Patient Awareness Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Sarcopenia in maintenance hemodialysis patients in Northeastern China.

Sarcopenia is a severe complication affecting patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) treatment over an extended period of time. This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards sarcopenia among maintenance HD patients in Northeastern China between 13 December 2023 and 13 January 2024. A total of 752 questionnaires were collected. Multivariate logistic regression showed that completed high school or vocational secondary school, college or bachelor's degree, and maintenance HD lasting ≥ 11 years were independently associated with proactive practice. The Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that knowledge directly affected attitude and practice. Moreover, attitude directly affects practice. Maintenance HD patients showed inadequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice towards sarcopenia. Healthcare providers should focus on educational campaigns to increase patient awareness of sarcopenia, its risk factors, and preventive measures.

Rectal Cancer in Young Adults: A Single Center Experience.

Purpose: Individuals below the age of 40 make up only 3%-11% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases. In this study, we aimed to review clinicopathological characteristics of rectal cancer in young adults. Methods: Rectal adenocancer patients aged ≤40 were included in this study from Antalya Training and Research Hospital. A single-arm descriptive study was designed. Results: There were 85 patients in the final analyses (n = 85). The median age was 37 (19-40). Mucinous adenocarcinoma and signet-cell carcinoma rates were 11.8% for each. Twenty patients (24.4%) had high-grade cancer. Fourteen patients (16.5%) had CRC history in a first-degree relative. None of the patients were diagnosed through a screening test. Of the 85 patients, 41 (48.2%) were stage 3 and 23 (27.1%) were stage 4 at the time of diagnosis. Thirty-four (54.8%) of the 62 nonmetastatic patients had neoadjuvant and 27 (43.5%) had adjuvant treatment because of having an upfront surgery before presentation. In the nonmetastatic population, the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 69.7 ± 6.5%. De-novo metastatic underwent chemotherapy, and biological agents were administered when feasible. KRAS mutation rate was 56.5% among metastatic patients. The median progression-free survival for the first-line treatment was 11.2 months (5.7-16.6), and the median overall survival was 22.3 months (15.4-29.1). Conclusion: We demonstrated that rectal cancer is usually diagnosed at late stages in young individuals which is compatible with the previous reports. Low cancer awareness in young patients and their caregivers and adverse histological features were advocated as the reason for the diagnostic delay. However, future studies may elucidate the reason behind the common diagnosis at advanced stages.

Diagnostic process of cancer in a health system without gatekeeping: a single centre survey analysis.

It is essential to increase the rates of early diagnosis in cancer control, and the diagnostic process needs to be improved to achieve this goal. Previous studies showed that in countries where there is a gatekeeping system, there might be a delay in cancer diagnosis. Our aim is to examine the process of cancer diagnosis in a healthcare system without gatekeeping. A quantitative descriptive study has been conducted in various outpatient clinics of Pendik Training and Research Hospital, between 1 February and 31 May 2019, with individuals aged over 18 and diagnosed with cancer in the last six months. The data was collected through a questionnaire filled in by face-to-face interview method. Patient's socio-economic characteristics, their symptoms at the time of the diagnosis and the diagnosis process were questioned. The median diagnostic interval was 30 days (min-max 1-365), and the median patient interval was 60 (1-600) days. Patients pointed out that the diagnostic tests, especially the pathology reporting process, caused the diagnostic interval to be prolonged. Of the patients, 84% (n 135) stated that they did not consider their symptoms as a sign of serious illness. The patient interval was shortest with symptoms of haematuria and haematochezia and longest with dysuria and change in bladder habit. The study examined the diagnosis process in our health system, where patients can apply for health services at any stage. The results showed that there were no superior outcomes to those observed in primary care-led health systems. Patients reported that waiting times for medical tests led to prolongation of the diagnosis time. Cancer awareness of patients should also be increased to shorten patient admission times.

Patient's barrier to initiate insulin therapy for type 2 D.M.

