Abstract D048: Social support, quality of life and mental health factors affecting Filipino cancer survivors

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cancer survivorship rates are increasing and the growing number of cancer survivors will present new challenges to the health care system with regards to follow-up care and long-term health care needs. More specifically, cancer survivors are dealing with the physical and mental health consequences of cancer long after treatments are completed, and many of the physical symptoms and side effects that evolved from such treatments have had long-lasting physical and psychological effects. Studies aimed at understanding how social support and quality of life impacts survivorship is limited and there is a paucity in research investigating factors that affect the health-related quality of life and the long-term health care needs of Filipino cancer survivors. Significance: Physical symptoms of cancer survivors can be detected and treated by health care providers, but any psychological distress experienced by these individuals are not easily identified or assessed. Depression and anxiety are common among individuals diagnosed with cancer and many survivors often report experiencing emotional distress and feelings of abandonment after intensive support during the treatment phase. Objective: This study aims to explore the cultural perceptions of mental health, identify the types of social support that impacts the psychological well-being of Filipino cancer survivors post-treatment, and explore the health-related quality of life and prevalence of psychological distress among Filipino cancer survivors. Methods: Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Filipino cancer survivors residing in Southern California. Thematic analysis was performed to explore and identify cultural perceptions of social support, quality of life and mental health. Results: This exploratory study found that post-treatment needs of Filipino cancer survivors vary by cancer type and treatment received. Although social support (physical and functional) is available, lack of emotional support increases psychological distress and may affect their overall quality of life. Physical health problems are easily identified and readily addressed, but the mental well-being of survivors is often overlooked and rarely discussed. Discussion/Conclusion: Further investigation of post-treatment experiences of Filipino cancer survivors is needed in order to identify the services and resources that would be most beneficial in addressing the emotional support and psychological distress needs during survivorship. Citation Format: Annalyn Valdez-Dadia. Social support, quality of life and mental health factors affecting Filipino cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr D048.