Quality of life and current needs of cancer survivors enrolled in Humanitas Research Hospital's survivorship care model

• Published in: Journal of clinical oncology Vol. 36; no. 7_suppl; p. 170
• Main Authors: Lorenzi, Elena, Morello, Lucia, Giordano, Laura, Agostinetto, Elisa, Grosso, Camille, Nicolosi, Matteo, Garassino, Isabella Maria Giovanna, Cavina, Raffaele, Mazza, Rita, Carlo-Stella, Carmelo, Santoro, Armando
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.03.2018
• ISSN: 0732-183X; 1527-7755
• DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2018.36.7_suppl.170

Abstract only 170 Background: While there are different studies investigating the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients (pts) during active treatment, few studies report QoL of cancer survivors (CS) after at least 5 years (yrs) from achieving complete remission. We have investigated QoL and concerns about physical\psychological symptom of CS enrolled in our survivorship program from April 2015 to December 2016. Methods: We included pts > 18 yrs affected by hematologic or solid tumors after at least 5 yrs from achieving complete remission. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using validated scales: Cancer Survivors Survey of Needs subscale and a single-item measure of global QoL perception. Results: We analyzed data from 178 CS. The median age was 62 yrs (52 yrs at diagnosis), 70% were females. The most frequent histological types were breast (50%), colorectal (11%) and hematologic tumors (16%). Most pts received both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. With a median observation time of 139 months, the 10-yrs cumulative incidence of second neoplasm and cardiac adverse event was 8% and 7% respectively. 133 pts (65%) reported a good QoL (score > 3). The most frequent symptoms reported were weight changes (77%), memory\concentration deficit (65%), dental\mouth problems (61%). The most common physical\psychological symptoms were fear of relapse (83%), genetic counseling (68%), living with uncertainty (66%). A positive statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between previous hormonal therapy and the following concerns (score ≥2): sleep disturbance (42% vs 35%); weight gain (31% vs 24%), osteoporosis (35% vs 18%), living with uncertainty (44% vs 38%). Female reported more fear of relapse (p 0.023) and sense of uncertainty (p 0.006) than males. 92% of pts have fully or partially adhered to the survivorship care plan. Conclusions: Most CS have a good QoL perception but we observed a high percentage of pts with a low score indicating different needs to be addressed. Pts treated with hormonal therapy are at higher risk of having both physical and psychological concerns. So far, the compliance of pts with the program was high.