The interdisciplinary and psychosocial gap in cancer survivorship: A longitudinal study in a Latin American Cancer Center

Abstract

Background and Objectives There is lack of information on the quality of care provided to the rapidly increasing population of cancer survivors in Latin America. Our study attempts to address this gap and to identify areas needed to be improved. Methods A random sample of 210 breast and colorectal cancer survivors were selected from a hospital‐based registry in Chile. Cancer registry information, electronic chart review, and personal interviews were used to assess medical and nonmedical care over a 5‐year period. Survivorship care practices were compared to a standardized reference based on the US Institute of Medicine domains and the American Cancer Association guidelines. Results Over 80% of breast and colorectal cancer survivors received appropriate medical care, ongoing testing surveillance and risk factors assessment. Only a third of survivors were assessed for psychosocial disorders and 25% of them received interdisciplinary care. Overall, 66.1% of breast and 58.6% of colorectal cancer survivors reached the expected quality level of cancer survivorship care according to the reference standard (p < .001). Conclusion Medical care practices reached a high standard in a leading cancer center in Latin America. However, a much stronger psychosocial assessment and interdisciplinary care is needed to improve survivorship cancer quality care.

Caregivers: An essential pillar of cancer survivorship

“…1 The post-treatment phase is also equally important as it focuses on the long-term well-being of the individual, addressing the need for ongoing health maintenance, surveillance for recurrence, management of treatment side effects, and support for psychological and emotional health. 2,3 Breast cancer survivorship underscores the critical transition from active treatment towards a focus on these aspects, along with embracing a healthy lifestyle. However, in discussions about survivorship, one crucial aspect often remains unnoticed: the caregivers.…”