Diabetes Mellitus is a health challenging of the century, more than 300 million people lives with diabetes, and it is one of the biggest global health concerns, awing to its complications. Good glycemic control is the cornerstone to decrease risk of type 2 diabetes complications. Even though, many people still have poor glycemic control which can be partly attributed to late insulin initiation, that can be challenging and forced by numbers of barriers. Identification and analysis of these barriers is crucial to find out effective way to overcome them. To assess patient's barriers to initiate insulin therapy among diabetic patients. A case series study was conducted during the period extending from July 2023 to June 2024, and a total of 360 participants with type two diabetes were included in this study from four Family Medicine Health Centers. Collected data tabulated and analyzed using Excel sheets and applying the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24. 26% of the participants were 45-55 years age group, 40% has been diagnosed with diabetes for 5-10 years, and 66% have developed diabetic complications. Fear from hypoglycemia was the comments barrier to initiate insulin therapy and is seen in 84% of the participants. Many barriers have been identified to influence the initiation of insulin therapy, fear from hypoglycemia was found to be the most influencing barrier. Increasing patient's awareness of symptoms of hypoglycemia, and always take their meal after insulin injection can help to overcome hypoglycemia.

To Assess the Patient Awareness and Level of Knowledge about Risk and Management of Surgical Site Infections

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection occurring within 30 days after surgery involving the incision or deep tissues at the surgical site and often requires surgical intervention for treatment. Despite advances in surgical techniques, the incidence of SSI remains significantly high and a recent meta-analysis has estimated the global incidence. Assessing patients' knowledge level can help physicians assess their knowledge level and train them on hygiene procedures. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from July to December 2023 in the Department of Surgery, Patuakhali Medical College Hospital, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. Forty patients aged between 20 and 60 years participated in the study. Forty patients aged between 20 and 60 years participated in the study. Patients who underwent surgery were also included in the study. Demographic parameters were recorded and patient knowledge was assessed using a standard questionnaire. Results: Majority of patients belong to the age group of 41-50 years. More men than women participated in the study. Most of the patients were working. Most of the patients belonged to the group of patients with higher secondary education. Most of the patients lived in rural areas. Furthermore, most of the patients had been hospitalized 1 to 5 times. The majority of patients responded that they had no prior knowledge about wound infections. The majority of patients responded that they would be interested in improving their knowledge about wound infections if an educational program were offered. Conclusion: This study extends existing knowledge regarding patients' knowledge and awareness of wound infections. The majority of patients stated that their level of knowledge in this area was insufficient and expressed a willingness to improve their knowledge. The study recommends further research in this area and also to increase patients' awareness about wound infections.

EEG correlates of seizure without awareness and depression in patients with epilepsy: A secondary analysis of a 2022 study on EEG correlates of quality of life.

EEG correlates of seizure without awareness and depression in patients with epilepsy: A secondary analysis of a 2022 study on EEG correlates of quality of life.

The Androgen Deprivation Therapy Landscape in 2024 – Co-navigating the Available Options with Prostate Cancer Patients

This symposium convened during the 2024 European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Paris, France, focusing on the multifaceted aspects of prostate cancer (PCa) treatment from the patient’s perspective. The session delved into the nuanced needs, expectations, and treatment experiences encountered by individuals diagnosed with this condition. A pivotal aspect of the discussion centred on the imperative of ensuring patient awareness and informed consent, particularly concerning androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), given its array of potential side effects. ADT, a cornerstone in advanced PCa management, encompasses a spectrum of side effects including both physical and psychological dimensions. These include, but are not limited to, body hair loss, weight fluctuations, mood alterations, decreased libido, cognitive impairments, muscle atrophy, and bone density loss. Effective management of these side effects requires comprehensive support to be provided to patients to mitigate complications and optimise quality of life. The options for ADT were discussed, with their comparative strengths and challenges. ADT strategies take effect over different time periods (from 12 hours up to 4 weeks), exert varying effects on testosterone levels, and carry different side effect profiles. Selecting the optimal course of treatment for localised or locally advanced PCa requires consideration of whether the patient is at intermediate-, high-, or very high-risk of biochemical recurrence, and whether the intermediate-risk disease is classified as favourable intermediate-risk (FIR) or unfavourable intermediate-risk (UIR). While continuous ADT is the standard of care, intermittent ADT has been associated with significantly better quality of life scores for hot flushes, desire for sexual activity, and urinary symptoms, with a trend toward improvement in the level of fatigue. Furthermore, the interplay between PCa, ADT, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) was discussed to underscore the imperative for clinicians to assess the cardiovascular risks associated with ADT, particularly in patients with heightened cardiovascular vulnerability. Mitigating the adverse skeletal effects of ADT mandates a multifaceted approach encompassing nutritional supplementation, exercise regimens, and lifestyle modifications including alcohol cessation and smoking cessation. Integrating a prehabilitation checklist into clinical practice emerges as a pragmatic strategy to facilitate informed discussions regarding the potential adverse effects of ADT, enabling proactive support provision to optimise patient outcomes.

