Abstract
Objective To characterize symptom prevalence in gynecologic oncology outpatients and identify predictors of high symptom burden. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a convenience sample of symptom surveys from gynecologic oncology patients at a single cancer center over a 20-month period. The survey was based on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), and assessed pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue and well-being. Information on demographics, disease, treatment and history of chronic pain, depression or anxiety was abstracted from medical records. Data was analyzed with descriptive and t-test statistics. Results We analyzed 305 surveys from unique patients. Symptom prevalence (severity score > 0/10) ranged from 60.1% (pain) to 79.7% (fatigue). Prevalence of moderate to severe symptoms (score ≥ 4/10) ranged from 32% (pain) to 47% (fatigue). There were no differences in symptom burden by site or stage of cancer. Patients with no active disease (38%) were less symptomatic. There was a trend toward higher symptom burden in patients younger than 50 years. There was higher symptom burden in patients receiving cancer treatment or with a pre-existing history of pain, anxiety or depression. Patients who expressed an interest in being seen by a symptom management service also had higher symptom burden. Conclusions Gynecologic oncology outpatients have a high symptom burden regardless of stage and site of cancer. Patients who are young, on treatment or have a history of chronic pain, depression or anxiety have a higher symptom burden. Consideration should be given to targeting these patients for outpatient palliative care services.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 698-702 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Gynecologic Oncology |
Volume | 132 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Gynecologic cancer
- Palliative care
- Symptom assessment
- Symptom burden
- Symptom management
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Oncology