• Linda E Carlson, Amy Waller, Shannon L Groff, Janine Giese-Davis, and Barry D Bultz.
• Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. lcarlso@ucalgary.ca
• Psychooncology. 2013 Jan 1;22(1):168-76.

BackgroundAs the concept of distress as the 6th vital sign gains strength in cancer care, research on the experience of patients is critical. This study longitudinally examined patients' physical and psychosocial concerns over the year following diagnosis.MethodsBetween July 2007 and February 2008, patients attending a large tertiary cancer centre were recruited to participate in a study examining their levels of distress, pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety over a year.ResultsA total of 877 patients provided baseline data with 620, 589 and 505 retained at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Overall, levels of distress, depression and anxiety decreased significantly over the study period. No significant changes were found in levels of pain or fatigue. Demographics (being unmarried) and medical interventions (particularly having radiation therapy) predicted persistent distress, anxiety and depression, whereas receiving psychosocial support predicted decreased levels of distress, anxiety and depression. Some patients reported continued clinical levels of distress (29%), pain (19%) and fatigue (40%) 12 months post diagnosis.DiscussionFor some people, distress, depression, and anxiety may be transient and decrease over time, but for others they may be sustained. Pain and fatigue may remain present in many cancer patients. There is a need to modify current clinical practice to facilitate the appropriate assessment and management of distress.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

43 keywords...

hide…