Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL
Lauren Z. Rynar , Kristen B. Wendell , Patricia B. Mumby , Kathy S. Albain , Patricia A. Robinson , Hanh P. Mai , Cathy Grace-Louthen , Shelly S. Lo
Background: The Loyola University Chicago Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center multidisciplinary Breast Oncology Center evaluates new patients (pts) for cancer-related distress using a needs-based screening tool, in accordance with Commission on Cancer (CoC) Standard 3.2. Identifying distress among newly diagnosed pre-surgical and pre-neoadjuvant pts allows for comprehensive treatment planning and establishment of a baseline for repeated assessments. Methods: Pts with newly diagnosed BC between May 2017 and June 2018 completed the “Patient Screening Questions for Supportive Care” (Coleman Supportive Oncology Collaborative, 2017), a consolidated screening tool based on validated instruments (NCCN Distress, PHQ-4, PROMIS), prior to initial provider visit. Cancer staging, demographics, and supportive oncology referrals were obtained from medical records. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used. Results: 100 pts aged 30-94 (mean(SD) = 61.56(12.03)) completed the screening tool; 14.9% had Stage 0, 43.6% Stage I, 34.0% Stage II, 3.2% Stage III, and 4.3% Stage IV disease. 39% of pts screened positive for anxiety on the PHQ-4, and over 20% for depression. Anxiety was associated with cancer stage (X2(df) = 12.20(4), p = .016). The most common practical concerns included living alone (19%), issues with work/school (16%), and paying for medical care (12%). Common physical concerns included difficulty with sleep (40%) and concentration/memory (17%), and tingling hands or feet (14%). Poor sleep was associated with depression (X2(df) = 6.50(1), p = .011) and anxiety (X2(df) = 7.17(1), p < .01). 57.7% reported at least "a little bit" of fatigue and 17.7% reported moderate to very severe pain. Nearly all pts wanted to better understand their diagnosis (87.8%), prognosis (87.8%), or treatment (91.8%). Conclusions: Pts with newly diagnosed, early stage BC experience high levels of physical and emotional distress at the earliest point in the treatment trajectory. This study captures BC patients at a unique time point and provides support for conducting routine screening for supportive oncology needs at initiation of care. Further studies should reassess needs sequentially to determine changes across the care continuum.
Disclaimer
This material on this page is ©2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology, all rights reserved. Licensing available upon request. For more information, please contact licensing@asco.org
Abstract Disclosures
2023 ASCO Annual Meeting
First Author: Christy Morrissey
2023 ASCO Annual Meeting
First Author: June Evelyn Jeon
2017 Cancer Survivorship Symposium
First Author: Gregory Joseph Britt
2024 ASCO Quality Care Symposium
First Author: Eunbee Cho