 80, p. 1–6. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103083. Full text in Research Archive
• Dahl, Alv A; Smedsland, Solveig Katrine; Bøhn, Synne-Kristin Hoffart; Falk, Ragnhild Sørum; Horn, Julie & Kiserud, Cecilie E. [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2025). Subjective memory impairment in long-term breast cancer survivors—associated factors and comparisons to controls from the HUNT study. Journal of cancer survivorship. ISSN 1932-2259. doi: 10.1007/s11764-025-01957-4. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhn, Synne-Kristin Hoffart; Oldervoll, Line Merethe; Reinertsen, Kristin Valborg; Selland, Mette; Fosså, Alexander & Kiserud, Cecilie E. [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2024). The feasibility of a multidimensional intervention in lymphoma survivors with chronic fatigue. Supportive Care in Cancer. ISSN 0941-4355. 32(1). doi: 10.1007/s00520-023-08204-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: Chronic fatigue (CF) affects 25–30% of lymphoma survivors, but interventions designed to reduce fatigue are lacking. The main aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a multidimensional intervention study in lymphoma survivors with CF. Secondary aims were to describe individual changes in fatigue, quality of life (QoL) and physical performance from pre (T0) to post (T1) intervention. Methods: This feasibility study was as a one-armed intervention study performed in 2021. Hodgkin or aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors received mailed study information and Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire and were asked to respond if they suffered from fatigue. The 12-week intervention included patient education, physical exercise, a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based group program and nutritional counselling. Feasibility data included patient recruitment, completion of assessments, adherence to the intervention and patient-reported experience measures. Participants responded to questionnaires and underwent physical tests at T0 and T1. Results: Seven lymphoma survivors with CF were included. Of all assessments, 91% and 83% were completed at T0 and T1, respectively. Adherence to the interventional components varied from 69% to 91%. At T1, all participants rated exercise as useful, of whom five rated the CBT-based program and five rated individual nutritional counselling as useful. Five participants reported improved fatigue, QoL and physical performance. Conclusion: Lymphoma survivors with CF participating in a multidimensional intervention designed to reduce the level of fatigue showed high assessment completion rate and intervention adherence rate. Most of the participants evaluated the program as useful and improved their level of fatigue, QoL and physical performance after the intervention.

• Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu; Blomhoff, Rune; Lindemann, Kristina Yvonne Kathe; Smeland, Sigbjørn; Bruheim, Kjersti & Selland, Mette [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Self-reported distress and problems after treatment for gynecological cancer – Correlation between a short screening tool and longer measures of anxiety/depression and health-related quality of life. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6349. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14709. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Introduction The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer and problem list (DTPL) is a brief self‐report screening measure for use in follow‐up cancer care. The aims of this study were to explore the correlations between scores on the DTPL and scores on longer measures of anxiety/depression and health‐related quality of life among women treated for gynecological cancer, and to define a cutoff score on the DT representing high levels of psychological distress in this patient group. Material and methods During outpatient visits, 144 women filled in the DTPL, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the RAND‐36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (RAND‐36) between October 2019 and March 2020. We assessed the agreement between the DT‐scores and the HADS scores, explored variables associated with high levels of distress on the DT, and studied the associations between DTPL‐scores and scores of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) from RAND‐36. Results In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis between the distress score from the DT and a HADS total score ≥15 (defining high levels of anxiety/depression symptoms), the area under the curve was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.74–0.89). Using a cutoff of ≥5 on the DT (scale 0–10), we found a balanced level of sensitivity (81%) and specificity (71%) towards a HADS total score of ≥15. The scores of distress and problems reported on the DTPL correlated significantly with the majority of HRQoL function scales from RAND‐36. Conclusions The NCCN DTPL can be used as a screening measure for self‐reported distress and problems after treatment for gynecological cancer. A score of ≥5 on DT may indicate high level of anxiety/depression as measured by HADS. The tool may help identify patients in need of referral to supportive care and rehabilitation facilities.