Healthcare Access for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the United States: A Survey by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

A prior survey disseminated in 2017 identified that healthcare access barriers exist and significantly affect patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We sought to identify, through an updated survey, the healthcare access barriers that patients continue to face, with a focus on socioeconomic factors and patient awareness of resources to navigate existing barriers. A 52-question online survey evaluating (1) access to healthcare professionals, medications, and procedures; (2) associated financial challenges; and (3) patient awareness of education and advocacy tools to navigate IBD care barriers, was disseminated through multiple channels to IBD patients and their caregivers. Of the 2281 completed responses, patients on advanced specialty medications, younger than 65 years of age, or on employer insurance experienced significantly greater issues with insurance barriers to accessing medications and coverage of medically necessary tests/treatments. Patients who live in areas of concentrated poverty were more likely to experience poor health outcomes when subjected to step therapy compared to patients who did not. Additionally, patients were more likely to experience one or more financial barriers or trade-offs if the patient used an advanced specialty medicine or lived in an area with concentrated poverty. While there have been significant and numerous advancements in IBD treatments, patients with IBD continue to experience barriers to healthcare access and treatment and financial struggles. Ongoing awareness and advocacy efforts focused on healthcare system reform and related policies to further minimize care disparities and barriers remain vital.

7809 Role Of Education In Enhancing Preventative Vaccine Awareness Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Saudi Arabia

Abstract Disclosure: S.F. Alqifari: None. T. Alrasheed: None. O. Al Komi: None. P. Amirthalingam: None. M.A. Muqresh: None. H.R. Hamad: None. A.A. Khojah: None. N.M. Alshehri: None. B.A. Alhunayhani: None. B.M. AbuAlhasan: None. N.A. Alajlan: None. S.M. Alatawi: None. N.M. Alsabeelah: None. A.S. Wasel: None. Role of Education in Enhancing Preventative Vaccine Awareness among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major chronic disease that requires lifelong management. It requires multidisciplinary efforts from physicians, pharmacists, dieticians, and diabetic educators. Awareness of the importance of follow-up, management, and preventive vaccination decreases the burden of possible complications. The impact of the level of education of patients with diabetes and awareness of preventive vaccination in Saudi Arabia is unclear. Objectives: This study aims to understand the association of the level of education with preventative vaccine awareness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is an observational retrospective study where the data was collected from 13 diabetes center records in Saudi Arabia from November 2022 to May 2023, the records include education level and vaccination reports among 709 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results: Participants in this study were between the ages of 46 to 65. Participants aged 18 to 25 and 36 to 45 accounted for 24.3% and 16.2% of the participants, respectively, while those aged 26 to 35 and above 65 represented 11.6% and 5.6% of the participants, respectively. In terms of gender distribution, there were slightly more female participants (55.7%) than male participants (44.3%). Most participants (55.9%) held a bachelor's degree, followed by individuals who had completed school education (31.73%). A smaller proportion had post-graduate education (7.3%) or education levels below primary school (5.1%). Regarding vaccination status, a significant proportion of participants (85.89%) had received the COVID-19 vaccine, while the percentages for other vaccines were lower, such as Influenza (34.83%), Hepatitis B (7.19%), and Pneumococcal (3.94%). A small number of participants reported receiving the Herpes Zoster (2.96%), Tdap (2.11%), or HPV (1.12%) vaccines, and surprisingly, 10.01% of participants reported never receiving any vaccines. Conclusion: The level of education among individuals with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia impacted their uptake of preventive vaccinations. Most participants were vaccinated against COVID-19, followed by influenza, while the rate of other vaccines remained low. These findings highlight the need to increase awareness and education among type 2 diabetes patients regarding the importance of seeking necessary preventive vaccinations. Presentation: 6/3/2024

'Whatever the GP says, is what I'll do'-A qualitative study of patient perspectives in accessing primary eye care for type 2 diabetes.

