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 followed 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%). Univariate analysis showed that participants who had significant distress described 26 out of 36 problems in the practical, family, emotional, spiritual/religious and physical areas. Multivariate analysis confirmed only advanced cancer stage, depression, fear, nervousness, sadness, worry, loss of interest in usual activity, appearance, fatigue, feeling swollen, fever, getting around, indigestion, nausea, pain, and sleep as independent factors associated with significant distress in cancer patients. Conclusions Almost half of Egyptian patients newly diagnosed with cancer suffered from significant distress. Patients 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 service and palliative care for pain control, at the time of their initial diagnosis.