• Gjerset, Gunhild Maria; Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu; Selland, Mette & Thorsen, Lene (2022). Health-Related Quality of Life, Fatigue, Level of Physical Activity, and Physical Capacity Before and After an Outpatient Rehabilitation Program for Women Within Working Age Treated for Breast Cancer. Journal of Cancer Education. ISSN 0885-8195. doi: 10.1007/s13187-022-02211-6. Full text in Research Archive
• Selland, Mette; Skrede, Katrine; Lindemann, Kristina Yvonne Kathe; Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu; Blomhoff, Rune & Bruheim, Kjersti [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2021). Distress, problems and unmet rehabilitation needs after treatment for gynecological cancer. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6349. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14310. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction - The prevalence of distress, problems and need for rehabilitation among women treated for gynecological cancer is largely unknown. The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of distress, problems and unmet rehabilitation needs in the first years after treatment for gynecological cancer.<p> <p>Material and methods - Women treated for gynecological cancer within the last 2 years were invited. Participants responded to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List measuring distress and problems. They also answered a questionnaire regarding physical endurance, muscle strength, and need for rehabilitation services.<p> <p>Results - Of 114 eligible women, 92 (81%) agreed to participate. Mean time since last treatment was 7.6 months (range 0–24.5 months). A total of 57% of the participants reported distress. The four most common problems reported were fatigue (58%), tingling in hands/feet (54%), worry (53%), and problems with memory/concentration (50%). Problems associated with distress were: dealing with partner, all emotional problems (i.e. depression, fears, nervousness, sadness, worry, and loss of interest in usual activities), appearance, memory/concentration, pain, sex, sleep, and problems with physical endurance and muscle strength. Fifty-two per cent reported unmet needs for rehabilitation services. Women with distress reported more unmet rehabilitation needs than those in the non-distressed group.<p> <p>Conclusions - The prevalence of distress in this population of women treated for gynecological cancer was high. Having a high number of problems and having unmet needs for rehabilitation services were both associated with distress. Hence, measurement of distress seems to be helpful when assessing the need for rehabilitation services.

• Gjerset, Gunhild Maria; Tendille, Mari; Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu; Kiserud, Cecilie E.; Dahl, Alv A & Gudbergsson, Sævar Berg [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2019). Gender differences in health status and benefits of a one-week educational programme for caregivers of cancer patients. European Journal of Cancer Care. ISSN 0961-5423. 28(2), p. 1–10. doi: 10.1111/ecc.12992. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective The aims of this study were to investigate differences between female and male caregivers’ health status before and 3 months after a one‐week educational programme, self‐reported needs for support and changes in health status over time. Methods Caregivers were partners of cancer patients aged ≥18 years who participated in the programme. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and 3 months after the programme. Results At baseline, 167 caregivers completed the questionnaire, 55% were females and the mean age 60.2 years (range 31–79). Female caregivers reported poorer vitality (p = 0.016) and more chronic fatigue compared to male caregivers (28% vs. 13%, p = 0.036). Females more frequently reported need for support: psychological counselling (21% vs. 3%, p = 0.001), group conversations (51% vs. 28%, p = 0.003), nutritional counselling (39% vs. 17%, p = 0.002) and recreational stay (46% vs. 24%, p = 0.004). Significant benefits within‐group changes were observed among female caregivers in role physical, general health, vitality, social functioning, mental and total fatigue, whereas no significant within‐group changes were observed for males. However, in adjusted analyses no significantly between‐group gender differences in mean changes were observed. Conclusion More studies are needed to better understand the differences and possible effects of programmes among female and male caregivers in order to develop relevant support.

• Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu; Fosså, Sophie Dorothea; Andersson, Stein; Langberg, Carl W.; Lehne, Gustav & Dahl, Alv A (2011). Is psychological distress in men recently diagnosed with testicular cancer associated with their neuropsychological test performance? Psycho-Oncology. ISSN 1057-9249. 20(4), p. 369–377. doi: 10.1002/pon.1737. Full text in Research Archive
• Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu; Fosså, Sophie Dorothea; Andersson, Stein; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Langberg, Carl W. & Lehne, Gustav [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2011). A prospective study of neuropsychological functioning in testicular cancer patients. Annals of Oncology. ISSN 0923-7534. 22(5), p. 1062–1070. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdq553. Full text in Research Archive
• Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu; Fosså, Sophie Dorothea; Andersson, Stein; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Langberg, Carl W. & Lehne, Gustav [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2011). Self-reported cognitive problems in testicular cancer patients: Relation to neuropsychological performance, fatigue, and psychological distress. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. ISSN 0022-3999. 70(5), p. 403–410. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2010.12.004. Full text in Research Archive
• Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu; Fosså, Sophie Dorothea & Dahl, Alv A (2011). A Prospective Study of Cognitive Complaints in Patients With Testicular Cancer. Clinical Genitourinary Cancer. ISSN 1558-7673. 9(1), p. 6–13. doi: 10.1016/j.clgc.2011.04.002. Full text in Research Archive
• Skaali, Tone; Skaali, T; Fossa, SD; Fosså, Sophie D; Bremnes, Roy M. & Dahl, Olav [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2009). Fear of recurrence in long-term testicular cancer survivors. Psycho-Oncology. ISSN 1057-9249. 18(6), p. 580–588. doi: 10.1002/pon.1437. Full text in Research Archive

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• Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu & Gudbergsson, Sævar Berg (2019). Kreftoverlevere og rehabilitering. In Kiserud, Cecilie E.; Dahl, Alv A & Fosså, Sophie Dorothea (Ed.), Kreftoverlevere: Ny kunnskap og nye muligheter i et langtidsperspektiv. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205515956. p. 232–239. Full text in Research Archive
• Fuglestad, Svein; Elstad, Beate & Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu (2015). Den kjente lengselen - konsert. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Program: Den kjente lengselen tekst og melodi: Svein Fuglestad (august 2007 – mai 2009) arr: Tone og Svein. Eg kysse tannbørsten din godnatt tekst og melodi: Svein Fuglestad (november 2007 – september 2008) arr: Tone, Beate og Svein. Fly igjen (If you love somebody set them free) tekst: Svein Fuglestad - med sitater fra Sting melodi: Svein Fuglestad (juli – desember 2008) arr: Tone, Beate og Svein. Hermods sang tekst: Svein Fuglestad - fritt etter Salomos Høysang kapittel 8, vers 1-3. melodi: Svein Fuglestad (februar – mars 2011) Fra forestillingen: Det eldgamle treet jamrer skjelvende – En improvisatorisk fortellerkonsert basert på myten om Balders død. Av og med Heidi Dahlsveen og Svein Fuglestad. Premiere på Riksscenen 30. mars 2011 arr: Svein. Svidd hjerta tekst og melodi: Svein Fuglestad (juli 2010) arr: Tone, Beate og Svein. People will forget (Quote by Maya Angelou) tekst: Svein Fuglestad / Maya Angelou melodi: Svein Fuglestad (august 2012 – mars 2014) arr: Tone, Beate og Svein. Eg ser glød (I see fire) tekst/norsk gjendiktning: Svein Fuglestad (august 2014). melodi: Ed Sheeran arr: Tone, Beate og Svein. Våren komme nå tekst og melodi: Svein Fuglestad komp: Polyphonic App (februar - april 2014) Basert på ”Sangen om lyset” (våren 2011) arr: Svein. Lydmiks: Vidar Lunden, Musikkloftet.

• Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu; Fosså, Sophie Dorothea; Andersson, S; Småstuen, Milada C; Langberg, Carl W. & Lehne, Gustav [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2009). A prospective study of cognitive function in testicular cancer patients - preliminary results. European Journal of Cancer. ISSN 0959-8049. 7(2), p. 442–443. Full text in Research Archive
• Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu (2007). Psykologiske aspekter og reaksjoner etter kreftsykdom. In Hem, Erlend; Vaglum, Per Jørgen Wiggen; Fyrand, Live & Nerdrum, Per (Ed.), Pasienten og sykdommen. Psykiske faktorer ved somatisk sykdom. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205375017. p. 51–58. Full text in Research Archive
• Skaali, Tone Margrethe Olsbu & Fosså, Sophie Dorothea (2011). Cognitive function in testicular cancer patients: : prospective studies of self-reported and neuropsychological function. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Due to concern about possible negative effects of systemic chemotherapy on cognitive function (i.e. memory and concentration), these functions in cancer patients after such treatment have received increasing clinical and public attention. However, in 2005, at the onset of the research project leading to this thesis, no neuropsychological studies had been published on cognitive function in testicular cancer patients (TCPs) after systemic chemotherapy. TCPs in general are young and have a favorable prognosis. Hence, most patients have a long life expectancy after their malignancy, and they are expected to resume a regular professional and familial life after treatment. Cisplatin, the cornerstone of chemotherapy for testicular cancer, has well-known toxic effects on the peripheral nervous system. Therefore we considered systematic assessment of cognitive function in TCPs treated with chemotherapy to be of considerable importance, both for the patients and for future clinical work. The main aim of this thesis was to explore cognitive function in TCPs. In the period from 2006 to 2009 we therefore conducted a prospective study of cognitive function in TCPs evaluated and treated at the Norwegian Radium Hospital and the Ullevaal University Hospital (now both parts of the Oslo University Hospital). This thesis also includes a prospective study on self-reported cognitive complaints in TCPs included in three European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer Organization (EORTC) / Medical Research Council (MRC) treatment studies done during the 1990’ies, before the associations between chemotherapy and reduced cognitive function became a public concern. In paper I (the 1990’ies study) self-reported cognitive complaints in TCPs treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy during the 1990’ies are prospectively explored. We found no significant difference between the chemotherapy and the radiotherapy group in prevalence of cognitive complaints at one-year follow-up. Treatment modality was not significantly associated with cognitive complaints at any time point after adjustment for QoL domains such as emotional function and fatigue. Paper II-IV reports results from our prospective study of cognitive function in TCPs, conducted at the Oslo University Hospital (“The Oslo-study”). In paper II (the distress paper) we explored the level of emotional distress shortly after the diagnosis of TC (at the baseline evaluation of our study), and investigated whether current level of distress had any impact on the neuropsychological test results at that time-point. About one-fourth of the TCPs had clinically significant distress at baseline. However, we found that the majority of neuropsychological test scores (14 out of 18) were not significantly associated with levels of emotional distress. In paper III (the neuropsychological paper) we compared the proportions of TCPs in three treatment groups (no chemotherapy, one cycle of chemotherapy, and multiple cycles of chemotherapy) with changes in neuropsychological test performance from baseline (pretreatment) to one year follow-up. No significant group differences in proportions of TCPs with a decline in neuropsychological test performance from baseline to follow-up were observed. In paper IV (the self-report paper) we prospectively explored self-reported cognitive complaints in TCPs. Increase of cognitive complaints from baseline to one-year follow-up was significantly associated with levels of emotional distress and fatigue and treatment with chemotherapy, but not with a decline in neuropsychological test performance. From the findings presented in this thesis we conclude that cisplatin-based chemotherapy does not seem to have a negative impact on neuropsychological test performance in TCPs at one year follow-up. However, this finding should be confirmed in larger prospective studies before definite conclusions can be made. Self-reported cognitive complaints were not associated with neuropsychological test performance in our study, but were related to current emotional distress and fatigue. For TCPs treated in the 1990’ies, chemotherapy was not a significant predictor of post-treatment cognitive complaints after adjustment for emotional function and fatigue.

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