Evaluating the prevalence of somatization symptoms in the family of cancer patients.

The psychological well-being of family members caring for cancer patients impacts care and the health of both parties. This study examines somatization symptoms prevalence among families of breast, lung, and colorectal cancer patients. This cross-sectional study at Omid Hospital and Isfahan Cancer Prevention and Control Center (September 2018 to September 2019) randomly involved 780 family caregivers. Demographic data and the patient's medical history were collected. Somatic symptoms were assessed using the Screening for somatoform symptoms and Patient Health Questionnaire. Statistical analysis used SPSS version 23, with significance at P < 0.05. Among 780 subjects (mean age: 40.56 ± 13.88 years), 407 (52.2%), 317 (40.6%), and 56 (7.2%) cared for colorectal, breast, and lung cancer patients, respectively. Caregivers of lung cancer patients reported significantly more excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to somatic symptoms (P = 0.027) along with neurological, cardio-respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and musculoskeletal symptoms (P < 0.001). General complaints were more prevalent among relatives of colorectal cancer patients (P < 0.001). 89.5% of caregivers exhibited excessive somatic symptom-related thoughts, feelings, or behaviors significantly associated with their relationship level with the cancer patient (P = 0.003). Caregivers of lung cancer patients (P = 0.028), female (P = 0.001), married (P = 0.005), and unemployed individuals (P = 0.001) reported higher PHQ-15 scores (mean score = 8.53 ± 5.73) indicating more frequent moderate to severe symptoms. Symptom severity showed no considerable association with age, education, patient illness duration, and relation level with the patient. Somatization symptoms are prevalent among caregivers of cancer patients. Targeted interventions, such as mental health screening and psychosocial support, are crucial to address caregivers' psychological well-being.