Is it the time to implement the routine use of distress thermometer among Egyptian patients with newly diagnosed cancer?

Abstract

Background: The distress thermometer (DT) is an effective tool for identifying distress among cancer patients worldwide. However, DT has not been studied in Egyptian patients. We aimed to study the prevalence of distress among Egyptian patients with different types of cancers using DT.Methods: A total of 550 patients with newly diagnosed hematological and solid cancers who were followed up at 3 Oncology Centers in Egypt were enrolled. They completed a sociodemographic and clinical status questionnaire, the DT and the Problem List (PL) scale.Results: At a DT cut-off score of ≥4, 46% of patients had significant distress, which was related to the tumor site and stage. The most frequent problems reported were treatment decision (64.4%), worry (47%), and fears (44.5%). Participants who had significant distress described 25 out of 36 problems in the practical, family, emotional, spiritual/religious and physical areas. After adjustment to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, analysis confirmed that insurance, transportation, depression, fear, worry, loss of interest in usual activity, religious concerns, change in urination, fatigue, and sleep, were independent factors associated with significant distress in cancer patientsConclusions: Almost half of Egyptian patients newly diagnosed with cancer reported significant distress. Those who had significant distress described extra problems in the practical, family, emotional, spiritual and physical areas. We recommend the routine use of DT for screening Egyptian patients with cancer, as well as the involvement of the psycho-oncology and social services, at the time of their initial diagnosis.

Analysis of Current Situation and Influencing Factors of Psychological Distress in Patients with Lung Cancer during Perioperative Period

“…is response runs through the entire trajectory of the disease and may a ect the prognosis of the patient. [4].…”

Unmet needs in palliative care for patients with common non-cancer diseases: a cross-sectional study

“…tend to be prioritised and care for them has already been met to some extent, non-cancer patients may have reported relatively high psychosocial needs compared to other domains of palliative care. Contrastingly, it has been considered in oncology care that early assessment and management of the psychosocial problem is important from the diagnosis and the beginning of treatment [ 44 , 45 ]. In addition, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2022) recommends identifying physical, emotional, social, practical, spiritual, and religious concerns by an integrative approach using the Problem List in Distress Thermometer and evaluating and managing according to said guidelines.…”