1728P - Implementation of a comprehensive oncology unit: Needs detected in cancer survivors during follow-up

Background

The prevalence of oncology survivors is increasing exponentially. More than half of them experience difficulty in returning to their pre-disease socio-familial role. Comprehensive Oncology Units are infrequent in our environment. In our center we have implemented this novel Unit in order to improve the quality of life of our cancer survivors during follow-up.

Methods

Prospective quasi-experimental study. From March 2022 to March 2023. A total of 232 patients were included in the Comprehensive Oncology Unit of the Juan Ramón Jiménez Hospital in Huelva. The aim of our study is to describe the psychosocial, nutritional and physical needs of cancer survivors during follow-up and the impact of the intervention on their quality of life.

Results

The median age of the patients was 53 years (33 - 78). Ninety-six percent were women. Ninety percent had been diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by 6 % CRC, 2 % other digestive tumors and 2 % gynecological tumors. 67.1% required assessment for nutrition, 62.9% for rehabilitation, 59.28% for psycho-oncology and 4.8% for social intervention. Of the patients who were evaluated by psycho-oncology, 50% improved their fear of recurrence with only 3 sessions. Regarding nutrition assessment, the median BMI in the population with BMI > 25kg/m2 was 30.7 Kg/m2 at baseline and 29.71 Kg/m2 (22.7 - 40) 6 months after nutrition intervention (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The results of our study reveal that there is a high demand of needs to be covered in cancer survivors beyond the purely clinical aspects that impact on their quality of life. Implementing a Comprehensive Oncology Unit could help to detect these needs and improve their healthy lifestyle habits as well as improve their quality of life.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Comprehensive Oncology Unit.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.