Cancer survivors in Mexico: Analyzing their experience.

Abstract

262 Background: Every year the number of people diagnosed with cancer increases due to aging, population growth, and the increasing life expectancy rate in the general population. Survivors have to deal with the long-term side effects of treatment, as well as psychological disturbances, such as fear of cancer recurrence. Herein we present the results of a research project about the treatment side effects and psychosocial problems that cancer survivors in Mexico experience. Methods: In order to explore their experience as cancer survivors, 1240 participants from different parts of the country voluntarily replied a 32-item questionnaire. Results: Participants were primarily women (81%), with an average age of 55 years (20 to 91 years). 18% of the survivors were younger than 40 years old, whereas only 15% were 70 years or older. Most participants had a level of education beyond high-school (46%). The three types of cancer that were most commonly reported were: breast cancer (48%), cervical cancer (11%) and lymphoma (6.8%). The majority of the participant survivors (67%) were diagnosed with cancer 5 years ago or longer. Fatigue was the most common side effect (55%), followed by bone pain (45%) and skin changes (42%). 26% of the population experienced sexual dysfunction; 50% reported diminished interest in sex and 19% of female survivors expressed having pain during intercourse. Fear of cancer recurrence (60%) was the chief psychosocial concern of survivors; depression (55%) and anxiety (44%) were also reported. Furthermore, 55% of survivors indicated they had felt discriminated. Conclusions: This is the first report about matters affecting cancer survivors in Mexico. Further studies are required to explore survivors' main health problems in order to treat them within a multidisciplinary approach and to create specific assistance programs.