Poster Presentation Cancer Survivorship 2017

Physical and psychological health status of cancer survivors following primary adjuvant treatment (#85)

Janette L Vardy 1 2 3 , Cindy Tan 4 , Jane D Turner 2 , Kim Kerin-Ayres 4 , Cole Deguchi 4 , Sonia Khatri 4 , Sue Butler 4 , Lynda Wignall 3 , Ilona Cunningham 4 , Ashanya Malalasekera 1 , Haryana M Dhillon 2
  1. University of Sydney, Concord, NSW, Australia
  2. CeMPED, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. Concord Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. Concord Cancer Centre, Concord, NSW, Australia

Aims:

Cancer survivors experience ongoing health problems compared to the general population. The Sydney Survivorship Clinic aims to help cancer survivors better manage their disease and treatment effects. Here we report the health status of cancer survivors post primary adjuvant treatment.

Method:

Cancer survivors completed questionnaires assessing: distress, symptoms, quality of life (QOL), diet and exercise before attending the Sydney Survivorship Clinic. Attendees were seen by a multidisciplinary team (medical oncologist/haematologist, cancer nurse specialist, dietitian, clinical psychologist and exercise physiologist).

Results:

A total of 242 survivors attended an initial clinic visit from September 2013 to October 2016 with 225 survivors included in analysis: median age 55years (range 21-86). Median time from diagnosis: 11.3 months (range 1.6 - 1284). Tumour types: breast 48%, colorectal 32%, haematology 16%, other 4%. Most (92%) had undergone surgery, 89% had received chemotherapy, 44% radiotherapy. Most common symptoms of at least moderate severity were: fatigue (55%), insomnia (46%), pain (44%), anxiety (40%), numbness (39%), sore hands/feet (38%), trouble concentrating (35%), hot flushes (34%), memory problems (33%). Half (51%) had distress thermometer score of 4+, meeting screening guidelines for further investigation. Overall, 63% were rated by the psychologist as having ‘fear of cancer recurrence’; 28% were referred for follow-up, 6% already linked with psychological services.

The mean overall QOL score (FACT-G) was 80 (SD 17), which is comparable to other cancer survivor cohorts, with physical and social well being the domains most impacted.

Average BMI was 28.1kg/m2 (range 16.5 – 59.1kg/m2); 57% were overweight or obese, particularly high in breast (63%) and colorectal cancer (66%) survivors. Only 40% of survivors reported meeting physical activity guidelines.

Conclusion:

Distress, fatigue, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are common, persisting years after cancer diagnosis. The Survivorship clinic identifies important issues for cancer survivors after adjuvant treatment and facilitates effective management of these concerns.