Abstract 4518
Background
Long-term survival rates for many types of cancer have substantially improved in past decades. In order to improve follow-up and comprehensive care of this population a specific medical office was started up three years ago at our institution. This is the health and socio-economic analysis of the long-term cancer survivors in our area.
Methods
A 54-item questionnaire was developed based on QLACS (Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors) and SF-36 Health Survey. 347 patients completed the questionnaire from January 2015 to December 2016. A medical questionnarie (63-item) was also completed for each patient by oncologists responsible for the medical office. The information was collected in a database and processed with SPSS 18.
Results
Median age at the time of diagnosis was 56.8 years and median time from cancer diagnosis to questionnarie completion was 7.1 years. 53.9% were women and 46.1% men. At the time of diagnosis 72% were married/committed relationship, 27.9% had university studies and 32.8% were retired. 35.4% had hipercolesterolemia and 3.2% anxiety/depression syndrome. Colon and breast carcinomas accounted for 49.9% of all cases and 67.1% were diagnosed in stages I and II. 91.8% underwent surgery, 59.6% received chemotherapy and 32.3% radiotherapy. After the diagnosis and treatment of cancer relationship status of patients scarcely changed, 19.9% more of the patients retired, 17.9% of those who kept their employment status decreased their income, though only 9 patients reduced their working hours. Despite 24.3% made healthy dietary modifications, 25.4% gained al least 5 kg over their recommended weight and the anual incidence rate of hipercolesterolemia was 5.8%. 34.9% patients more had anxiety/depression syndrome and 68.9% reduced their sexual activity with significant differences between colon and breast cancer (OR:3.3; p = 0.007). 78.7% were satisfied with the information received by their oncologist about their cancer.
Conclusions
Long-term cancer survivors are patiens with major health and socio-economic issues who need a multidisciplinaty follow-up. Despite their median age, more than half had cardiovascular risk factors, sexual difficulties or were retired and more than one-third had anxiety/depression syndrome.
Clinical trial identification
Legal entity responsible for the study
Medical Oncology Department, La Paz University Hospital.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Editorial Acknowledgement
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.