To investigate the perspectives of people accessing a general medical practitioner (GP)-optometry model of collaborative care that was established to increase access to diabetes eye care. Qualitative study of patient barriers and facilitators to accessing primary diabetes eye care located in a metropolitan area in Australia. One-on-one interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using a determinant framework on patient-centred access to health care. Twenty-four people with type 2 diabetes, including 15 males and 9 females, who accessed the service between September 2021 and June 2022 agreed to participate. Mean (SD) age of the participants was 52 (12) years and 50% had been diagnosed with diabetes for <2 years. Facilitators to accessing diabetes eye care included a referral from a GP or GP nurse, fee-free consultations, availability of after-hours appointments and short waiting times. Barriers to access included perceived out-of-pocket costs, competing responsibilities and lack of awareness of diabetic retinopathy screening recommendations. Considering diabetic retinopathy may present asymptomatically, primary health practitioners (optometrists and GPs) are well positioned to raise patient awareness of the importance of routine eye examinations. In Australia, access to routine screening could be facilitated by fee-free eye checks and personalised text message reminders implemented at a health system level.

Position statement on hypertension by Indian Society of Hypertension, 2023.

The Indian Society of Hypertension (InSH) highlights the urgency for India-specific guidelines on hypertension management. Hypertension affects over one billion people worldwide, with India bearing a significant burden due to its population, diversity, and demographics. In India, hypertension affects 21% of women and 24% of men, while pre-hypertension affects 39% of women and 49% of men. The prevalence of hypertension increases in the population with obesity. Even 7% of school-going children in India have hypertension, especially in urban and overweight children. However, awareness and control of hypertension in India are inadequate. Only 57% of women and 38% of men have been diagnosed with hypertension; among them, only a fraction receive appropriate medication. The overall control of hypertension stands at 15%, with regional variations. Hypertension significantly contributes to cardiovascular and renal diseases, and better detection and treatment could reduce their impact in India. At the total population level, reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 2 mm Hg may significantly affect cardiovascular disease. Considering the unique challenges faced in India, the InSH stresses the importance of a tailored approach to hypertension management. They plan to disseminate guidelines through practitioner training and patient awareness campaigns. These guidelines will cover screening, diagnosis, management, handling hypertension with other conditions, long-term follow-up, and patient education. In conclusion, this position paper calls for immediate action to improve hypertension management in India and alleviate the associated disease burden and mortality.

THE VITAL ROLE OF PERIODONTAL HEALTH IN DIABETES MANAGEMENT

The analysis underscores the critical importance of periodontal health in managing diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition affecting millions globally. It highlights the intrinsic link between oral health and glycemic control, along with the complications associated with diabetes. As evidence suggests, untreated periodontal issues in diabetic patients significantly increase the risk of complications that may lead to hospital admissions. Chronic inflammation from periodontitis exacerbates glycemic control, creating a detrimental cycle that further compromises patient health. The need for an integrated approach that incorporates periodontal health as a fundamental aspect of diabetes treatment is emphasized. Implementing screening and treatment programs for periodontal health can improve patients’ oral conditions while yielding substantial savings for healthcare systems by reducing hospitalization rates and associated costs. Education plays a vital role, as increasing patient awareness about the connection between oral health and diabetes encourages better self-care practices, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes. Research findings reinforce that effective periodontal treatment benefits not only oral health but also contributes to lowering diabetes-related complications and healthcare expenses. The conclusion drawn is that integrating dental care with diabetes management is essential for optimizing patient health, enhancing quality of life, and relieving the burden on healthcare systems. By prioritizing periodontal health, healthcare providers can help mitigate the impact of diabetes and improve overall patient outcomes.

