Distress in cancer patients: who are the main groups at risk?

Menée en Allemagne à partir de données portant sur 21 680 patients atteints d'un cancer, cette étude identifie les facteurs associés à la présence et à la sévérité de divers symptômes de détresse psychologique

Résumé en anglais

Objectives : Psychosocial distress is common in cancer patients and survivors and encompasses a broad range of concerns and psychological symptoms. The aim of the current study was to identify subgroups of respondents who experience a specific constellation of distress symptoms.

Methods : This study uses data from a large data base (n = 21 680) of cancer patients from diverse settings who provided data in the Questionnaire on Distress in Cancer Patients ‐ Short Form (QSC‐R10). Cluster analysis was applied to identify subgroups with a distinct constellation of distress symptoms.

Results : The results showed five distinct clusters: minimally distressed patients (46.6% of the sample), highly distressed patients (12.7%), mainly physically distressed patients (15.2%), mainly psychologically distressed patients (15.6%) and mainly socially distressed patients (9.9%). These groups differed with regard to age, sex, cancer site, treatment setting and disease progression.

Conclusion : The results revealed large heterogeneity in the experience of distress. Distress clusters were associated with socio‐demographic, and clinical variables. These associations might aid a clinician to tailor interventions and to address specific types of distress.