THE SUPPORTIVE CARE NEEDS OF NEWLY-DIAGNOSED CANCER-PATIENTS ATTENDING A REGIONAL CANCER CENTER

BACKGROUND, The objective of this study was to examine the physical an d emotional health status, self-perceived problems, and needs of newly diagnosed cancer patients to determine and plan supportive care strat egies. METHODS, A cross-sectional survey of newly diagnosed cancer pat ients attending a regional cancer center during a 6-month period was p erformed. Patients with breast, colorectal, head and neck, lung, and p rostate carcinoma as well as nonmelanoma of the skin were selected ran domly. Patients were interviewed prior to their first appointment at t he clinic. Physical health status was assessed using the Symptom Distr ess Scale, psychologic health status was assessed with the General Hea lth Questionnaire (GHQ), day-to-day functioning with the Rapid Disabil ity Scale, and social support with the modified Sarason's Social Suppo rt Scale. Perceived needs were assessed in a number of ways, including identification of patients' specific social concerns and informationa l needs, and by asking them to list their current problems or concerns . RESULTS, Of 156 eligible patients, 134 completed the interview. One hundred and twenty-nine patients (96%) reported current symptoms that included fatigue (66%), worried outlook (61%), difficulty sleeping (48 %), and pain (42%). Forty-four patients (33%) were identified as psych ologically distressed with a GHQ score of greater than or equal to 6. One hundred and fourteen patients (85%) had informational needs, 89 (6 6%) indicated greater than or equal to 1 social concerns, and 55 (41%) reported a need for assistance with day-to-day living. CONCLUSIONS, P atients with newly diagnosed cancer commonly report symptoms related t o fatigue, pain, and psychologic distress. Other frequently reported i ssues relate to the need for information and social concerns regarding the patients' ability to take care of their home and maintain family and other relationships. Awareness of these issues is important for pl anning supportive care interventions for newly diagnosed cancer patien ts. (C) 1997 American Cancer Society.