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Evaluation of a screening programme for psychological distress in cancer survivors

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Abstract

Purpose

This study is aimed at evaluating the feasibility of a screening procedure for psychological distress in cancer survivors.

Methods

Consecutive series of 339 cancer patients from three centres were requested to fill in two questionnaires measuring psychological distress (PDI) and social support (MOSS). Psychological intervention was offered to patients with significant degree of distress.

Results

Most patients accepted to be screened (72.0%; n = 244), and a subgroup (16.0%) showed high psychological distress. A higher ratio of distressed patients was observed among those with lower social support (P = 0.017). A significant (P < 0.01) negative correlation between psychological distress and social support was observed. A psychological intervention was offered to patients with high psychological distress, but only 15.6% completed it.

Conclusions

Results from this study provide both some insights into the characteristics of psychological distress and some input on issues that may arise when implementing a screening procedure for psychological distress in cancer survivors. Further research is needed to assess both the clinical significance of distress and the most appropriate tools to carry out screening procedures within the target population.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a grant from the Italian League Against Cancer. We wish to thank Valentina Broglia, Valentina Clavarezza, Federica Erca, Caroline Giannetti and Rosangela Lai for their contribution to this work.

Disclosures

None

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psycho-Oncology Unit, National Cancer Research Institute, L.go R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy

    Gabriella Morasso & Laura Berretta

  2. Regional Palliative Care Network, National Cancer Research Institute, L.go R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy

    Silvia Di Leo, Monica Beccaro, Stefania Finelli & Massimo Costantini

  3. Prevention and Training Activities in Psycho-Oncology, Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy

    Anita Caruso, Laura Bongiorno & Wissya Santoni

  4. Medical Oncology Unit, Galliera Hospital, Mura delle Cappuccine 14, 16128, Genoa, Italy

    Andrea Decensi & Gabriella Rondanina

  5. Department of Surgery, Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy

    Maurizio Cosimelli

  6. Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopic Unit, Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy

    Vittoria Stigliano

Authors
  1. Gabriella Morasso
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  2. Silvia Di Leo
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  3. Anita Caruso
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  4. Andrea Decensi
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  5. Monica Beccaro
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  6. Laura Berretta
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  7. Laura Bongiorno
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  8. Maurizio Cosimelli
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  9. Stefania Finelli
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  10. Gabriella Rondanina
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  11. Wissya Santoni
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  12. Vittoria Stigliano
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  13. Massimo Costantini
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Silvia Di Leo.

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Morasso, G., Di Leo, S., Caruso, A. et al. Evaluation of a screening programme for psychological distress in cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 18, 1545–1552 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-009-0777-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-009-0777-1

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