Examining the Prevalence of Cancer Related Distress Among a Group of Urban-Dwelling Veterans (TH308B)

Abstract: Background: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American College of Surgeons Commissions on Cancer requires cancer centers to evaluate psychosocial distress and provide appropriate triage and treatment for all patients (Standard 3.2). Aim Statement: In an attempt to provide standardized care, a needs-based screening tool was implemented within a VA oncology clinic. Prevalence of biopsychosocial concerns among patients was examined. Methods: Participants completed the “Patient Screening Questions for Supportive Care” by The Coleman Foundation (n=51). The majority of patients were men (87%), mean age 70(SD=9.45), primarily African American (71.4%) presenting with cancer of the lung (16%), prostate (14%), Pancreas (11%), Multiple Myeloma (11%), and others. Positive, elevated scores resulted in clinical follow-up by both a palliative care physician and psychologist. Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were completed to assess prevalence and potential predictors of psychosocial concerns. Results: The mean psychological distress score was 6.4(SD=3.45), indicating moderate distress, with 14% of patients reporting moderately severe distress (n=7, score>10). Age, diagnosis, stage of disease, and race were not significant predictors of symptoms of depression, respectively (b=0.014, 0.134, 0.742, 0.294, p>.05). The majority of patients indicated a desire to learn more about their diagnosis (66%), their treatment (54%) and how to communicate wishes relating to treatment (43%). Participants endorsed the following physical symptoms most frequently: Dry mouth (30%), dry skin (30%), tingling in extremities (29%), diarrhea (27%), swollen arms/legs (23%), and sexual intimacy (23%). Patients endorsed concerns for nutrition (30%) specifically for weight loss and lack of appetite (34%), and pain with 36% being in pain currently and 33% reporting moderate to severe pain at its worst. Additionally, 37% experienced significant fatigue, and notable difficulty with activities of daily living.