AI-Enhanced Edge Device for Real-Time Snoring Detection

This paper presents the development of a cutting-edge, non-invasive edge device designed to monitor snoring and provide timely, moderate haptic feedback to users. Utilizing the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 processor, the device offers robust computing power and AI capabilities for real-time processing, making it a versatile tool for health monitoring applications. The system integrates a high-fidelity MEMS microphone array capable of capturing nuanced audio signals and a TDK piezoelectric haptic actuator, which delivers precise alerts through customized vibrations. The research explores the potential of this advanced hardware in detecting and managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition often underdiagnosed due to a lack of patient awareness. By leveraging state-of-the-art digital signal processing and deep learning techniques, the device aims to enhance user awareness and intervention in sleep-related disorders, offering a promising new avenue for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Level of eye healthcare utilisation and associated factors in Gamo and Gofa Zones, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based, cross-sectional study

ObjectiveAbout 90% of eye health problems are preventable or curable with existing cost-effective interventions. There is limited evidence on eye healthcare utilisation (ECU) and the factors influencing it in the...

Unusual Confluence: Exploring the Association of Biliary Atresia, Wilson Disease, and Iron Overload

ABSTRACT The case involves a 33-year-old man with biliary atresia, Wilson disease (WD), and iron overload. Biliary atresia, a cholangiodestructive disease, leads to cirrhosis if untreated. WD, caused by ATP7B gene mutations, results in copper accumulation affecting the liver and brain. Iron overload can be seen in cases of WD and with hereditary hemochromatosis gene mutations. The patient's concurrent presentation of these conditions poses a unique clinical challenge. Elevated iron levels may worsen WD outcomes. A detailed history and physical examination, genetic testing, and close follow-up are crucial. The case highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilant monitoring of patients with overlapping liver diseases.

Mapping the patient journey and treatment patterns in early-stage (stage I-III) non-small cell lung cancer

IntroductionWe map the patient journey from symptom onset to intervention and describe primary treatment in a retrospective population-based cohort study of patients in a large healthcare-provider. MethodsNewly diagnosed adult patients diagnosed with stages I-III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between 2016 and 2019 were identified from the Israel National Cancer Registry and chart review was performed to extract de-identified data. The following timelines were constructed: from symptom onset to imaging, imaging to biopsy, and biopsy to primary treatment initiation. Cutoff: 31st December 2021. The initial symptom was captured up to one year prior to biopsy. ResultsAmong 302 patients (41 % female, 70 % >=65 years, 79 % former or current smoking, 62 % adenocarcinoma), 34.1 % stage I, 10.3 % stage II, 42.1 % stage III and 13.6 % unknown (AJCC ver. 8). In the baseline year, 80.5 % of patients reported at least one symptom to their physician, and 12.3 % reported four or more symptoms. The most common symptoms reported were cough (29.8 %), pneumonia (24.2 %), chest pain (18.5 %), bronchitis (17.5 %) and wheezing (17.2 %). For patients with an initial symptom (n=243) median time from symptom onset to imaging was 5.5 months (95% CI:4.8–6.3), and time from imaging to primary treatment initiation was 2.6 (2.3–2.9) months in all patients. Total duration from symptom to intervention was 8.5 months (7.6–9.3). Over 93 % of stage I patients underwent surgery and 4.9 % received definitive radiation. Over 83 % of stage II patients underwent surgery; of these, 54.8 % received adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Of stage III patients, 68.5 % received definitive chemoradiation (half received durvalumab), and the remaining underwent surgery with adjuvant/neoadjuvant treatment. ConclusionA total of 80.5 % of patients were symptomatic and the median duration from symptom onset to treatment initiation was 8.5 month long. Improving patient and physician awareness to lung cancer symptoms, and the introduction of screening programs are essential for reducing those delays.

