Psychological distress, quality of life, symptoms and unmet needs of colorectal cancer survivors near the end of treatment.

PURPOSE

This study investigated psychological morbidity, quality of life (QoL), colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific symptoms and supportive care needs in a CRC population at the end of treatment (EOT).

METHODS

CRC survivors (n = 152) completed a post-treatment baseline questionnaire as part of a multisite supportive care randomised controlled trial (SurvivorCare). CRC survivors had completed treatment with curative intent within 0 to 6 months. Measures are as follows: Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18) (psychological morbidity), EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 (QoL and CRC-specific symptoms and problems) and Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs (CaSUN) measure with a simplified response format (unmet needs). Linear regression models were used to compare participants' QoL with a general population sample. Correlation analysis examined associations between psychological morbidity, QoL and CRC-specific symptoms and problems.

RESULTS

Average participant age was 64 years, and 51% were male. The majority (68%) had stage 3 disease. In comparison to population norms, CRC survivors had lower depression and anxiety scores (47.4 and 45.6, respectively) but higher somatisation, and lower role, cognitive and social functioning (p < 0.001). CRC survivors had higher fatigue, nausea/vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhoea and financial problems (all p < 0.001), as well as pain (p = 0.002) and constipation (p = 0.019). CRC-specific psychological scores were positively correlated with all three BSI domain scores, and pain and fatigue symptom scores on the QLQ-C30 while negatively correlated with all five functional scales of the QLQ-C30.

CONCLUSIONS

CRC survivors reported good mental health at EOT. Role and social functioning were impaired compared to population norms, possibly related to physical symptoms.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Findings may help guide consultations with patients and inform the design of more tailored supportive care interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12610000207011.