Unmet psychosocial needs among cancer patients at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS).

Abstract

6057 Background: Studies in U.S. and Australia have shown a high degree of unmet needs in cancer patients. Aim: To define the prevalence of unmet needs in cancer patients at NCCS and factors associated with high unmet needs. Methods: Questionnaire study conducted among breast, gynecologic, and colorectal cancer patients using a modified version of CaSUN (Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs measure) looking at disease information, physical, social support, financial and psychological needs. Total score was divided into 1) No unmet need vs. any unmet need and 2) High (top 25%) vs. low (lower 75%) unmet needs. Logistic multivariate analysis was used to identify impact of individual factors adjusted for confounders. Results: Response rate was 75.7% with 535 participants. The mean age was 58.5 years and 20% were males. 83% were Chinese, 11% Malay and 6% Indians. Majority had breast cancer followed by colorectal and gynecological cancer at 61%, 32% and 7% respectively. Cancer stages were evenly distributed. Only 36% of participants were employed and 74% were diagnosed <1 year ago. Prevalence of any unmet need was 75.2%. Disease information needs was highest (61.5%) followed by financial (40.2%), social support (39.7%), psychological (27.3%) and physical (26.1%). Factors independently associated with high unmet needs were age<60, Malay, stage 3 cancer and <1 year from diagnosis (Table). Gender, education, employment, marital status and cancer type were not. Conclusions: Prevalence of unmet needs was 75.2%, with disease information needs the highest followed by financial needs in our copayment health system. This study identifies important areas for cancer workers to focus upon. Adjusted odds ratio of factors associated with high needs Variable Adjusted OR (95% CI) Age 60 and above 1.00 <60 2.95 (1.77–4.92) Race Chinese 1.00 Malay 2.10 (1.15–3.84) Indian 2.11 (0.93–4.81) Current stage Stage 1 1.00 Stage 2 1.11 (0.61–2.02) Stage 3 2.11 (1.14–3.89) Stage 4 1.19 (0.61–2.33) Period of diagnosis 1 year or more 1.00 < 1 year 1.94 (1.23–3.07) No significant financial relationships to disclose.