S463 The Role of Generative Language Systems in Increasing Patient Awareness of Colon Cancer Screening

S463 The Role of Generative Language Systems in Increasing Patient Awareness of Colon Cancer Screening

Implementation of Respect for Autonomy in Hospital Services Within the Indonesia National Health Insurance System

The principle of patient autonomy forms the foundation of medical ethics. However, its exploration within the context of national health insurance systems in developing countries remains under-researched. This study aimed to evaluate respect for patient autonomy within Indonesia's National Health Insurance (NHI/JKN) system. The study using a qualitative research interview analyzed thematically. Conducted in Depok, West Java, the study involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, encompassing patients from first-level health facilities (FLHF), general practitioners at FLHF, specialist doctors, and management of referral hospital (RH) officers, and staff members of the JKN. The data were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic approach. The study revealed substantial underutilization of respecting patient autonomy within medical contexts under the JKN. Five themes emerged: challenges in the referral system, knowledge and information dissemination, decision-making and autonomy, quality of healthcare services, and systemic constraints and impact. These themes highlight the lack of patient awareness, restricted medical choices, the dominant role of paternalism (a system in which the government or a person in a position of authority makes decisions for other people) in healthcare decisions, and improper informed consent process. The findings suggest that the principles of beneficence and paternalism often overshadow respect for patient autonomy in the JKN system. This raises concerns about the ethical aspect of patient treatment, particularly the need for greater focus on patient autonomy and shared decision-making to align more closely with global medical ethics practices. This study contributes to understanding autonomy in national health insurance systems in developing countries. It highlights the need for systemic reforms to enhance healthcare efficiency and effectiveness while respecting patient autonomy.

Assessment of patient awareness and attitudes towards dental amalgam

Assessment of patient awareness and attitudes towards dental amalgam

Medical misinformation and fear of recurrence in patients with breast cancer.

354 Background: Fear of recurrence is a common yet underappreciated burden patients experience during and after cancer treatment. Medical misinformation about factors that influence risk of cancer progression/recurrence is also common. Little is known about the spread of medical misinformation and how it affects fear of cancer recurrence. Methods: From 7/2023 to 8/2023 patients completed an anonymous online survey administered by Breastcancer.org. Surveys were available in English and Spanish with eligibility: US resident, age ≥18 years, and breast cancer diagnosis within 10 years. Surveys assessed patient awareness of various factors purported to increase or decrease risk of cancer progression/recurrence and fear of recurrence (via validated FCRI-SF, scored 0-36, higher scores indicate greater fear, score ≥22 indicate clinical relevance). Multivariate analysis (MVA) assessed awareness of misinformation after controlling for age, race and ethnicity, marital status, and level of education. Chi-square assessed association between misinformation exposure and fear of recurrence. Results: Overall, 997 completed the survey. Median age was 62 (IQR 53-69), 86% were White, 5% Black, 4% Hispanic, and 3% Asian. 76% were married and 77% had completed a college or advanced degree. 52% were undergoing active cancer treatment at the time of assessment. Most (65%) reported hearing misinformation regarding factors that may INCREASE risk of cancer progression/recurrence. Specifically, patients heard that sugar (61%), deodorant (22%), vaccines (8%), cell phones (8%), and bra type (8%) could increase risk. Half (54%) reported hearing misinformation regarding factors that may DECREASE risk of cancer progression/recurrence. Specifically, patients heard that eating organic food (41%), oral vitamins/supplements (29%), alkaline diet/alkalized water (12%), vitamin infusions (7%), cleanses (5%), essential oils (5%), and oxygen therapy (4%) could decrease risk. Overall, 76% had reported at least one incorrect factor influencing risk of cancer progression/recurrence. On MVA, younger age (OR 0.99/year of age, 95%CI 0.97-1.00, p=0.044) and Hispanic ethnicity (OR 2.98, 95%CI 1.02-8.25, p=0.047) were associated with hearing misinformation. Fear of recurrence score was available for 695 (70%) patients. Median score was 19 (IQR 13-24), 38% had a clinically significant level of fear (≥22). Awareness of medical misinformation was not associated with clinically significant fear (38% vs. 35%, χ 2 0.53, p=0.469). Conclusions: In a large cohort of patients with breast cancer, medical misinformation about risk of progression/recurrence was common. Fear of recurrence was high in over a third of surveyed patients, but was not associated with awareness of false information. Further understanding of how patients perceive and process medical misinformation is essential, especially in populations at highest risk for misinformation spread.